I love Jorge Mario Bergoglio- Pope Francis.
I love that he came to the US and addressed both the US Congress and the UN.
I especially love that he seemed more interested in the children and the poor than the powerful.
But what I really appreciated was that, in one of his speeches, he gave a shout out to those who 'build bridges", encouraging them/us to carry on.
And then, once he had left the US, I got a facebook post in which I learned that the word "Pontiff" means "bridge builder"
I am getting fitted for my hat and robe.
See, Pastor is only one of the roles I am called to. I am also called to be a bridge builder. But then, so are you.
The Apostle Paul, in 2 Corinthians 5 tells us that we have been called to be reconcilers. Jesus is the great reconciler- reconciling us to God by his death on the cross. We are called to be reconcilers- friend makers- on his behalf, building bridges of understanding with people who still are far from his saving love.
We don't need a church full of popes. But we do need a church full of bridge builders. And we will be that, when we let his love fill us up, and overflow to those around us.
Praying for a great month together...
Gary
Calendar
Sunday October 4 - Adult Bible Study - 9:15 am - Church Basement.
- Worship Service with Communion - 10:30 am - Hill family providing music.
Thursday, October 8 - Church board meeting -7 PM - Church Fellowship Room
Sunday October 11 - Adult Bible Study - 9:15 am - Church Basement.
- Worship Service - 10:30 am
Thursday October 15 - Community Dinner - 5:30 PM - Poplar Grove Church - Come to eat or serve.
Sunday October 18 - Adult Bible Study - 9:15 am - Church Basement.
- Worship Service - 10:30 am
Thursday- Sunday October 22-25 - Men's Camping Trip to Devil's Lake State Park - Talk to Gary if interested.
Sunday October 25 - Adult Bible Study - 9:15 am - Church Basement.
- Worship Service - 10:30 am - Hill family providing music.
Study/Growth Opportunities
Sunday Mornings - Adult Study - 9:15 am - Church Basement - Join us for a study on the book The Allure of Gentleness by Dallas Willard.
Wednesday Evenings - Adult Study and Potluck - 5:45 PM at Steve and Lynn Barrick's home. Studying the gospel of Mark.
Service Opportunities
Refreshments - Each week we enjoy some food and fellowship after the worship service. Please take a turn and sign up in the felllowship room.
Greeters - Every week we need someone to greet and hand out the bulletins. Just arrive a little early and take your turn at this simple but important service.
Community Dinners - Talk to Sandy Free if you want to help or are interested in eating there.
Caledonia Elementary School - Principal Kelly Cotter tells us she could use help in the following areas: testing students; picture day; reading to kids; making copies; helping in the classroom. If you have interest and can help, get in touch with her or the school by emailing kcotter@district100.com or calling the school at 815-547-1977
Halloween Night - We would love to hand out treats from our church. If you are interested please talk to Gary.
Blue Barrel - Let's focus on filling our blue barrel with food and paper goods once again!
Other News
Thanks - Thank you to all of you who provided food for our picnic on September 13. It was a delicious success. The pie and ice cream were such an added bonus. So thank you all so much!
Well Update - We have raised around $3,000 towards another well. We have a long ways to go. Do you have an idea for another way to raise money?
I love that he came to the US and addressed both the US Congress and the UN.
I especially love that he seemed more interested in the children and the poor than the powerful.
But what I really appreciated was that, in one of his speeches, he gave a shout out to those who 'build bridges", encouraging them/us to carry on.
And then, once he had left the US, I got a facebook post in which I learned that the word "Pontiff" means "bridge builder"
I am getting fitted for my hat and robe.
See, Pastor is only one of the roles I am called to. I am also called to be a bridge builder. But then, so are you.
The Apostle Paul, in 2 Corinthians 5 tells us that we have been called to be reconcilers. Jesus is the great reconciler- reconciling us to God by his death on the cross. We are called to be reconcilers- friend makers- on his behalf, building bridges of understanding with people who still are far from his saving love.
We don't need a church full of popes. But we do need a church full of bridge builders. And we will be that, when we let his love fill us up, and overflow to those around us.
Praying for a great month together...
Gary
Calendar
Sunday October 4 - Adult Bible Study - 9:15 am - Church Basement.
- Worship Service with Communion - 10:30 am - Hill family providing music.
Thursday, October 8 - Church board meeting -7 PM - Church Fellowship Room
Sunday October 11 - Adult Bible Study - 9:15 am - Church Basement.
- Worship Service - 10:30 am
Thursday October 15 - Community Dinner - 5:30 PM - Poplar Grove Church - Come to eat or serve.
Sunday October 18 - Adult Bible Study - 9:15 am - Church Basement.
- Worship Service - 10:30 am
Thursday- Sunday October 22-25 - Men's Camping Trip to Devil's Lake State Park - Talk to Gary if interested.
Sunday October 25 - Adult Bible Study - 9:15 am - Church Basement.
- Worship Service - 10:30 am - Hill family providing music.
Study/Growth Opportunities
Sunday Mornings - Adult Study - 9:15 am - Church Basement - Join us for a study on the book The Allure of Gentleness by Dallas Willard.
Wednesday Evenings - Adult Study and Potluck - 5:45 PM at Steve and Lynn Barrick's home. Studying the gospel of Mark.
Service Opportunities
Refreshments - Each week we enjoy some food and fellowship after the worship service. Please take a turn and sign up in the felllowship room.
Greeters - Every week we need someone to greet and hand out the bulletins. Just arrive a little early and take your turn at this simple but important service.
Community Dinners - Talk to Sandy Free if you want to help or are interested in eating there.
Caledonia Elementary School - Principal Kelly Cotter tells us she could use help in the following areas: testing students; picture day; reading to kids; making copies; helping in the classroom. If you have interest and can help, get in touch with her or the school by emailing kcotter@district100.com or calling the school at 815-547-1977
Halloween Night - We would love to hand out treats from our church. If you are interested please talk to Gary.
Blue Barrel - Let's focus on filling our blue barrel with food and paper goods once again!
Other News
Thanks - Thank you to all of you who provided food for our picnic on September 13. It was a delicious success. The pie and ice cream were such an added bonus. So thank you all so much!
Well Update - We have raised around $3,000 towards another well. We have a long ways to go. Do you have an idea for another way to raise money?
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