B r a n d o n - Split Rock Lutheran The Newsletter — August 2018 How did you become who you are? I suppose there are lots of ways to answer this question. One approach would be to recognize that we are the sum of all the things that we did and experienced day by day throughout our life. We experienced life in our families and learned that we are a son or daughter, brother or sister, niece or nephew, a grandchild. We also learned how to be a son or daughter, brother or sister, niece or nephew, a grandchild. We went to school and learned to be a friend, a student, a team member, a math whiz, a comedian, a student leader. It was in living out these roles that we became who we are…and it took some practice. I’m still practicing many of those things and still growing into them. Many of us prepared for a vocation as we received training and advanced education to become machinists, plumbers, chefs, entrepreneurs, business owners, nurses, lawyers, etc. – some even pastors. In the training and learning a part of our identity was being formed but it wasn’t complete. Our language would give us away: “I am training to become…” “I am working on a degree in…” “I am trying to get a certification in…” But after practicing our craft and maybe getting certain credentials, there was a point at which we could finally say “I am a…_____________.” Often it wasn’t until we were out in the field, in real life, in a job, in a practice, doing what people do in our vocations that we really knew that we are machinists, plumbers, chefs, entrepreneurs, business owners, nurses, lawyers, etc. – especially pastors. The Christian life is one in which the more we practice the clearer our identity becomes. Yes, I am a Christian because of my baptismal identity. I can confidently say that “I am baptized into Christ!” But then as you and I practice our faith we become even more confident in that identity. I am a Christian and I do what Christians do: go to church, read the scriptures, pray for my neighbors, give an offering to the church. God uses these and other practices to shape us and bring us into the way of life called “Christian.” It is by following this way and practicing all the way…that we mature and become who we are. It is August and we are close to launching our fall ministries. It is a time for us to gather again in a more robust community of faith. Together we practice, and we grow…we live out the way set for us by Christ and all of the saints who have lived before us. This year make a commitment to grow in some way. Grow in your prayer and worship life. Grow in your study of scripture and knowledge of the life of the church. Grow in encouraging others in the ways of Christ or in the invitation of others into the ways of Christ. Grow in serving people who need your care and in the giving of your talents and treasures. When we get to next spring I can confidently say that you will be able to say with a new gusto, “I have grown and I know better now that I am a Christian and belong to Christ who loves me.” In Christ, Pastor Scott Karin Kulzer! Thank you! At 9am, on July 27th, Karin Kulzer opened the office for the last time as our office manager. On Sunday, July 29th at 5:30 there was a special send-off for her during the Ice Cream Social. Twelve years ago, Karin joined our staff and persevered through the good days and tough days…sharing her gifts and furthering the mission of Brandon and Split Rock Lutheran Parish. We thank you Karin for your steady work and pray that you will be blessed in the next chapter of your life in Wichita, Kansas. You have left a mark on our churches and on the Brandon area. Thank you! 2 1 2 3 4 Psalms 25:1-15 Psalms 25:16-22 Psalms 26:1-12 Psalms 27:1-6 2 Chron 30:1—31:21 2 Chron 32:1— 2 Chron 33:14— 2 Chron 35:1— 33:13 34:33 36:23 Romans 15:1-22 Romans 15:23— Romans 16:8-27 1 Corinthians 1:1- 16:7 17 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Psalms 27:7-14 Psalm 28:1-9 Psalm 29:1-11 Psalm 30:1-12 Psalm 31:1-8 Psalm 31:9-18 Psalm 31:19-24 Ezra 1:1—2:70 Ezra 3:1—4:24 Ezra 5:1—6:22 Ezra 7:1—8:20 Ezra 8:21—9:15 Ezra 10:1-44 Neh 1:1—3:14 1 Corinthians 1:18— 1 Corinthians 2:6— 1 Cor 3:5-23 1 Cor 4:1-21 1 Cor 5:1-13 1 Cor 6:1-20 1 Cor 7:1-24 2:5 3:4 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 Psalm 32:1-11 Psalm 33:1-11 Psalm 33:12-22 Psalm 34:1-10 Psalm 34:11-22 Psalm 35:1-16 Psalm 35:17-28 Neh 3:15—5:13 Neh 5:14—7:60 Neh 7:61—9:21 Neh 9:22—10:39 Neh 11:1—12:26 Neh 12:27—13:31 Esther 1:1—3:15 1 Cor 7:25-40 1 Cor 8:1-13 1 Cor 9:—1-18 1 Cor 9:19—10:13 1 Cor 10:14—11:2 1 Cor 11:3-16 1 Cor 11:17-34 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 Psalm 36:1--12 Psalm 37:1--11 Psalm 37:12--29 Psalm 37:30--40 Psalm 38:1--22 Psalm 39:1--13 Psalm 40:1--10 Esther 4:1—7:10 Esther 8:1—10:31 Job 1:1—3:26 Job 4:1—7:21 Job 8:1—11:20 Job 12:1—15:35 Job 16:1—19:29 1 Cor 12:1--26 1 Cor 12:27—13:13 1 Cor 14:1--17 1 Cor 14:18--40 1 Cor 15:1--28 1 Cor 15:29--58 1 Cor 16:1--24 26 27 28 29 30 31 Psalm 40:11--17 Psalm 41:1--13 Psalm 43:1--5 Psalm 44:1--8 Psalm 44:1--8 Psalm 44:9--26 Job 20:1—22:30 Job 23:1—27:23 Job 28:1—30:31 Job 31:1—33:33 Job 34:1—36:33 Job 37:1—39:30 2 Cor 1:1--11 2 Cor 1:12—2:11 2 Cor 2:12--17 2 Cor 3:1--18 2 Cor 4:1--12 2 Cor 4:13--5:10 3 The Mission of Split Rock Lutheran is welcoming and serving with joyful hearts and glorifying God in all things. We are a growing family of Christ’s disciples seeking to proclaim the Gospel to all those in need of God’s grace, mercy and love. 4 Wilde Women’s Winery Day August 11 at 11 AM – 1 PM At Wilde Prairie Winery Ladies, Mothers, Daughters, Guests: Join us as we explore the topic of the Bible and Wine at a local winery! All are invited. Cost is $12 per person and includes: A glass of wine (of course!) A light lunch Tour of the winery Door prizes Short program on what the Bible has to say about “Wine” Fellowship and Fun Wilde Prairie Winery is located 1 mile north of Corson and 2 miles west. Carpool from the church parking lot by meeting at 10:30 am and leaving for the winery at 10:45. 5 6 7 8 I Will Do More I will do more than belong, I will participate. I will do more than care, I will help. I will do more than believe, I will practice. I will do more than be fair, I will be kind. I will do more than forgive, I will love. I will do more than earn, I will enrich. I will do more than teach, I will serve. I will do more than live, I will grow. I will do more than be friendly, I will be a friend. 9 Please join Judy & Bernie Citta celebrate their 50th Wedding Anniversary on Sunday, August 19th after worship in the Fellowship Hall. 10 11 12 .