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Our MissionThrough God’s grace,
we commit ourselves as disciples to heal hurts, to teach God’s word, to discover God’s joys, and share the light, love, and
peace of Jesus Christ.
Reformation Lutheran Church
613 Lakeview Ave.Milford, Delaware
19963Ph: 302 422-9117Fax: 302 422-9184
Website:www.reformation-
lutheran.net
Kids, Inc.Ph: 302 422-9099
Office HoursMonday-Friday, 8am-
4pm
Worship ServicesSept.-May
8:30am & 11:00amMemorial Day- Labor Day
10:00am
Christian EducationSept-May
The ReporterThe Monthly Newsletter of Reformation Evangelical Lutheran Church
A Congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Churches of AmericaOrganized Feb 5, 1956
Volume 57 Issue 7/8 July/August
didn’t get a chance to preach on it. So I have to take the chance to talk about it here. The story is about a man from the region of the Gerasenes, who is possessed by a “Legion” of demons. He lives among the tombs, just beyond the edge of the inhabited area. Luke tells us that many times they had tried to keep him chained and under guard, but he would break free.
When Jesus encounters this man, there is no more talk of chains and guards or tombs. He casts the demons out. And now, the man is free! No more chains, no more torment, no more possession. He wants to follow Jesus, but instead Jesus tells him to go back to his home (which he probably hadn’t seen in a very long time) and tell everyone how much God had done for him. Sounds like a happy ending, right? Well, almost. Except for one detail I glossed over. One very important detail
Jesus cast the demons out from the man, but allowed them to go into a herd of pigs nearby. And those pigs then rushed into the nearby lake and drowned. And that detail highlights why the story doesn’t have as happy an ending as we might expect. How did the people of the town react to what Jesus had done? Did they rejoice that their neighbor was saved, and that they no longer had to worry about a demon-possessed man in their midst? No. Luke tells us “they were seized with great fear,” and they asked Jesus to leave. They wanted him gone.
Why? It turns out having Jesus around was costly. Those weren’t wild pigs, they were a herd. That was somebody’s livelihood that went crashing into the lake. That was the cost of the man’s deliverance. And the Gerasene
Pastor’s message continues on Page 2.
Worth the CostThey asked Jesus to leave. They wanted him
gone. That’s the upshot of what I think is one of the richest, most fascinating Bible stories. You can find one version of it in Luke 8:26–39. If you came to a “Tell Me the Dream” workshop, we looked at the version from Mark 5:1–20. Since the Luke version came up in the Sunday lectionary during our series on Galatians, I
Pastor’s Message Continuestownspeople did not want to pay any more. So they wanted Jesus gone.
Here’s the truth this story highlights: redemption is sometimes costly. Not costly for the one being rescued; costly for the community. When Jesus grabs hold of someone, he often does so in a way that disrupts the status quo. Something incredibly trivial: when a new person starts coming to church, that’s one less “empty space” in the pews. That’s change. Now, what happens if that new person also comes with new ideas for youth ministry, or worship, or fellowship? More change.
But that’s still just scratching the surface. What this story is really about is the cost to communities to become places where people are set free. Not the cost “after someone new comes,” but rather the cost “so that new people will come.” For the Gerasenes, the cost for one person to be saved was a herd of swine. And they thought it was too much.
What prices are we willing to pay so that people around us can come to know Christ’s love for them? That right there is, I believe, the fundamental question facing most churches. Some sobering statistics came to us at this year’s synod assembly. In the 25 years of the ELCA’s existence, our denomination has lost a net 1 million members and roughly 1,000 churches. Total Sunday School enrollment has gone from 1 million to 400,000. Clearly, what we have been doing has not been working. The question is, will we be willing to make those changes, and pay the price, to reach out to the world around us that needs Christ’s love? Some of those prices may include the risk of actually inviting someone you know to join you at church. Or giving your time to be more engaged in the ministry of Reformation. The costs might be changes in the way things are done at church, to be more effective in connecting with younger people and those who don’t have a lot of church experience.
Pastor’s message continues on next page.
Our Church Leaders:
Head of the Church: Jesus, the Christ
President: Kevin Oldland 752-7130Vice-President: Mark Nauman 422-3693Secretary: Sue Owens 422-6374Treasurer: Dawn Guyer 422-5818Financial Secretary: Dot Willis 422-7167
Council Members:
Gary Johnson 398-4744Mary Currie 422-0122John Crockett 335-4264Ed Kost 329-9084Dharma Luiken 422-9005Beverly Greason 422-2405Alex Huey: Youth Representative
Our Staff:The Rev. Eric W. Evers Pastor
Ph: (H) 422-5128 Email: [email protected]
Gail Betton Kelso Director of Music Ministry & Organist Ph: (C) 228-4155
Email: [email protected] Mary Lu Wilson Director, Kids, Inc.
Ph: (C) 422-9099 Email: [email protected]
Kathy Kimmel-Russ Administrative AssistantPh: (W) 422-9117
Email [email protected] Moore Webservant
Ph: (H) 674-4978 Email: [email protected]
Linda Helm Newsletter Editor Ph: (H) 422-2947
Email: [email protected]
The Reporter is published monthly, and mailed to all member households. The deadline for submitting material for the next issue is the 15th day of each month. Please send, as early as possible, your articles, notices, photos, etc. to the editor, Linda Helm. The Reporter is assembled on the Monday of last full week of each month and mailed that week. A full color downloadable PDF version is posted on our
Page 2 The Reporter
Pastor’s message continues on next page.
Pastor’s Message ContinuesWhenever Jesus called disciples, he used
words of motion and change: “follow me.” “Go into all the world…” With our “Tell Me the Dream” workshops, Reformation has begun the process of discerning where Jesus might be sending and leading us in the next several years. How will we go and follow? How will we move? How will we change in order to reach out to the community around us with the love of God and invite them to follow Jesus with us? These answers won’t come quickly, but they will come, if we as a congregation are open and listening to the Spirit’s voice. If we are going to be faithful to our Lord, it will involve change, so that we can bring his love to people we currently aren’t reaching. Faithfulness will always mean change; after all, Jesus’ way of preaching began with the word, “repent!” Change always has costs. Now is the time for us to pray that God will give us not only the wisdom to know where to go, but also the faith and courage to make even costly changes. After all, remember what was gained for the loss those Gerasenes faced: a man was saved. Isn’t that worth it?
In Christ,Pastor Evers
Teddy Bear Ministry It's summertime! In the summer everyone is busy with planning vacations and traveling. Are you going to see family or friends? Are you going to see grandchildren? Don’t forget God’s love is for all occasions—the Teddy Bear Ministry is a way to share His love with others. I know my children think of their grandmother every time they look at the Teddy Bears we’ve received from her church. Feel free to pass on His love. Have a wonderful vacation!! If you have questions about the Teddy Bear Ministry please call Karen or Kelsey Oldland at 752-7130.
Want to pray?
In June, we announced that the Friday morning Prayer Group would not meet during the summer; but with the scheduling of the summer Bible study listed below, it was decided that the group would meet at 9:15 each Friday prior to the Bible Study. All are welcome!
Summer Bible StudyThe regular Friday morning
Bible study will resume in the fall. During the summer, Mary K. Konesey will lead a new study that will begin on Friday, June 28th at 10 a.m. and is planned to continue thru August 16th. The topic will be “Feed the Hungry”. This is a 3 session study from the Lutheran women’s magazine, Gather.
Please join us as we learn how God feeds us through the Word to feed His children in the world.
Church Office SurveyA survey was mailed out the middle of June
to help update information we have on file for those who attend Reformation. If you did not receive a survey by mail, please call the office to have one sent to you via mail, email or fax. There are also copies in the file rack on top of the desk in the office. Even if you have been an active regular attendee for some time, please don’t assume we have all of your information recorded accurately; many inconsistencies were found in comparing records from differing sources within the office. The survey is only a ½ page and the information requested is completely voluntary; it can also be designated as confidential. Please note that the "Committee/Activities" section was intended to refer only to those within the RLC fellowship, but you may list any community involvement you would like us to know about. Thank you for your help with this process.
July/August 2013 Page 3
26th Annual Delaware-Maryland Synod Assembly
Pastor Eric Evers and Barbara and Fred Seth represented the congregation at the 26th Delaware-Maryland Synod Assembly, May 30 – June 2, 2013, at the Ocean City Convention Center. The Assembly consisted of four plenary sessions, Thursday (1), Friday (2) and Saturday (1), as well as worship services each day.
WorshipPastor John Deckenback, Conference Minister for the Atlantic Conference of the Church of Christ, opened the Assembly in worship accompanied by a full contemporary band. On Friday at 11:00 AM, a rousing worship service, Empowered by the Word, featured Irish music and an Irish tenor, as cantor. A traditional service, which included the ordinations of two pastors, the consecration of a Diaconal Minster, and the commissioning of an Associate of Ministry, concluded the Assembly.
SessionsBishop Wolfgang Herz-Lane welcomed the Assembly and delivered the Bishop’s report. His report featured staggering statistics. Since its founding 25 years ago, the ELCA has lost a million members and over 1,000 congregations. Although concerned, the Bishop praised “good and solid” ministry throughout the Synod. His upbeat, positive message motivated attendees throughout the assembly. Pastor Kevin Wackett, LCMS, provided an update on Hurricane Sandy relief, especially on the Eastern Shore.Eight resolutions were discussed and voted on by the synod assembly during the three days:
Resolution #1 – A Resolution on the Relationship between the Order of St. Stephen, Deacon, in the Lutheran Churches and the Delaware-Maryland Synod, ELCA. Passed
Resolution #2 – A Resolution on Creation Care and Environmental Stewardship among the Delaware-Maryland Synod of the ELCA and its Congregations. Although there was general support for environmental issues affecting the synod, emphasis on agricultural impact was opposed by rural congregations. At first, this was referred to Synod Council for further study, but after modification, was passed.
Resolution #3 – Resolution regarding prevention and response to crisis with rostered church professionals and their families. Passed
Resolution #4 - Resolution for a PossABILITY Sunday. Proposal that the Sunday after Mother’s Day for 2014 be designated PossABILITY Sunday, to recognize the disabled. Several disabled attendees objected. Some did not want to be singled out, and others believed they should be active participants every Sunday. Passed
Resolution #5 – Resolution concerning the process for the electing of a bishop. The proposal recommended a search for candidates outside of the synod. Defeated
Resolution #6 – A memorial addressing seminarian debt incurred through inadequate health insurance. Passed
Resolution #7 – A memorial presented to the Delaware-Maryland Synod Assembly: The presence of firearms in homes with children. After vigorous debate on this “hot button” gun control issue, the resolution failed. Defeated
Resolution #8 – The Community of St. Dysmas – Support for this prison ministry was unanimous. Passed
Thursday evening at the festival banquet, the Assembly honored congregations and rostered leaders observing significant anniversaries.
Page 4 The Reporter
Delaware-Maryland Synod Assembly Continued
Voting members selected Synod leaders, including a new treasurer and members of Synod Council. Most of the Synod Assembly’s schedule was devoted to business meetings and training sessions; however, the most inspirational and uplifting experiences were opportunities to worship and enjoy fellowship with hundreds of fellow Lutherans.
Website UpdateThe transition to our new website is now
complete! Many thanks to our webservant, Chris
Moore, for all of his hard work on this change. The site’s new address is the same (www.reformation-lutheran.net) but many changes have been made to make it easier to use. Be sure to check it out! Within the next few weeks, demonstration/training sessions will be held for anyone interested in providing input to the site as well as those who will be updating various areas. Also please note that the website email address that was previously printed a couple of different ways has now been verified by Chris. It is officially: [email protected]. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact Chris through the email address or by phone at 674-4978.
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Current Financial and Worship Attendance2013 2012
Total Income 4/30: $147,732.90 $127,699.38Total Expense 4/30: $133,212.16 $124,486.21Income-Expense: $14,520.74 $3,213.17
These numbers show that, after Easter, we are in a fairly solid financial position. Thank you for your generous support! The total income includes a significant gift for the new sanctuary sound system, and the expenses for that will not show up until early summer. Even considering that, our income is up significantly from this point last year. Expenses are also up, but that reflects a much better staffing situation at Kids, Inc., as well as sending over $4,500 in mission support (benevolence) to the synod, compared to none at this point last year.
We do have multiple property expenses coming for repairs that have been deferred. During the summer months, we encourage you to remember to keep your offerings current.
Worship and Sunday School Attendance, Year to Date, as of June 2:YTD 2013 Worship: 136 YTD 2013 Sunday School: 39YTD 2012 Worship: 133 YTD 2012 Sunday School: 44
While worship attendance is slightly up, Sunday School attendance is down. The worship trend over the last 3 years is moving up slowly, while Sunday School remains steady.
We will begin running financial and attendance numbers only in the Reporter, and not in the bulletin, by the fall. This allows us to give more information and more context.
July/August 2013 Page 5
Sunday (Public)Prayer List
Knit and PrayKnit & Pray will meet every
Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. in July and August. You are welcome to join them or pick up a pattern for the various projects and work on your own as your schedule allows.
From the choir loft... Special music will continue during summer worship. Please check the Bulletin for Choir updates.
Dear Friends in Christ,Your Email Prayer Chain primarily gets
prayers requests for health concerns, but these are not the only things for which we are willing to pray.
Consider the following suggestions and, if any of these - or any others - sound like topics for which you'd like us to pray on your behalf, please contact me. And if you'd like to join the Email Prayer Chain, all communications are forwarded by email and easy to incorporate into your daily prayer routine. We also encourage feedback and follow-up, if you so desire. Prayer concerns are only kept on the list for one month. This is not the same list as is used on Sundays in the worship service. If you want to be on both, please so request.
addictive behavior comfort / grief depression / anxiety family issues (you need not share exact
concerns unless you want to) finances / job God's will healing marriage / relationship life transitions salvation travel
In Him,Trish [email protected]
Page 6 The Reporter
Pastor John RanneyMadi DodgeBonnie RussellMaggie HaggertyEleanor LoderhoseBea StrahleThyra SteelmanRick CoherdMarie EmoryDavid & Jean OmanKim End
Hank BrewerCarl NiilsonPatty HermannPam ReicholdLuke MurphyEthel HannahFamily of Tatyana MayKarolyn HayesJacki WolfHaley EmbletonAshley Yates
July Birthdays2 Madeline Haggerty3 Leon Green3 Ginny Hannah3 T.J. Hosmer5 Madison Bayly7 Susan Emory7 Marshall Hobbs7 Daniel Weimer9 Rose Nailer9 Joan VanGorder10 Jane Towers12 Jessica Jones12 Madison Dodge12 Christine Lewis12 Renate McKenzie12 Peggy Tiasek14 Michael Hofstee14 Heather Konesey
17 Bethany Quattrociocchi18 Kristin Johnson19 Hilary Emory19 Pam Gruwell19 Matthew Kimmey22 Jay Konesey22 Kenneth Smeltzer23 John Ferguson23 Alexandra Fleming23 Eva Gruwell25 Paige Evers25 Charlotte Moreland27 Pearl Bock29 James Batchelor29 John Dickson29 Seth Fleming
July Anniversaries5 Donn & Jan Steele6 Fred & Barbara Seth11 George & Linda Caccamise24 David & Kathy Snyder25 Donald & Gesine Abrutyn
Women of the Evangelical Church of America
WELCA
All ladies are invited to join us for our meetings. We are currently studying the women of the Bible.
2012 - 2013 WELCA Officers:President Joan VanGorderV. President Gesine AbrutynSecretary Dot WillisTreasurer Alice DainoDevotions Vicki WilliamsProgram Helene Reed
Next meeting date: September 2013: WELCA will meet at noon on Thursday,
September 5, 2013, for a covered dish luncheon at the home of Gesine Abrutyn. There will be a signup sheet put on the church bulletin board prior to the luncheon for those attending to list the dish they will bring to share
MISSION STATEMENT: “To mobilize women to act boldly on their faith in Jesus Christ.”
A thank-you to Reformation from Bryan Greenly and Tommi Barrett-Greenly, members of Reformation who had to move to Florida for work:Dear Pastor Evers and Reformation Church Friends,
Thank you so much for taking such good care of us during our daughter's baptism celebration. We are so thankful that Elowen was baptized there, by Pastor Evers, and among the Reformation church family! It was a very special and meaningful day for all of us. Although we live in Florida and attend church here, we visit Milford throughout the year, and when we do, we will certainly attend Reformation!
Love and thanks,Tommi Barrett-Greenly and family
July/August 2013 Page7
Correction:August Birthdays and
Anniversaries not included in print version of The Reporter.
Birthdays1 Matthew Burkette1 Marli Julian2 Linda Caccamise2 Stephanie Fleming4 Maurice Little4 Josh McDuff4 Kyle Moore4 Kelsey Smith5 Lisa Capece5 Kathy Snyder6 Cynthia Hamlin6 Morgan Wagner7 Brian Bahder7 Diane Massey8 Alex Hayes8 Jennifer Hayward 9 Alexandra Mallard9 Sandy McPherson9 Anne Pribble10 Jamie Bahder10 Carol Collins10 Emma Wadkins11 Erin Fleming11 Mary Konesey12 Joshua Caldwell
13 Wayne Cohee13 Janet Cole13 Sarah Johnson14 Dylan Fox14 Cathy Hofstee17 Emelia Sohn17 Nikolas Wright17 Sydney Wright18 Bonnie Russell18 Jason Stallings18 Trent Summers19 Suzette Madanat20 Cassandra Dingess21 Jean Boyer22 Kirby Fitzgerald25 Greg Draper25 Kimberly Ryan26 Dean Warner27 Levi Dodge28 Savanna Case28 Barbara St. Jacques30 Patricia Little31 Kathleen Crawley31 Kathi Wyatt
Anniversaries5 Justin & Heather Konesey16 John & Beverly Greason16 Michael & Cathy Hofstee26 Pastors Eric & Paige Evers27 Paul & Kimberly Cole28 Chris & Susie Antonik
July/August 2013 Page7A
Historic CommitteeThe Historic Committee will
meet on Monday morning, July 8 at 10:30 a.m. We will complete
plans for the 20th anniversary celebration of our sanctuary and continue archiving documents and pictures from our congregation’s past. We have great fun! Please join us! Bring a sandwich and stay for lunch!
Sanctuary DedicationAnniversary Celebration
Join us for fellowship on Sunday, July 28 as we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the dedication of our sanctuary. The Historic Committee is preparing displays of architectural drawings and pictures of the construction process. We will be playing a video of our worship and dedication services on July 25, 1993 which includes precious images of dear friends, children now grown up, and sainted members. Please invite friends and past members for this joyful celebration and reunion.
Back to School Blessing of Educators Sunday, August 18
Blessing of the Backpacks Sunday, August 25
Church PicnicThe Church Picnic is scheduled for
August 25th.A special planned activity is the Picture
Pick-up: The Historic Committee will have a table of memorable pictures of members, children now grown up, friends, and sainted members available for families to claim.
More details on the picnic will follow in the coming weeks.
Christian Service CommitteeThe Forever Angel Program continues.
Gift cards from Walmart, Food Lion or Wawa may be placed in the collection plate along with information about the name of the person making the contribution and the value of the card.
End of Summer Trip
Mark your calendars. We will be going to Six Flags in Maryland again this year. The date is August 17th (rain or shine). More details will be coming.
The Reporter July/August 2013
