Atonement Lutheran Church Newsletter - The Messenger

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September 8, 2009 - Volume 30, #33

• Save a Tree, Save a Stamp, Save some Money!

  Have you signed up to get the Messenger Online?

  To sign up for electronic "delivery" complete the online form at: http://www.alcsyracuse.org/mailinglist.php

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• Appleseed Presents....

  

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• Rally Day!
  

  Don't Forget....
  Sunday Church School for children 3 years old through 6th grade will begin with registration and a "kick off" event on September 13 at 9:45am. We will gather in the chapel.

  Atonement Lutheran Youth will start their year with a pizza lunch on September 13 at noon. All youth in 7th through 12th grade are invited to join in the fun! We will eat lunch together, meet Vicar Christine Wulff, play some games, and do some planning.

   

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• The Gospel According to.....Disney?
  
  

  Pr Gaetz invites you to a slightly capricious investigation of how different authors have shaped their message to speak to their audience, starting with that 20th century theologian Walt Disney - yes the Walt Disney who created an empire that "started with a mouse." The class will meet in the Coffee Shop each Wednesday at about 7 PM - following worship.

   

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• Shawl Ministry
  
  

  As cooler weather approaches and the yarn, knitting needles, and crochet hooks come out of the closet, please take some time to help replenish the prayer shawl box. It is empty. Prayer Shawls are given to congregation members who are hospitalized or homebound because of serious surgery, injury or illness. Patterns and instructions are available from Pr. Rodgers if needed. As you work, please remember to pray for the person who will receive your shawl. Prayer shawls are tangible evidence of our thoughts, prayers, and concern as church family.

   

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• Public Service Announcement...
  

  If you ever give or get a gift card - Be careful. They are not all what they seem. One such card clearly stated on the front of the packaging that the money "never expires." While that may be technically true there is a harsher reality. After the first six months from purchase the card begins to have a monthly service charge of $4.95. That means that a $25 card would be "out of funds" in less than a year from the time of purchase. The bottom line: Always read the fine print!

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• Lutherans Loose on the Lake or How I Spent My Summer Vacation
  
  

  "Come to me, all you that are weary and carrying heavy burdens and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." --Matthew 11:28-30
  by Dan Randall

  About an hour north of Albany, perched on a spot near Tongue Mountain on the west shore of Lake George, is a gem of a place and one of the best-kept secrets in New York. Officially known as YMCA of the Adirondacks, it is referred to by all as Silver Bay. It is called that by those who are first-timers, such as Naomi and me as well as those who have been coming for decades. They come for the annual Lutheran Summer Conference, which began in 1932. They come for relaxation, for the fellowship, for the workshops, for the coffee, and simply to celebrate being Lutheran. Some even come for their family reunions, with members coming from many states away.

  The place began life when a wealthy businessman, Silas Paine, built a summer retreat before the turn of the last century. As interest in the area as a vacation spot begin to grow, Payne decided to try his hand and purchased a hotel adjoining the property. But Paine was a teetoler and would not serve alcohol, and business suffered. In 1902 the YMCA approached Paine about leasing the hotel and he agreed. In 1904 they bought the hotel and eventually the rest of the property. And the rest, as they say, is history. There are now more than 30 permanent buildings, ranging from the main Inn to an incredibly well-organized dining hall to a variety of accommodations to small one-room meeting spaces.

  Silver Bay doesn't just attract Lutherans. This week the 270+ of us shared the place with a memorial service, a wedding, the aforementioned family reunions, a gaggle of uncountable teen girl scouts learning to sail, and the New York State mock trial (High schoolers competing in pretend court cases). All mixed together amiably (After a few words to the teens about heavy feet and slamming doors in the cabins). Next week the Quakers arrive. It is truly a wondrous place.

  

  The Lutheran Summer Conference is a chance to relax, meet old friends, make new friends, learn a thing or two, and maybe try something new. I tagged along to choir rehearsal with Naomi Saturday night planning to sit in the back and work a crossword (copies supplied free at the front desk) and was invited to come sing by a stranger. Soon I had a new friend, Jim Owens of South Carolina, a spot as a bass in the choir (Between Jim and Jim Jerge) and discovered I could at least follow the little dots on the page and come out with something that blended in with the rest.

  The conference includes five workshops, one hour a day for the five days. Two slots are offered and I chose one class that examined five popular books for their theological ramifications led by Pastor Katie Yahns from the Lake Erie Lutheran parish. They included The Shack and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Lively discussion permeated all the classes. Naomi chose for her first class a study of the Exodus story and Moses' relationship with God led by Pastor Gail Wolling of Luther Memorial, North Syracuse. We paired up on a study of hospitality in the scriptures led by the inimitable Pastor Craig Herrick of First English, Syracuse. The others offered a look at relationship building for kids and teens led by Pastor Mack Smith of Trinity, Wyandanch and a look at reading the scriptures aloud led by Pastor Dave Parsons of St. John-St. Matthew-Emmanuel in Brooklyn.

  

  Worship opportunities abounded- beginning with Sunday morning Eucharist and a beautiful service Thursday night which ended outdoors in candlelight. In between was Morning Prayer held in the chapel- a place which might have been lifted straight out of a quaint English village- and an evening family service on the end of the beach area known as "the point" featuring the Silver Sprays- an all-children's choir. All services were led by the energetic Mike Neel, Pastor at Concordia, Kendall, NY. Accompanying all services was Jordan Clawson, a busy music teacher, performer, and musician at Advent, Manhattan. (and may I say for myself a very forgiving choir director).

  Secular diversions abound as well- from all sorts of sporting activities, craft programs, boating, swimming, to entertainment in the historic 100 year-old auditorium which features an annual talent show put on by conference attendees and starring anyone who wants to perform. And there are always the beaches to cool off, or the longest homemade slip-n-slide I've ever seen (I'd guess 100 feet). And if you miss sledding, one day there was sledding on the grass atop ice blocks. For those into nightlife, The Store features karaoke every night accompanied by a pizza, ice cream and coffee bar. Nature trails surround the property, or you can take a guided history tour of the complex led by a Pennsylvania college professor on summer leave.

  Silver Bay even has its own language:

  • "Punkee"- The Daily conference newsletter (not the familiar Adirondack insect)
  • "EMP"- Short for employee (any Silver Bay staffer)
  • "Going to the flagpole"- Making a cell phone call (Standing under the main flagpole inexplicably boosts signals on the otherwise large dead zone)

  All in all the Silver Bay experience was physically energizing and spiritually uplifting.

  The only downside was having to leave. This, for us, was reduced a bit by booking next year's conference the day before leaving. Now to wait...

   

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• Don't Forget!

  The summer of 2009 is nearly over - and a lot of the Atonement Family have been vacationing. Unfortunately, a lot of us have also been vacationing from our financial contributions to the ministry and mission of our congregation. Remember, the bills go on all summer, even when we are on vacation. So.... Please check in your offering envelope box and if there are some unused envelopes from the last few months, please take one out, generously fill it, and bring it to church next weekend. Thanks!