Bethlehem Lutheran Church Congregational Newsletter A Look Inside

Page 2 & 3

Music Notes by Jeremy Announcements Page 4 & 5

July & August Calendar Page 6 & 7 Faith & Everyday Life (LCN) Back Page

Office Information Christian Service

FAITH

July/August 2017 HOPE

LOVE

I was reading in a journal about a seminar that was held on “Human Values”. One speaker stressed the value of faith. Among other things he said: “Build faith into the lives of the people around you. Nothing is more powerful than the power of belief.” A second speaker in the same seminar said: “Go out and build hope into people.” A third speaker in the same seminar concluded the program by saying: “Show people love—real compassionate love. It is the most powerful healing force in the world.” I was thinking as I read this account of the seminar that these are the three foundations on which the church and the Christian community have rallied since the coming of Christ. And they are still the great virtues of the gospel of Jesus. “Nothing is more powerful than the power of Belief”. We are challenged to find ways to bring faith and the power to believe into the lives of others. That people need faith and someone to believe in this day of stress and tension is without argument. People are reaching out for something real that gives depth and meaning to existence.

Our Mission To equip servants who faithfully follow Jesus Christ. (Mathew 28:19-20) Our Vision To be a faithful, active church reaching out to all with love by: - Encouraging spiritual growth; - Strengthening disciples; - Sending out servants following Jesus Christ.

The second suggestion from the seminar was: “Build hope into people.” I try to be conscious during every worship service that there are people who come through the doors of the church and, unknown to me, are seeking a word of hope and encouragement. Life and its battles have worn them down. They are dragging inside. They are at a low ebb. The burdens and pains of life are closing in on them. They come to the church seeking a word of hope. The gift of hope and encouragement was something Jesus constantly and consistently gave to all he met. Through the gift of encouragement, Jesus brought out the very best in people. The world never outgrows its need for genuine Godly love. The people sitting in the pews are the ones who need it most. Pastors are quick to encourage them to give love, but we need to remember that they need love too. Many of them come from the pressures of a difficult and everchanging world. They are beaten down by the frustrations, heartbreaks and callousness of the society in which we are a part of. When they come to worship they need to know that their Good Shepherd is reaching out to them with love, understanding and help. From time to time I need a rekindling of the awareness that the qualities of faith, hope and love are gifts from God that are to be given as freely as they have been received. Blessing pk

Music Notes by Jeremy Neufeld Dog Days of Yester-morrow We are at the midpoint of the calendar year, but the end of the church year, at least in terms of major seasons. As I wrap up ‘last year’ and begin planning for the ‘next,’ I’m reminded of the summers in Minnesota where the June showers are long passed, July 4th fireworks have been admired (but the mosquito welts remain), and the still, humid, and long days of late July and August begin their laborious journey towards the first frost. I reminisce because, as much as the evergreen grandeur of the Pacific Northwest awes me, I do miss the distinction of the four seasons of the Midwest where the earth repaints its canvass every three months. The year’s journey is like a staircase: we have one foot in today and other both coming from yesterday and reaching for tomorrow. But the dog days of summer provide us with a virtual landing on the annual staircase, where both feet may stop to take rest. It is a time for physical, mental, and spiritual rejuvenation. We have journeyed from Christ’s death on the cross, to his resurrection, and the anointing of the Holy Spirit, and now we must look forward to His coming with the season of Advent following Reformation. But before we do, let us take a break to enjoy the memories of what God did yesterday and look forward to what He will do tomorrow. The following is the fifth installment in a series tracing our heritage of church worship, music, and liturgy from Christ to Martin Luther, in honor of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation this October. Part V – THE MEDIEVAL CHURCH (5th-11th Centuries) Rome is sacked! Due to invasions, coup de’ tats, and civil unrest, the once mighty Roman Empire that spanned nearly a millennium from 510 B.C to 530 A.D., has fallen. The courts and church find themselves blaming each other and the dispersion of leadership mingled with invading cultures and pagan religions has challenged the newly formed Western and Eastern churches. The Medieval period is a time of regression. Scholars in the 15th century would coin the term Medieval (meaning Middle Age) as they attempted to define the span between the Hellenistic period of knowledge, science, and art, and their own renaissance to such glory. In fact, the “great regression” of the Middle Ages was so widespread that it stunted not only cultural growth, but economic and theological enlightenment as well. As the Roman Empire crumbled, the 5th century saw mass exoduses of peoples throughout Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Invading tribes such as the Germanic peoples from central Europe, the Vikings from the north, the Hungarians from the east, and the Saracens from the south brought political and religious repression to most of the known world. However, during this time of unrest the Eastern Orthodox Church solidified its liturgy and worship practice. Two liturgies became standard: the Liturgy of St. Basil was used for Lent, Christmas, Epiphany and St. Basil’s Day, while the Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom was implemented the rest of the year. Orthodox worship distinguished itself from the Roman form in its reliance on “mystical” or “symbolic” worship. It was more a worship service of experience than of practice. Grand and ornate cathedrals dressed in elaborate vestments and brilliant colors give the illusion that the sanctuary is heaven itself, with the worshiper finding peace and joy in the company of saints and angels. The art of music was just as florid with verbose prayers and repetitive chants becoming standard (the Kyrie was sung 80 times during penitential prayers!). But due to the level of artistic quality and decree of the Council of Laodicea (see Part IV), worship was only performed by priests, the deacon, and choir. The virtual wall between the Laity and Clergy became further ensconced in the east. But hymnody thrived in the Orthodox rite; while the priest chanted in monodic form, the choir sang four-part unaccompanied hymns called troparia, antiphons, kontakia. The rule of “no instruments” is still observed to this day. 2 Article continues next page

In the west, the Roman Mass became the standard service, known as the Liturgy of the Upper Room (i.e. The Lord’s Supper). However, after the Liturgy of the Word, the uninitiated were dismissed and only the baptized were allowed to observe this rite. Each liturgy was unique to itself, but the combination is similar to what we use today in both Catholic and Lutheran churches, including the Ordinary parts of the Mass: Kyrie eleison, Gloria, Credo, Sanctus, and Agnus Dei. Other non-Eucharistic liturgies were used throughout the week known as “Services of the Hours” or “Offices.” These may include the singing of all 150 Psalms and both Greater and Lesser Canticles (songs found in Scripture outside Psalms). Offices include seven services: Matins/Lauds, Prime, Terce, Sext, None, Vespers, and Compline and were completed each day. This regimen of worship was best connected to the Benedictine Order founded by Benedict (480-543) and included Ambrosian hymns as well as the “O Antiphons” from which we get “O Come, O Come, Emmanual” (LBW #34). The Gloria Patri or Lesser Doxology (Gloria in excelsis Deo is the Greater Doxology) was commonly sung in its same form we use today. The sequence was also invented by the monks in the late 9th century and consisted basically of a sung phrase alternated by a spoken, unrhymed text. A major figure in music was Theodulph of Orleans (760-821) who established schools in both monasteries and villages for the purpose of training children in theology and music. His hymn “All Glory, Laud, and Honor” (LBW # 108) is still used today for Palm Sunday services. The hymn, “Come, Holy Ghost, Our Souls Inspire” (LBW #472-3) while anonymous, is attributed to Rhabanus Maurus, who served as both bishop and archbishop in the 9th century. But the most famous figures of this period are Gregory the Great (7th century) who established the Schola Cantorum leading to the all-male style of singing, and Pope Gregory II of the 8th century who codified melodic chant. Gregorian chants were unaccompanied, diatonic (of one key), limited in range, and un-metered tunes that followed the rhythm of the text. Examples in our hymnal include: VENI CREATOR SPIRITUS (LBW #472) and SPLENDOR PATERNAE (LBW #271).

May your summer be one of rest and peace remembering the words of Maurus, “Anoint and cheer our soiled face with the abundance of thy grace; keep far our foes, give peace at home; where thou art guide, no ill can come. Teach us to know the Father, Son, and thee, of both, to be but one; that through the ages all along, thy praise may by our endless song!” (LBW #472)

THANK YOU

ANNOUNCEMENTS

BLC Women Planning Meeting BLCW annual summer planning meeting will be held at the home of Barb Repanich on August 15th at 6:00 pm. A light supper and drinks will be served. We will be planning the 2017-2018 activities for the women’s group. More info to follow in our Sunday bulletins as the time gets closer. Any questions? Please call Jan Barnes at (425) 210-7393 or Barb Repanich at (360) 399-9390.

Thank You! Thank you to all the members of the congregation who for 10 plus years have provided food and service for the receptions at memorial services. It has been my pleasure to coordinate this activity, but, it is time to pass this responsibility on to someone with younger legs. Tammy Fadder has volunteered to take on the responsibility with the memorial receptions, she will be contacting you for help in the future. ~Sharon Gierhan 3

Sun

6 9:30 am W or sh ip Service/Sanctuary

Mon

AUGUST 2017

Tue 1 9:00 am Ch r istian Service/Fellowship A

Thu

2 6:30 pm/Celebr ation Band Rehearsal

3 7:15am M en’s Bible Study/Bob’s Burger & Brew 6:00 pm Mar ysville City Band Rehearsal/ Gym 7:00 pm Chim es

Wed

9

8 7:o0 pm Ch ur ch Council Meeting/Fireside RM

31

24

17 7:15am M en’s Bible Study/Bob’s Burger & Brew 9:30 am Altar Guild/Sanctuary 6:00 pm Mar ysville City Band Rehearsal/ Gym

10 6:00 pm Mar ysville City Band Rehearsal/ Gym

7 7:00 pm B oy Scouts/ Fellowship Hall A

15 16 9:00 am Ch r istian 6:30 pm/Celebr ation Service/Fellowship A Band Rehearsal 7:o0 pm Ch ur ch Council Meeting/Fireside RM

4:00 pm/Salvatio n Army Dinner 6:30 pm/Celebr ation Band Rehearsal

14 4:00 pm Eagle W ings Board Meeting 7:00 pm B oy Scouts/ Fellowship Hall A

21 22 23 6:30 pm Pr ayer S h aw l 7:00pm Mar th a’s Circle 6:30 pm/Celebr ation 7:00 pm B oy Scouts/ Band Rehearsal Fellowship Hall A

13 9:30am W o r sh ip Service/Sanctuary 10:30 am Pr oper ty & Grounds/Foyer

20 9:30 am W or sh ip Service/Sanctuary

30

6:30 pm/Celebr ation Band Rehearsal

28 7:00 pm B oy Scouts/ Fellowship Hall A

29 7:00 pm Mar th a’s Circle/Fireside RM

27 9:30 am W or sh ip Service/Sanctuary

Fri

12

5

11

19

4

18

25

26

Party

Sat

7:00pm Mar ysville 9:00am W ilcox Property Work City Band Concert

4

Sun

2 9:30 am W or sh ip Service/Sanctuary

3

Mon

JULY 2017

24 7:00 pm B oy Scouts/ Fellowship Hall A

4

Tue

5

Wed

Sat

6 7:15am M en’s Bible Study/Bob’s Burger & Brew 6:00 pm Mar ysville City Band Rehearsal/ Gym 7:00 pm Chim es/ Sanctuary

14

7

15 9:00am W ilcox Property Work Party

8

Fri

13 6:00 pm Mar ysville City Band Rehearsal/ Gym 7:00 pm Chim es/ Sanctuary

22

Thu

12 4:00 pm/Salvatio n Army Dinner 6:30 pm/Celebr ation Band Rehearsal

21

29

1

19 6:30 pm/Celebr ation Band Rehearsal

20 7:15am M en’s Bible Study/Bob’s Burger & Brew 9:30 am Altar Guild/Sanctuary 6:00 pm Mar ysville City Band Rehearsal/ Gym 7:00 pm Chim es

28

6:30 pm/Celebr ation

26

27 6:00 pm Mar ysville City Band Rehearsal/ Gym 7:00 pm Chim es/ Sanctuary 6:30 pm/Celebr ation Band Rehearsal

Band Rehearsal Office Closed Independence Day

11 9:00 am Ch r istian Service/Fellowship A 7:o0 pm Ch ur ch Council Meeting/ Fireside RM

25 7:00 pm Mar th a’s Circle/Fireside RM

17 18 4:00 pm Eagle W ings Board Meeting 6:30 pm Cub Sco uts/ Gym 6:30 pm Pr ayer S h aw l 7:00 pm B oy Scouts/ Fellowship Hall A

9 10 9:30am W o r sh ip 7:00 pm B oy Scouts/ Service/Sanctuary Fellowship Hall A 7:00 pm Pr op er ty & Grounds/Foyer

16 9:30 am W or sh ip Service/Sanctuary

23 9:30 am W or sh ip Service/Sanctuary

31 7:00 pm B oy Scouts/ Fellowship Hall A

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9:30 am W or sh ip Service/Sanctuary

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ethlehem Lutheran Church 7215 51st Ave. NE Marysville, WA 98270-4033

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

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Bethlehem Lutheran Church, ELCA

Church Staff

Church Office: 360-659-2022 Fax: 360-651-2772 www.blcmarysville.com

Rev. Kevin Forquer, Pasto r [email protected] Beth Hansen, Office Coordinator, [email protected] Butch Martin, Bookkeeper [email protected]

Office Hours Monday — Thursday 9:00 AM — 3:30 PM Closed Friday Closed for lunch from 12:00—12:30

Jeremy Neufeld, Director of Music Ministries [email protected]

Bethlehem Christian School

Kelly Stadum, School Director [email protected] | (360) 653-2882 | www.blcmarysville.com Sandy McNett, Office Manager [email protected]

Church Council President—Danny Miles Vice President—Karl Kloster Secretary—Kristin Savidge Treasurer—Butch Martin Administration Rep.—Pam Foote Worship—Jason Vallem

Education Rep.—Joe Finke Fellowship Rep.—Charisse Collins Outreach Rep.—Mary Muller Facilities Rep.—Dwayne Smith Financial Secretary—Twyla Lucas

Christian Service

LWR School Kit Drive Begins

Collection of school supplies for Lutheran World Relief and local groups begins in July and continues through September. You can help by picking up a bag at the display in the Fellowship Hall, filling it with the items on the enclosed list and returning it. This year our quilts were sent to India in January, Baby Care Kits to El Salvador in March, and New School Kits to Peru in April. Donating quilts and kits help ensure an adequate supply to send around the world to partners who request them, as well as in response to emergencies. “These supplies can mean the difference between getting an education or not. Public school is usually free, but in the places where LWR works, even a few required supplies, like pens and paper, may be more than many families can afford.” lwr.org/schoolkits. We also contribute kits to local families and school supplies to local schools. Thank you for your support. Watch for upcoming “Back To School Ads!” Christian Service meets 9am –noon, Tuesday, July 11 and August 1 in the Fellowship 8 Hall.