Atonement Lutheran Church Newsletter - Messenger

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January 29, 2008 - Volume 29, #5

• Ash Wednesday Services - February 6, 2008
  
  
  
  • 7:00am This is an abbreviated order, lasting only about 1/2 hour, for those up early to go to work or school. Following this service, a continental breakfast of juice, cereal, and bagels will be held in the coffee shop. So plan on staying for a few minutes after the service for some food and fellowship. A free will offering will be taken.

  • 11:00am Following this service, you are invited to stay for lunch at about noon - in the Fellowship Hall. The menu will include macaroni & cheese, peas, peaches, rolls, and beverages. A free will offering will be taken and reservations to the church office (492-9065) would be appreciated.

    Transportation: Bus transportation will be provided for the 11:00am service and the 6:00pm supper and service. Please call the church office (492-9065) to make arrangements.

     

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  • 2008 Atonement Ministries Award Recipient: Phyllis Rodgers
    
    

    In recognition of a life of service characteristic of the highest visions of Atonement Lutheran Church and Ministries, this recognition is given to Phyllis A. Rodgers with thanks to God for her devotion to congregation, community and people.

    We are especially grateful for her untiring devotion to people in need, especially children with special abilities and the elderly. She has worked tirelessly with great good humor knitting, sewing, cooking, driving, gardening, praying, teaching, mothering, and grand-mothering at any time and any place she is needed. Her caring is so genuine that many of the children at Atonement are not entirely sure that she is not their actual grandmother.

    Her enthusiasm for life and people is infectious. Flexibility has allowed her to transplant her gifts to us here in Syracuse after a full life of service in the Buffalo area. Small of stature but large of heart, no one who encounters her comes away without felling blessed by knowing her.

    Thanks be to God for Phyllis A. Rodgers!!!

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  • Devotional

    The Transfiguration of our Lord
    Exodus 24.12-18

    This week, as we look at the story of how the tablets carrying the Ten Commandments and the rest of the Torah (Hebrew for "Instruction" or "Law") are written by God and are to be given to Moses. The images of Moses walking into a cloud that bears the Lord's glory are amazing and, frankly, terrifying. There is a "devouring fire", and the scene seems to roar as Moses enters this cloud that bears the presence of God. I wonder if Moses was scared or intimidated by what he had to do. He had experience with God as a burning bush (Exodus 3), but this is more of an inferno! He had to think, "What am I going to be like after this? How am I going to be transformed by this experience?"

    The word of the day is Transfiguration, relating to the Gospel reading. Transfiguration can also be translated "transformation", and it is here that I see a connection with Moses' experience. We are all transformed by the experience and presence of God, whether it is in the acts of baptism, communion, or Christian gathering. God transforms our lives through simple things, like water, bread and wine, community and love. As we celebrate the Transfiguration of our Lord, we are also transformed by the God of Moses, who comes out of the heavens to stand on a mountain, and share God's desire of love and peace with God's people.

    Let us pray, Ever-present and ever-loving God, you enter into our lives, and transform us with your love. Strengthen us in your service, and help us to share your message of love and wholeness. In your name we pray, Amen

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  • 2008 Annual Meeting

    

    Following a delicious meal in the Fellowship hall the Annual meeting was called to order in the Chapel by Council President Sue Scharoun. Most of the meeting was routine with reports received from the staff and committees. Two items of business sparked lively conversation:

    
    • Pastor Gaetz gave a presentation on a package of renovations for the office wing of the church building. This renovation would complete work begun 11 years ago, when the Kiesewetter Center was built. You'll be hearing a lot more about this as the proposal is refined in preparation for a special Congregation Meeting this spring.

    • When the talk turned to budget, Council Member Dick Vook addressed the congregation regarding over reliance on the Kiesewetter Endowment. A motion was passed instructing the Church Council to build a 2009 Budget Proposal at least $50,000 less than the 2008 Budget that was passed at this meeting. Everyone understood this to include a desire to move in that direction during the current budget year so there would not be a jarring effect in the New Year.
    
    In other business outgoing council members Gayle Wentowrth, Craig Riker, Greg Hipius, and Eoin Homes were thanked and new council members were elected or re-elected: Carole Barr, David Koslowsky, Linda Lance, and Dick Vook. At a Council Meeting following the Annual Meeting officers for the new year were elected:
    • President Susan Scharoun
    • Vice President Carole Barr
    • Vice President for Finance Debi Nelson
    • Secretary Karen Douglass
    • Treasurer Bobbie Mettler
     

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  • Congratulations Michael!
    
    Michael Breedlove just finished his initial training in the US Navy.

    Michael is now in Pensacola, Florida beginning his schooling. He'll be there for about 2 years.

     

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  • Souper Bowl Sunday
    
    At the worship services on Super Bowl Sunday (February 3) the youth will be collecting money to help stop hunger. Please remember to put something in the Soup kettles as you leave church. Money collected will be split between local needs and the ELCA world hunger fund. A little goes a long way when we work together!
     

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  • Mark the Date! Onondaga Civic Symphony Orchestra Returns February 10
    
    The Onondaga Civic Symphony Orchestra will once again be performing at Atonement: February 10, 2008 at 3pm. More details will be in next week's Messenger, but reserve the date and time now for what promises to be a wonderful afternoon.

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