Zion Life Newsletter September
From Bishop Jerge concerning
Churchwide Assembly
Dear brothers and sisters,
The Upstate New York Synod delegation will be heading to Minneapolis over the next few days to walk together with others from around the country at the ELCA Churchwide Assembly. I hope you have participated in the 50 Days of Prayer for the ELCA (http://elca.org/50days). We are counting on you to continue to pray for us and with us throughout the upcoming week, trusting that the Holy Spirit will be at work guiding our discussions and leading us in decision making as well as inspiring our worship, fellowship, and learning.
I am well aware that some of the topics under consideration are making folks anxious. I invite you to be among those who help to allay the anxiety of fear with the fortitude of faith. I believe that as a resurrection people we can find ways to prevent “knee-jerk” reactions to news from Minneapolis. No matter what happens, we can pray first, take a deep breath, listen for God’s voice, and prayerfully engage in conversation, over time, about what these decisions mean for us as we engage in mission on the territory of this synod.
We don’t all agree. We have known that for a long time. In the name of Christ, we have in the past found ways to honor one another and work together. I believe God calls us to continue these efforts as we move into the future. I will continue to pray for and work toward creating a church where we model what it means to walk together as brothers and sisters in Christ despite disagreement.
It’s important to get accurate reports of what is happening. The media often has its own agenda in times of controversy. Neal Fischer has provided a list of ways that you can keep abreast of what’s happening and to read impressions from our voting members (see “Follow Churchwide Assembly” article included in this newsletter.)
At the Churchwide Assembly in 2007, I was part of the Assembly’s Prayer Team as I am again this year. At that time I wrote this prayer which I have carried with me ever since. Perhaps it will become your prayer too.
O Creating God – you brought our world into being by speaking a word. Guard our lips as we engage fully and passionately in conversations, that we might wield words not as weapons, but as witnesses to your enduring wisdom.
O Redeeming God – you heard the cries of your world and responded with Jesus whose death and resurrection makes us one. Lead us into deep and careful listening to one another that in our dialogue we might discern your good news of love, grace, justice and mercy.
O Empowering God – your presence changes everything, including us. Breathe through this body gathered that the eyes of our hearts might be enlightened and that we might focus beyond ourselves, letting your transforming power flow through us to the world.
We pray in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Grace and peace,
Marie C. Jerge, Bishop
As you pray for the Churchwide Assembly, please pray for our Upstate New York voting members – The Rev. Marie C. Jerge, Bishop, Mr. Mark Betley, Ms. Ann Siegle Drege, Rev. Carol Lankes, Mr. Merle Longwood, Mr. Tom Madden, Ms. Gail Markert, The Rev. Paul Messner, Mr. John Olsen, Mr. Jim Osborne, Rev. James Slater, Ms. Bobbie Steinhauer, Ms. Lois Swanson, Mr. David Truland, Ms. Mary Wolf, Rev. Katie Yahns, and Rev. Ann Zimmerman.
Follow the Churchwide Assembly
Twitter will be part of the multimedia coverage of the 2009 Churchwide Assembly http://www.ELCA.org/assembly of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) in Minneapolis.
This is the first year blogging and social media sites will be used during a churchwide assembly on the ELCA Web site — http://www.ELCA.org.
Twitter offers the opportunity to share information instantaneously, and anyone can join the conversation. Social media allows people to share their perspectives online with Christ’s followers around the world.
ELCA members will be able to witness the actions of the 2009 Churchwide Assembly via live video streams of plenary sessions and news conferences, plus photo galleries, news releases, blogs and social media sites Facebook and Twitter.
Twitter users are asked attach the tag “#CWA09″ to their tweets, so anyone can follow these messages by searching for “#CWA09″ on http://search.twitter.com on the Web. Assembly voting results will be posted to http://twitter.com/ELCA and http://facebook.com/Lutherans on the Web.
Assembly highlights in video, photo and audio formats, will be posted, online at http://www.ELCA.org/assembly/multimedia on the ELCA Web Site.
Upstate New York Synod members will participate in a blog (http://churchwide.blogspot.com/). Links to the posts can be found on the left side of the our website (http://upstatenysynod.org) and you can follow us on Twitter (http://twitter.com/UpstateNYSynod).
Some other links to follow:
Live Web stream: http://www.elca.org/livevideo
Memorials Report: http://www.elca.org/assembly/memorials
Schedule: http://www.elca.org/assembly/schedule
Summary of Actions: http://www.elca.org/assembly/actions
Congregation Council Highlights
August 2009
Present: Don Alkinburg, Nancy DeSando, Gordon Emerson, David Hayner, Jeanne Mau, Andre Nadeau, Frieda Thorington, Ron Trask, Tom Collins, Judy Warner, Dan Bates, John Jarvis, Sandy Thorington. Guest: Pastor Dave Preisinger. Excused: Chris Thaxter, Karen Wilson, and Pastor Jen Boyd.
The meeting was called to order, at 7:14 pm by President Don Alkinburg. John Jarvis had devotions. President Don Alkinburg led council in prayer.
A discussion of the Butterfly Café by Paulette Danforth was postponed to another date. The Richard and Colleen Quirion were invited to meet with council to further discuss the Memorial Concerning Human Sexuality from the Upstate New York Synod to the 2009 Church-wide assembly, but they were not able to make this date, they are rescheduled for September 9, 2009
Pastor Preisinger led a discussion regarding the ELCA, Synod and Foothills Conference. He also discussed the Memorial Concerning Human Sexuality. He noted there are many differing opinions about the topic from deeply faithful people and further discussion and education is needed. He suggests all members participate in the upstate NY Synod mailing list which you can sign up for on their website www.upstatenysynod.org/ to stay informed of all Synod and ELCA activities. Pastor Paul Messner and Pastor Jim Slater have been asked to come to speak with our congregation to discuss the opposing views of the issue. The date for this will be confirmed. It was noted that our church had one meeting on August 9, 2009 for discussion and more were planned.
CURRENT MISSION PROJECTS
Correspondence: Received dividend from Bank of Richmondville for $2500. Utica National Insurance Group states our sidewalks pose a tripping hazard this was referred to property committee. Received new insurance policy with enhanced coverage. This is being reviewed by Finance Committee. Received letter of apology from Michael Boyd and withdrawal of associate membership. President Alkinburg will reply to acknowledge this.
Reviewed and accepted minutes of the June 2009 meeting and July 29, 2009 special meeting.
Pastor’s Report: None at this time.
Financial Secretary position: Rick Townsend has offered to help in this position. This will be explored by a group led by President Alkinburg.
Leadership Strategy Team: A team of five members of council has developed a proposal for the roles and responsibilities of the pastor and council (and will include the congregation as work continues) in accordance with our Constitution. Included are how those roles are demonstrated, the expectations for them, and how they would be evaluated. The proposal was shared with council members and Pastor Preisinger and further discussion planned for the next meeting, based on council input. Pastor Preisinger offered possible sources for tools that other congregations use.
Financial Report: After reviewing the report, a motion was made and seconded to accept the report. It was noted by Finance Chair, Jeanne Mau that the church is “in the black” for the second month, though some areas expenses are over budget for this time of year.
Worship Services: Discussion of current and planned services with a decision to resume our regular 8:30 (Zion), 9:00 (Leesville) and 11:00 (Zion) services in September, using deacons to supplement as needed. Communion available when there is a minister. Discussed whether it might be permitted to allow Deacons to administer communion. Pastor Preisinger feels it’s not likely to be approved by the Bishop. Worship surveys sent to congregation members. Will review and report back on the findings to the congregation. Thanks to Eleanor Carter for her assistance in this project.
MINISTRY TEAM REPORTS
Ministry team reports abbreviated due to the lengthy discussion about other topics.
St. Matthew’s: Farewell to Pastor Gary planned for August 15. There will be a Free Community Picnic September 12, Noon-4 pm, all are welcome.
W.E.L.C.A., Transforming Team, Endowment, Stewardship, Health Cabinet: No reports
F.R.O.G.: Attended Kingdom Bound.
Worship: Sent out worship survey
Christian Education: Vacation Bible school was held in July.
Events: Assisted with Pastor Gary’s party
Social Ministry: In June, 17 adults came to Food Pantry representing 52 people. In July 12 people came to the Food Pantry, representing 36 people.
Property: Stonework completed on the front of Zion. Committee considering whether to remove the bushes due to damage they cause. Leaks at Zion caused ceiling damage and window damage in the Assembly Hall. The gutters need cleaning. To get estimates for the repairs. Volunteers helping with lawn care and cleaning, and request other members help out when possible. Need to plan for snow plowing for the winter.
New business: Concerns voiced over the sound system and areas where it’s hard to hear. Ron Trask will look into the concerns.
The next council meeting will be September 9 and Richard and Colleen Quirion were invited to attend.
Meeting adjourned at 10:15 p.m. with the Lords Prayer and a prayer led by Judy Warner.
Respectfully Submitted, Nancy DeSando,
Substituting for Council Secretary
Music Notes from Zion
Zion Adult Choir rehearsals will begin on Sunday, September 20, at 9:30 am, in the sanctuary at Zion. If there are any changes, you will be notified.
Submitted by, Bev Buddle
Rally Day
Sunday, September 13, 2009
10 am at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church
and
10:15 am at St. Matthew’s Chapel
We still need a few teachers so please contact, Lanny Barsale at lannyb1953@yahoo.com or call 518-231-0552
Vacation Bible School – All Aboard!
This year we rode the Boomerang Express across the land down under. As the children wound their way through Australia, they discovered the vastness of God’s love and they learned that, no matter where they go and what they do in life, it all comes back to Jesus.
This year we partnered with Calvary Assembly of God. It was an awesome partnership and we had some wonderful people to get to know. These “Outback Trackers” led the “Kidaroos”.
Pre-K and K: Elizabeth Kerr assisted by Clara Quirion, Karley Davenport, Matt Smida.
1st and 2nd: Sarah Lawton and Amber Delaet
3rd and 4th: Andrew Trask and Tiger assisted at times by Ryan
Trask
5th and 6th: Eleanor Carter assisted by Chi Chi Deyo and Ana
Mau.
Craft Outback guides: Yvonne Steingraber, Sandy Deems, and Margaret Collushon assisted by Myranda Steingraber & Alice Collushon
Music Outback guides: Colleen Quirion and Sean Thaxter
Snack Provider: Lisa Natale (who was once a professional chef)
Assembly Outback guide and assistant to all: Pastor Jen
Outback Photographer, PowerPoint and anything else we asked her to do: Pastor Cyd Collushon
Outback Coordinators: Karen Scott, Lanny Barsale
We had many helpers at different times and I hope that I didn’t forget to list any of them. If I did, remember that God knew you were there and smiled.
Our mission project this year was for ‘Fields of Grace’, a many faceted ministry to provide faith, learning and recreational opportunities for the youth of Schoharie County. Seth DeBartolo spoke to the children and presented at the picnic. We raised over $300 and brought in school supplies.
Once again we had a movement group for Pre-K and K and of course had our usual get wet day. Thanks to Ryan Trask for setting it up and cleaning up (in more ways than one).
We were so blessed with the children that joined us and learned of Jesus’ love. Remember, VBS is always the third full week of July. It’s never too soon to think about joining us.
Lanny Barsale
W.E.L.C.A. Circle News
Our September 12, 2009 meeting, will be held in Zion’s assembly hall, from 10am to noon. Our bible study will be based on, Paul’s letter to the Romans. Bring your September issue of Lutheran Woman Today along with your bible.
You will also need to bring a large-eyed needle and scissors. We will tie off two quilts for St. Paul’s Center for Women and Children.
There are two new patterns for prayer shawls at our WELCA table in the assembly hall. (See article below)
Looking ahead to October consider going to the Upstate New York Synod Women of the ELCA Convention, October 2-4, 2009, held at the Holiday Inn, Grand Island Resort and Conference Center. Registration forms are on the W.E.L.C.A. bulletin board at Zion.
Because of the convention on October 2-4 our Foothills Fall Assembly will be held later in the month. Watch for more details in the October issue of Zion Life.
Submitted by Sandy Deems
Prayer Shawls
September brings cooler days and evenings and the urge to once again, pick up our knitting and crocheting projects. It is a perfect time to begin or finish a prayer shawl.
Two new patterns, have been added to our collection, one to crochet and a triangular one to knit. You can find them at our W.E.L.C.A. table in the assembly hall at Zion, along with the prayer shawl notebook filled with patterns to try.
Our prayer shawl ministry can reach beyond friends and family at Zion. There is a need for shawls at Lutheran Care Ministries (Clinton Homes). How wonderful it would be for someone at he homes to receive a handmade shawl that could wrap them in love and let them know that someone cares – that God cares.
Our basic shawl pattern can be adapted to make a pocket shawl. After you have knit 3, purl 3 for 57 stitches on size 13 needles to make a 60 inch long shawl fold it lengthwise and stitch sides together for 10 inches starting at each end. Then flatten and center the seam and stitch across the ends to form the pocket. This makes a handy place for Kleenex or to just stick your hands in to keep them warm.
Submitted by Sandy Deems
St. Matthew’s matters from July 2009
The Ministry Board at St. Matthew’s Chapel met at 7:05 on Tuesday, July 14. Seven people attended. Among the missing was Pastor Jen, who went south with her husband for a doctor’s appointment.
Deacon John Jarvis said a prayer for safe travel for the Boyds and good news from the doctor visit.
There were but two topics for the meeting. The first one was the farewell party on August 15 for Pastor Gary and his wife. Members discussed topics ranging from a Harley and a prayer shawl for the retiring pastor to desserts to be served at the covered-dish supper.
The second topic was the free community picnic on September 12. Discussion began by modifying the sample flier and personal invitations that will be used to promote the free event. We definitely want to add the words “Rain or shine!!” to our advertising and omit pictures of food not be served, like cherry pie and corn on the cob.
Since about 150 people came to the free community picnic last year, we agreed to serve 150 burgers and 150 dogs on September 12. Tom Collins, Dave Costello and John Jarvis semi-agreed to grill again this year.
Dave suggested that the chefs work under a tent this year, as we did last year, just in case the rain falls on the second annual event too.
Outdoor games will include bocce, horseshoes and dodgeball for the youngsters–or the young at heart.
The meeting ended just before 8:00 PM with the Lord’s Prayer.
Members of the Ministry Board look forward to the September 12 free community picnic on the day before Sunday School’s Rally Day. We hope to see many folks from Zion at the picnic too.
In service to Christ and His church,
John Jarvis,
MB secretary
St. Matthew’s matters
The Ministry Board at St. Matthew’s Chapel, hereafter referred to as the MB, met at 7:03 PM on Tuesday, August 4, for its monthly meeting. There were nine people at the start of the meeting till Dave Hayner arrived late: then there were ten. There were only a few topics for the 55-minute meeting.
Since Pastor Jen was at Kingdom Bound that evening, Deacon Marcy Wright began the meeting with prayer. Then members brought up issues
Tom Collins, Council vice president, reported on events at the recent special meeting of the Council.
John Jarvis told how both gas grills failed to work properly at the recent BBQ at the Zion vacation Bible school. He urged those Chapel members who will be lending their grills to make sure that there is plenty of propane in their tanks before the second annual free picnic at the Chapel on September 12.
Despite the August 9 meeting at Zion to discuss the ordination issues related to homosexuality, the MB planned a coffee hour for the second Sunday of the month. Barb Cousineau agreed to provide snacks, (which turned out to be fruit salad and cake. John Jarvis donated a box of Freihofer chocolate chip cookies.)
The farewell party on August 15 for the Edmisters became the big topic of the evening. Members of the MB finalized details like who will make presentations of gifts during the evening.
When John Jarvis mentioned that there will soon be a survey on the times of fall worship, members reminded each other that we lose our organist if our Sunday worship service is any later than 9:00 AM.
There is much to be thankful for at St, Matthew’s Chapel, including our organist, free community picnics and all the years that Pastor Gary Edmister led worship at the Chapel. Thanks be to God—and to Pr. Gary.
We’ll miss him.
John Jarvis,
Ministry Board secretary
Rally Day coming to St. Matthew’s Chapel
The first day of Sunday school at St. Matthew’s Chapel will be Sunday, September 13. The fall sessions will begin as usual with an ice cream social, hosted by the Sunday school teachers.
The teachers for the coming semester of Sunday school will be deacons Marcy Wright and John Jarvis. From time to time Suzanne Graulich will join Marcy and John to present or lead projects for the youngsters.
A “project” for Rally Day–besides eating ice cream—will be what to do with the money collected at Sunday school last year.
Again this year John will call parents with reminders about classes cancelled because of vacations.
Sunday school classes will start in the sanctuary at 10:15 and run till 11:00 AM. The classes will then split and move to the fellowship hall and the old Sunday school room upstairs.
Jean Bakkom will again lead the adult Bible study that meets at the same time.
The Monday evening Bible study at 7:00 will continue till the end of December. The current topic is Acts of the Apostles.
In Christ,
John Jarvis, Sunday school coordinator
Chapel’s congregation says farewell to Pastor Gary and Audrey
The members of the congregation at St. Matthew’s Chapel hosted a farewell dinner for Pastor Gary Edmister and his wife Audrey at 6:00 PM on Saturday, August 15. Thirty-four people attended, including the Joneses from Zion.
The evening began with a covered-dish supper. Pastor Gary blessed the meal.
After dinner the program began with MC Jean Bakkom thanking people for coming. Then Jean led us in a song called “Gary, Gary,” set to the tune of “Bicycle Built for Two.” The Chapel’s organist, Mary Jane Bianchine, accompanied the singers on the piano in the fellowship hall.
The presentation of gifts began with John Jarvis giving the pastor with a new Corvette and a new motorcycle, made by Matchbox— not GM and Harley-Davidson, respectively. A related gift came from the absent Ethan Keller, who gave Pastor Gary a plastic rideable motorcycle, suitable for a five-year old. The hand brake was missing.
Jackie Costello presented Audrey with a jar of pills, which were really hard candies, to fight off future cases of “Gary-itis” that might arise when the two of them spend so much time together in retirement.
Vivian Coons gave the Edmisters a gift bag with several items, including a plate showing Jesus with children. The stand was included.
The song “Anchors Aweigh” came next, but the lyrics were not the ones that we are used to hearing.
After the song Tom Collins presented Pastor Gary with a small plastic boat called the Good Ship Godspeed in honor of his days in the Navy.
Dawn Thompson, with help from country music radio station the BUG, gave Pastor Gary and Audrey a CD with the song “Happy Trails” on it. Lyrics were included for sing-along purposes.
Our own version of the song “There’s a Pretty Rose in Penn Yann” was inspired by “The Yellow Rose of Texas.”
The gift table continued to fill when Barb Cousineau presented the pastor with a real rose bush for his new home.
Joan Jozifek gave Pastor Gary a prayer shawl just before Barb Cousineau presented Audrey with a Barb-made scarf.
Marcy Wright read an original poem about the retiring pastor.
Jean Bakkom gave the Edmisters painted decorative cutting boards that will probably be used as decorations rather than for food prep.
Barb Cousineau gave both Edmisters a money tree that seemed very green with branches full of leaves.
Tom Collins recalled some of Pastor Gary’s more memorable sermons with their introductions about life in the Navy and growing up in rural America.
In honor of a series of sermons on a popular TV character, Tom gave the pastor a Spongebob Squarepants baseball cap, which inspired Pastor Gary to explain the Bible according to Spongebob, who loved everyone unconditionally regardless of flaws. Pastor Gary reminded us that there is Someone in the New Testament like that.
Jackie Costello presented the Edmisters with their last gift, a pair of plastic trays for use at covered-dish suppers in their church in or near Penn Yann.
Special lyrics for songs came from Jean and Barb.
Both Jean Bakkom and Pastor Gary had several closing remarks.
After the closing prayer, those in attendance sang “May the Good Lord Bless and Keep You.”
The Edmisters stayed around a while after the program ended to talk one last time to their friends at the Chapel.
When the Edmisters left the fellowship hall to go home, they were playing the CD with “Happy Trails” as their familiar black Jeep drove out of the St. Matthew’s parking for the last time.
May the Lord bless and keep the Edmisters in their new home in Penn Yann.
With thanksgiving for twelve years with Pastor Gary,
John Jarvis,
Ministry Board secretary
St. Matthew’s Chapel
What’s happening with Stacey?
Hey church family, I miss you all SO much! Have I ever told you how thankful I am to have you in my life, as individuals and as a church? I know God has used many of you to lead and encourage me– not just with plans for my life but in my relationship with God as well. I still have yet to discover anything greater than having a relationship with God. Every Sunday school class, every week of vacation Bible school, every confirmation class, every Creation Fest (just to name a few) – it’s all had an impact on me. Thank you!
As many of you know, this past January I moved to Brooklyn to work with a ministry called Metro Ministries, check out the website: www.metroministries.org . Metro has been reaching kids here in NYC for the last 30 years and currently reaches over 40,000 kids per week around the world through Sunday School. It’s amazing what God is doing!
There are 2 main things I do within the ministry. The first is working in the Partner Relations Department. It is my job (and blessing) to maintain and build a relationship with our partners, the people who support the ministry. One of the ways I do this is by making phone calls to personally thank our partners for their support. It’s been wonderful getting to talk with different people all around the country and hear what God is doing in their life and how they have been impacted by this ministry and their own hearts to reach the kids.
Being a Bus Captain for East New York is the second thing I do for the ministry. On Saturday we have Sunday School that busses in kids within a 3 mile radius from the church. That 3 mile radius is broken up into “routes” which is then assigned to Bus Captains. As Bus Captain, I visit the kids on my route who come to Sunday School and encourage new ones to come. This is called visitation and the reason why the ministry is so effective. It makes it possible for me to get to know my kids and their families and be a positive, Christian influence. East New York is a pretty rough neighborhood; known for gangs, prostitution, drugs…you name it. Recently there was a 21 year old stabbed on a street where I visit kids, just hours before I was there. It’s life and death here, all the more reason to do what I do! On average I bring about 128 kids to Sunday School each week.
A few weeks ago, I visited one of my kids, Orlando, who is 5 years old and regularly comes to Sunday school. He is one of my favorites. Interestingly enough, he is also one of those on the bus who does not listen too well. Anyway, I was at the door of his apartment, talking with his mom who was telling me that when Orlando comes home from Sunday school he tells her all about what he learned. All of a sudden, Orlando came and grabbed my arm, pulling me with all his strength into the house. He kept saying over and over “let’s pray, let’s pray!” So his mom, sister, I and Orlando got into a circle holding hands to take turns praying . Well it comes to Orlando’s turn and he says this little prayer “Dear God, you are the best God. I love you too much. In Jesus’ name, Amen.” It was encouraging for me to see that what I am doing really is making a difference!
I could fill pages and pages of stories about what God is doing in me and through me, but in respect for your time, I’ll stop here. You can always ask me about them.
You really area part of what I’m doing here, thank you! Never doubt God’s ability to use you, even in the smallest ways.
If you have any questions about what I do or what Metro Ministries does, you are always more than welcome to email me: stace.craig@gmail.com or call me: 518-231-3436. I would LOVE to hear from you! Be blessed.
~Stace: )
Notes from the Church Office
Every month the Upstate New York Synod sends out via email the, ‘Upstate Update,’ which is a newsletter to inform you of things that are going on at the Synod. If you would like to subscribe to this newsletter, follow this link, www.upstatenysynod.org. The site also has other links that are full of information about the Synod but also the ELCA.
When mailing your offerings to the office please make a note on the front of your envelope Attention Financial Secretary.
Have you used the key to unlock the red door near the church office lately and inadvertently forgot to put the keys back so that they were available to the cleaning crew. If so, please place them back where they were. Thank you!
Sunday worship attendance
Date St. Matthew’s 9am Zion 11am
June 28 8:30am –37 11am-26
July 5 24 36
July 12 31 28
July 19 30 39
July 26 29 24
St. Mattthew’s 9am Zion 9am
August 2 ? 15 47
August 9 21 52
August 16 22 43
August 23 19 31
Saturday 5:30pm worship attendance at Zion
July 11 17
July 18 12
July 25 12
August 1 0
August 8 4
August 15 0
August 23 0
TV is bad for language development
In June I read an interesting report found in the June 19 issue of THE WEEK. The topic was language development in toddlers.
“If you have a baby or a toddler, turn off the TV. A new study finds that when children are exposed to a lot of TV before the age of two, they are deprived of interaction with adults, which can lead to delays in brain and language development,” reports the article.
What happened was that researchers at the University of Washington discovered that for every hour that a TV is on at home, even if only for background noise, “adults spoke from 500 to 1000 fewer words to children.” Furthermore when the TV was on, even children spoke fewer words, and there were fewer conversations between adults and children.
The situation occurred even if the program was for children or the adults were watching too.
“Speaking directly to a child, previous research has shown, is critical to brain development,” the article states.
TV researcher Dimitri Christaskis concluded the report, “My recommendation is that children under the age of two be discouraged from watching television.”
This article reminds me of one that I read somewhere several years ago, when researchers warned parents to keep their children away from TV news. Why?
TV news is full of violence like riots after possible election fraud in Iran or a Lakers NBA victory in Los Angeles.
Airplane crashes may scare children who ride those planes.
Worst of all, there are too many reports on TV news of parents murdering their own children. Just this morning I saw a report on the arrest of two parents who allegedly threw their baby off a bridge. We have the on-going story of Caylee Anthony, allegedly murdered by her mom. Last week I saw a report about a man who shot to death his wife and three children before killing himself. Finally, there is the account of a Sunday school teacher who allegedly murdered her young daughter’s good friend who lived down the street.
I can imagine how a six-year old would react to a story about a mom killing her daughter or a daddy killing the whole family and then himself.
Some TV reports upset me; they probably terrify kids in elementary school.
Let’s turn off the TV news when young children are around. Depending on age, maybe they will talk more or sleep better at night.
In His name and image,
John Jarvis, Health Ministries
June 16, 2009
Stories of Faith in Action 2009
Summer SPLASH
Columbia, South Carolina
Reformation Lutheran Church, Columbia, S. C., has a mission: Summer SPLASH (Students Playing, Learning, and Staying Healthy). SPLASH helps school-aged refugees and immigrants as they transition into a new culture and a new educational system.
The program offers students healthy meals and snacks while helping them improve their English skills. Assisting the children with language comprehension opens up new opportunities and helps them reach greater heights in the future.
With campers representing eight countries, SPLASH also focuses on cultivating cross-cultural respect and friendships. Matthew, a SPLASH counselor and a student at Newberry College, says, “On the first day we talked about the different
nations in my class. On the second and third days, my class learned to say ‘I love you’ in three languages. As the camp went on, I noticed that the kids did not see each other by race or color. They saw each other as people and played well together.”
The ELCA Domestic Hunger Grant program helps connect neighbors in our country with the resources to break the cycle of hunger and poverty. Your gifts to ELCA World Hunger help make ministries like this possible. Thank you for your generous and compassionate response!
Prayer Partners
We give great thanks for all those who participate in the phone tree for prayers. If you would like to participate in this group, please contact Janice Ashford.
Samaritan Fund
Did you know that we have a special fund that assists people in need? We often have people who are going through difficult times and need a little help—whether it is gas money so that they can get to a job or assistance with rent, utilities, etc.
If you would like to make a donation to this fund, please just mark on your gift that this is your intention.
“Nearly New” Sale
Coming September 25 & 26 to the Lutheran Home
Sponsored by the Friends of the Lutheran Home
We need item to sell: clothing, jewelry, small appliances. Please bring items in good repair to the Arntsen Building Reception Desk, September 14-18, 7am-3pm only. Please do not bring: books, exercise or sports equiptment, curtains, drapes, suitcases, or metal office furniture.
Annual Meeting of the Corporations
Lutheran Care
Sunday, October 18, 3pm
Lutheran Care Clinton Campus
Chapel of Our Savior
108 Utica Road, Clinton, NY 315-853-5515 ext. 7103
Find out more about the services offered at LutheranCare by being a voting delegate at the Annual Meeting of the Corporation. If interested, please see you Congregation Council President for additional information. Meet the staff and hear about new programs and initiatives. Tours of the facility and dinner will follow the meeting.