“The Association of Downtown Lutheran Churches celebrates the mission and ministry of the Lord
through congregations in downtown neighborhoods, sharing and developing ideas and programs by
communicating, networking and encouraging one another.”
Downtown
A Quarterly Publication of The Association of Downtown Lutheran Churches
c/o Historic First Lutheran Church, 808 N. Los Robles Ave., Pasadena, CA 91104
DowntownChurches@aol.com
Issue #15– January, 2012
IN THIS ISSUE:
WELCOME!
A warm welcome to this issue of “Downtown,” a newsletter full of interchange and exchange between downtown Lutheran churches around our great world (yes, we have “international members” not just in the United States, but also in Canada and even Hungary!) As your editor, it’s my hope you’ll find this a helpful, powerful resource to further equip and empower your ministry in the great downtown. As your editor, I can only accomplish that goal when you respond to the content of this newsletter and feed me information about what’s going on with your own particular ministry. Responses, comments, constructive criticisms, etc. can be directed to DowntownChurches@aol.com .
MISSION STATEMENT
“The Association of Downtown Lutheran Churches celebrates the mission and ministry of the Lord through congregations in downtown neighborhoods, sharing and developing ideas and programs by communicating, networking and encouraging one another.”
NEWSLETTERS STILL BEING SOUGHT
If you’ve not yet added the Association to receive your weekly or monthly newsletters, won’t you please do so today? It is guaranteed that every newsletter is indeed read! If your congregation publishes a printed newsletter, would you please add us to your mailing list? Please address them to Rev. Christopher Schaar, Historic First Lutheran, 808 N. Los Robles Ave., Pasadena, CA 91104-4317. If your congregation publishes an electronic newsletter, would you please add us to your e-dis list? Please send them to DowntownChurches@aol.com. If your e-news requires an email address to subscribe to receive your newsletter, please send notice of that fact to DowntownChurches@aol.com and we will make sure we subscribe.
SIXTH GATHERING IS IN THE PLANNING STAGES!
The Sixth Gathering of the Association of Downtown Lutheran Churches will be hosted by Historic Grace Lutheran in Springfield, IL from Friday 12 October through Sunday 14 October 2012. Please mark this on your calendars!
Our main presenter will be Rev. Dr. Stephen Bouman from the ELCA Churchwide Offices! This gathering will prove to be one you will not want to miss! Please plan and budget now to attend this gathering! Formal registration packets will be mailed around 1 June 2012.
CAN ANYONE HELP OR ADVISE?
One of the stated purposes of the Association is to encourage each other by sharing ideas. Maybe someone can help with this unusual situation!
More than 100 years ago, one of the founding families of Akron, Ohio, set apart a plot of ground in the newly developed downtown for a Lutheran church. Zion Lutheran was established on that plot of property and has faithfully carried out its ministry ever since, even purchasing an adjacent parcel of property to accommodate its growing ministry. The problem is that it is believed that the original plot of property was never transferred to the congregation, leaving much uncertainty about the true ownership of that now very valuable piece of real estate. Official property records from that era are very sketchy. Trying to locate a descendent of the original founding family has proven quite the challenge.
Has anyone ever heard of a similar situation, or maybe experienced a similar situation? Any words of advice or counsel? Pastor Josh Schoon would love to hear from you at josh_schoon@yahoo.com .
REVITALIZING CONGREGATIONS: A HIGH PRIORITY?
In case you missed it, you would do yourself a great favor to check out the Fall, 2011 issue of “Issues in Christian Education,” an online publication of Concordia University, Seward, Nebraska. Featured in this issue are the articles “Demographics and Transforming Congregations” (by Rev. Jeffrey Miller), “Revitalization: A God Idea?” (by Rev. Dr. Robert Newton) and “How Revitalization Can Happen” (by Rev. Terry Tieman).
If you haven’t already seen it, this excellent resource can be found at www.cune.edu/about/publications/issues-in-christian-education/issues-fall-2011 .
MIDWEEK WORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Many Lutheran churches these days, even large suburban congregations, are scaling back or altogether canceling midweek worship services, even during the seasons of Advent and Lent. The usual complaint is declining attendance at these services and the expense of such services (printing costs, heating and lighting costs and staff costs).
In the downtown venue, though, midweek worship services offer a wonderful way of bringing the downtown community into the doors of the downtown church. Some downtown churches have found a great niche in reaching fellow Lutherans who work downtown who otherwise wouldn’t attend services at their own suburban congregations. Other downtown churches use midweek worship as great outreach opportunities to reach non-Lutherans or the unchurched population working in the downtown area.
With the continued evolution of modern technology some cost of these midweek worship opportunities can be minimized by using excellent musical resources like the CD sets “Every Voice a Song” or “The Concordia Organist.”
What is your congregation doing with midweek worship opportunities? Please email your ideas and solutions to DowntownChurches@aol.com . We will share your ideas with others!
SPOTLIGHT ON DETROIT, MI
The visionary “Mother Church” of the Association of Downtown Lutheran Churches (it was the singular passion of Rev. Dr. David Eberhard that convened our first gathering in October, 1996), Historic Trinity Church in downtown Detroit continues to set the bar for downtown churches across the country and around the world!
A couple years ago, Historic Trinity Church (a downtown church with 1859 baptized members) engaged in a shared ministry with Our Shepherd Lutheran in Birmingham, MI (a suburban church with 1703 baptized members). Under this shared ministry partnership, pastors of both churches are “partner pastors” in both locations. In addition, the partnership has been involved in shared youth activities, Men’s Bible Studies, training and producing 20-30 Bible cell groups throughout metro Detroit, regular sharing time in sessions of church executive officers, discussing and challenging each other to greater ministries and providing deployed seminary training for vicars and trained lay ministers at each site.
In addition, while the State of Michigan and the City of Detroit are engaged in re-inventing themselves, so also is the church in the city engaging in a process to re-invent itself. The shared ministry of Historic Trinity and Our Shepherd is promoting “The Lutheran Church in the City” (LCC) as a self-supporting flexible organization throughout the City of Detroit. It is fostering contacts with developers and community representatives to allow LCC to become involved at the ground floor of these communities, engaging urban pioneers in discussion intended to maintain and improve the value of life in the city. On the horizon are Bible study groups at three locations along the Detroit river front, assisting the reestablishment of several parishes in the city, connecting people to areas where they can volunteer, beginning a legal and medical reference and assistance center and seeking other partnerships with suburban parishes and people.
A member of the LCMS, more information about Historic Trinity Lutheran’s outreach to downtown Detroit can be found at www.historictrinity.org and www.historictrinityinc.org .
SPOTLIGHT ON ALBANY, NY
Many people incorrectly assume that “the church” is only concerned about spiritual matters. St. John’s Lutheran in downtown Albany recently broke that stereotype by prominently advertising a “Faith Hike” on Saturday 14 January 2012 at the Albany Pine Bush Preserve. Hikers met at a neighboring Lutheran church for prayer and a brief devotion, followed by a hour-long hike, all the while taking in God’s creation. Prayer was also offered at the end of the hike. Skilled hiking guides had a trail map and first aid equipment.
A member of the ELCA, more information about St. John Lutheran’s outreach to downtown Albany can be found at www.stjohnsalbany.org .
SPOTLIGHT ON PITTSBURGH, PA
A number of years ago, Rev. Dr. David Gleason, Senior Pastor of First English Lutheran, envisioned a VBS program that would not only provide children with an opportunity to learn the Bible but also learn downtown Pittsburgh, believing that the church has a responsibility to teach children to love both Scripture and the city. What has resulted is known as “Camp Downtown,” a full-day, week-long, multi-congregational VBS program for children in kindergarten through grade 6, with young people in grades 7-12 serving as youth counselors. Mornings are spent exploring the Bible through various learning stations, with afternoons spent exploring Pittsburgh through various excursions around downtown. Last year, more than 50 children and young people participated in “Camp Downtown.” The program has proven so successful that a day-long winter event known as “Ice Fest” is sponsored in February.
In addition, again under the spiritual leadership of Pastor Gleason, the Worship Committee of First English Lutheran became united in the belief that worship opportunities should extend beyond their church doors into the greater downtown community. A “Prison Worship Team” was formed, with worship services now conducted at Allegheny County Jail. A new challenge has also surfaced. Due to the constant coming and going of inmates, First English Lutheran has established a goal of raising $1,000.00 to purchase 1,800 Bibles to place into the hands of the inmates! Talk about “doing unto the least of these” [Matthew 25:40]!
A member of the ELCA, more information about First English Lutheran’s outreach to downtown Pittsburgh can be found at flcpittsburgh.org .
SPOTLIGHT ON PORTLAND, OR
Church members at Central Lutheran Church are invited to enter “Soul Café,” a new online community that is a sacred space on the world wide web that enables geographically separated Lutherans to meet, interact and get to know each other through idea sharing and communication for real solutions to shared problems, issues and challenges facing the church today. This initiative places them ahead of the curve at a strategic period in their history when they can no longer afford to be behind it. Members are encouraged to log onto www.soulcafe.org and be part of the onset of this incredible new adventure.
A member of the ELCA, more information about Central Lutheran’s outreach to downtown Portland can be found at www.centralportland.org .
CLOSING
In closing, my sisters and brothers in Christ, my wish for each of you is simple: KEEP PREACHING THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST IN SEASON AND OUT OF SEASON FOR HE IS THE WAY, THE TRUTH AND THE LIFE. As you preach Jesus, may He bless you in all ways, enabling you to continue to bless those around you!
Joined with you serving Christ and His people,
The Reverend Christopher Schaar
Editor
Senior Pastor, Historic First Lutheran, Pasadena, CA
Downtown
A Quarterly Publication of The Association of Downtown Lutheran Churches
c/o Historic First Lutheran Church, 808 N. Los Robles Ave., Pasadena, CA 91104
DowntownChurches@aol.com
Issue #13– September, 2011
IN THIS ISSUE:
WELCOME!
A warm welcome to this issue of “Downtown,” a newsletter full of interchange and exchange between downtown Lutheran churches across our great country! As your editor, it’s my hope you’ll find this a helpful, powerful resource to further equip and empower your ministry in the great downtown. As your editor, I can only accomplish that goal when you respond to the content of this newsletter and feed me information about what’s going on with your own particular ministry. Responses, comments, constructive criticisms, etc. can be directed to DowntownChurches@aol.com .
MISSION STATEMENT
“The Association of Downtown Lutheran Churches celebrates the mission and ministry of the Lord through congregations in downtown neighborhoods, sharing and developing ideas and programs by communicating, networking and encouraging one another.”
NEWSLETTERS STILL BEING SOUGHT
If you’ve not yet added the Association to receive your weekly or monthly newsletters, won’t you please do so today? It is guaranteed that every newsletter is indeed read! If your congregation publishes a printed newsletter, would you please add us to your mailing list? Please address them to Rev. Christopher Schaar, Historic First Lutheran, 808 N. Los Robles Ave., Pasadena, CA 91104-4317. If your congregation publishes an electronic newsletter, would you please add us to your e-dis list? Please send them to DowntownChurches@aol.com. If your e-news requires an email address to subscribe to receive your newsletter, please send notice of that fact to DowntownChurches@aol.com and we will make sure we subscribe.
ADDING TO THE ADLC FAMILY
Congratulations and God’s richest blessings to Pastor Jason and Miranda Bredeson on the birth of Elizabeth Mae Bredeson, born on 29 October 2011 at 8:45 p.m. (19 inches; 6.5 pounds). Jason serves as pastor at Trinity Lutheran, Sacramento, CA, active participants in the Association. Elizabeth Mae holds the honor of being the youngest person to ever attend a Gathering of the Association, having attended the 5th Gathering in Pasadena, CA this past spring while still in Mom’s womb! The Association continues to grow!
SIXTH GATHERING IS IN THE PLANNING STAGES!
The Sixth Gathering of the Association of Downtown Lutheran Churches will be hosted by Historic Grace Lutheran in Springfield, IL from Friday 12 October through Sunday 14 October 2012. Please mark this on your calendars!
It’s exciting to report that we have received confirmation that The Reverend Dr. Stephen P. Bouman, Executive Director of Evangelical Outreach and Congregational Mission for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, will be our extended presenter on Saturday 13 October!
In addition, the Superintendent of the Lincoln Home Historic Site (the national park in which Historic Grace finds itself located) will bring greetings and talk about the relationship between Historic Grace and the national park and what that means for Downtown Springfield. A visit to the Lincoln home and Lincoln Museum is also being planned.
Within walking distance (or short driving distance) of Historic Grace are located the State Capitol of Illinois, the Lincoln Library, the Old State Capitol (site of the candidacy announcements for Presidents Lincoln and Obama) and Oak Ridge Cemetery, where President Lincoln and his family are buried.
This gathering will prove to be one you will not want to miss! Please plan and budget now to attend this gathering! Formal registration packets will be mailed early summer, 2012.
SPOTLIGHT ON SITKA, AK
That’s right! Sitka, Alaska has made its way into the “Downtown” Spotlight!
With a 2011 Population of 8,773, Sitka may seem like nothing compared with cities like Chicago, New York and Los Angeles, but Sitka does indeed have a very well defined downtown. Very prominent on the downtown Sitka skyline (and specifically mentioned in every tourist guide) is St. Michael’s Orthodox Cathedral. Across the street is Sitka Lutheran Church.
Downtown Sitka comes alive during the summer months as cruise ships tender passengers to the docks. Gift shops and restaurants are crowded. A line of tourists forms outside St. Michael’s (entrance fee is $5.00). Sitka Lutheran staffs its church with volunteers and welcomes people in (for free), offering use of its restrooms (a public convenience not found across the street at St. Michael’s).
Trained volunteer tour guides warmly welcome every tourist who walks through the door of Sitka Lutheran, not only telling them about the rich history of the church (established in 1840 by approval of the Russian Czar Nicholas I, who also granted a perpetual land deed to the congregation) and encouraging them to peruse the artifacts on display, but also inviting any musician to play its impressively handmade 1844 Kessler Organ #45, the first pipe organ on the West Coast of North America.
What a lesson to be learned! While many midweek downtown visitors find our churches locked and secured, Sitka Lutheran has mastered the “open door” policy, even serving freshly popped popcorn in the afternoons.
A member of the ELCA, more information about Sitka Lutheran’s outreach to downtown Sitka can be found at www.sitkalutheranchurch.org .
SPOTLIGHT ON PASADENA, CA
Urban dwellers often idolize their pets. What better way to connect with the people living in the neighborhoods around our churches than to plan a regular event just for their pets?
Such was the thinking of Deacon John Ochetti from Historic First Lutheran Church. Noting the popularity of its annual “Blessing of the Animals” (which Historic First actually celebrates not on St. Francis Day but on the Saturday before Palm Sunday, since its Palm Sunday procession recreates the original procession into Jerusalem, complete with sheep and goats and a donkey), Deacon Ochetti has established a “Doggie Ministry” on the first and third Saturday of every month. During this hour-long “ministry,” licensed and inoculated dogs enjoy running around the two-acre field while their human “parents” enjoy fellowship time (during which Deacon Ochetti regularly introduces theological topics and invites people to worship). New members and regular worshipers have been realized from this unique “ministry.”
A member of the LCMS, more information about Historic First Lutheran’s outreach to downtown Pasadena can be found at www.historicfirstlutheran.org .
SPOTLIGHT ON SAN FRANCISCO, CA AND PORTLAND, OR
Many of our large downtown church facilities are used by a number of other organizations (sometimes for free; sometimes for a rental fee). There is often a very noticeable divide separating the congregation from these other organizations. Two downtown churches are making admirable efforts to bridge and erase that divide.
Bethel Grace Lutheran Ministries sponsors an After School Program, largely attended by non-member children. These 29 families have been invited to attend the Annual Thanksgiving Luncheon following worship on Sunday 20 November. Church members are asked to bring a side dish or dessert to share, giving them a wonderful opportunity to warmly welcome these families and meet the children benefitting from this program. A member of the LCMS, more information about Bethel Grace Lutheran Ministries’ outreach to downtown San Francisco can be found at www.bethelgrace.com/BethelGraceLutheranMinistries .
The Portland Symphonic Girlchoir practices in the Fellowship Hall of Zion Lutheran every Monday and Tuesday afternoons. The 130 singers of the Girlchoir were invited to share their musical gifts during the 11:00 a.m. morning worship service at Zion on Sunday 13 November. A member of the LCMS, more information about Zion Lutheran’s outreach to downtown Portland can be found at www.zion-portland.org .
CLOSING
In closing, my sisters and brothers in Christ, my wish for each of you is simple: KEEP PREACHING THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST IN SEASON AND OUT OF SEASON FOR HE IS THE WAY, THE TRUTH AND THE LIFE. As you preach Jesus, may He bless you in all ways, enabling you to continue to bless those around you!
Joined with you serving Christ and His people,
The Reverend Christopher Schaar
Editor
Senior Pastor, Historic First Lutheran, Pasadena, CA
Downtown
A Quarterly Publication of The Association of Downtown Lutheran Churches
c/o Historic First Lutheran Church, 808 N. Los Robles Ave., Pasadena, CA 91104
DowntownChurches@aol.com
Issue #13– September, 2011
IN THIS ISSUE:
WELCOME!
A warm welcome to this issue of “Downtown,” a newsletter full of interchange and exchange between downtown Lutheran churches across our great country! As your editor, it’s my hope you’ll find this a helpful, powerful resource to further equip and empower your ministry in the great downtown. As your editor, I can only accomplish that goal when you respond to the content of this newsletter and feed me information about what’s going on with your own particular ministry. Responses, comments, constructive criticisms, etc. can be directed to DowntownChurches@aol.com .
MISSION STATEMENT
“The Association of Downtown Lutheran Churches celebrates the mission and ministry of the Lord through congregations in downtown neighborhoods, sharing and developing ideas and programs by communicating, networking and encouraging one another.”
THANKS
Since the distribution of our last newsletter, the following downtown ministries have graciously added the Association to their newsletter mailing lists or have added the Association to their electronic distribution list, listed here in alphabetical order:
“St. John’s Eaglet,” St. John Lutheran, Albany, NY;
“St. John’s Spokesman,” St. John Lutheran, Sacramento, CA;
The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, Seattle, WA
That leaves only about 400 of you out there still to share your news with the Association. Please rest assured that every single newsletter received IS INDEED READ, with information often gleaned to be included in future issues of “Downtown.”
NEW MEMBER WELCOME
It is with much joy that the Association of Downtown Lutheran Churches welcomes The Reverend Dr. Thomas R. Johnson as pastor of First St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in downtown Chicago. A founding congregation of the Association, First St. Paul’s also served in 1847 as the host congregation for the organizing convention of what is today The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. Welcome, Pastor Johnson!
SPRING GATHERING REPORT
The Fifth Gathering of the Association was held the end of April, 2011 at Historic First Lutheran, Pasadena, CA. Forty-five people registered for the gathering and enjoyed two-and-a-half FULL days of insightful greetings and presentations by speakers from The City of Pasadena, The Tournament of Roses Association, The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Concordia University Irvine, Lutheran World Relief and Fuller Seminary. The Hispanic Mission of Historic First Lutheran even provided an overabundant authentic feast for lunch on Saturday. Positive results were received on participant evaluation forms. The optional Monday add-on event, a full day urban hike of the diverse neighborhoods of downtown Los Angeles, was enjoyed by twelve participants.
A REMINDER ABOUT THE ASSOCIATION
Following our Spring Gathering, some less than complimentary comments were posted on the world wide web by non-participants of the gathering, bemoaning the fact that the Association is practicing syncretism by involving ALL Lutheran denominations and wondering why presenters from the ELCA and Fuller Seminary were included.
A reminder about the Association. We are not sponsored by any Lutheran denomination. We are an independent association of Lutheran pastors and congregations who find themselves carrying out Christ’s Great Commission in the downtown areas of our great American cities. We have discovered a camaraderie and a mutual support among ourselves that seem to be much more cohesive than our associations with other “urban” ministries.
The purpose of our gatherings is not to discuss theology since we are already painfully aware of the doctrinal differences that divide us along denominational lines. Instead, the purpose of our gatherings, as is indicated in our mission statement, is to celebrate “the mission and ministry of the Lord through congregations in downtown neighborhoods, sharing and developing ideas and programs by communicating, networking and encouraging one another.”
SIXTH GATHERING IS IN THE PLANNING STAGES!
The Sixth Gathering of the Association will be hosted by Historic Grace Lutheran in Springfield, IL from Friday 12 October through Sunday 14 October 2012. Please mark this on your calendars!
Historic Grace, founded in 1841, is the only Lutheran congregation of which we are aware to be located within the boundaries of a national park, the Abraham Lincoln National Historical Site. Historic Grace’s founding pastor was a neighbor and friend of Abraham Lincoln and Historic Grace had its start in the pastor’s home.
Formal registration packets will be mailed after Easter, 2012.
THEY SEEM TO BE GETTING IT
Many downtown churches have long felt that denominational and seminary leaders didn’t quite know what to do with “downtown” churches. Most leaders have long lumped “downtown” churches into
the generic categories of “urban” and “inner city.” And while “downtown” churches certainly are “urban” and “inner city,” they are also often very distinctive in personality. Many downtown churches have also long felt that denominational and seminary leaders view “downtown” churches as “the past” while viewing suburban and megachurches as “the future.”
Every once in a while a glimmer of assurance is seen that someone is getting it. Such is the case in the article entitled “Signs of the Times,” written by Dr. Dale Meyer, President of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, in the Winter 2011 issue of “Concordia Journal.” Pay close attention to these words:
“A growing Lutheran church in America will see more and more small congregations. Many of them will be ethnic. It is estimated that by 2050 one of every four Americans will be Hispanic while the white Anglo population of America will dip below 50 percent. Hispanic, African American, African immigrant, and Asian congregations must be a part of a growing twenty-first century Missouri Synod, not some backwater colonies of our predominant but rapidly aging white Anglo church. We’ll have to get comfortable with churches and fellow baptized who speak Spanish, Sudanese, Mandarin, and many other languages that first-generation immigrants are speaking. In the process, their children and grandchildren will likely learn English just as did German-speaking Grandpa Meyer’s grandchildren. More and more of these churches will be found in larger metropolitan areas, cities we’ve pretty much forsaken as we continued to depend upon mid-twentieth century white birth rates, as we moved to the suburbs and assumed that a younger oriented demographic would continue to sustain growth, and as we continue to follow missional and economic models that reflect a no longer existent church culture.”
Thanks be to God! They seem to be getting it!
SPOTLIGHT ON NORFOLK, VA & SAN DIEGO, CA
We’ve never before included a dual spotlight feature, but it seemed appropriate in light of the glimmer of assurance seen in the above article. Your editor has happened upon two intentional church plants in the downtown, one in Norfolk and one in San Diego. Both are the result of the intentional plan of suburban congregations to call and deploy a pastor to reclaim an under-served downtown region. [A similar story was told in Issue #8 of “Downtown,” available for viewing at the Association's website]
In Norfolk, the vision of Crossway Church is to minister to the “young adults” living among the 250,000 residents found within a 6-mile radius, plus the 30,000 professionals who work downtown every day. The goal is to connect the unchurched, de-churched, and lost young adults to a genuine faith in Christ Jesus and then to demonstrate through discipleship how to lead full, rich, Kingdom-impacting lives under the Cross of Christ. Current mission outreaches include opening its space Monday through Thursday 9:00 a.m. to Noon, offering free coffee and conversation for those who stop by; placing New Testaments on a table in front of their doors (finding a dozen or so taken on a daily basis!); filling a few shelves with new sneakers, socks, hats, gloves, coats and other items to help those in need; operating a small recording studio to create music that is glorifying to God while also connecting with the young adult population; personally sharing Jesus to over 300 people in a 10 month period, with 18 people committing their lives to Jesus Christ. A mission outreach of the LCMS, more information about Crossway Church’s outreach to downtown Norfolk can be found at www.cwnorfolk.com .
In San Diego, Transform San Diego is a network of individuals who gather throughout Downtown San Diego for various reasons. The establishing principle is that God has called people into relationship, relationship with Him and relationship with others. The goal is to see the love of Christ transform lives, and in turn, transform the city of San Diego. Transform San Diego meets together in homes, offices, bars and restaurants to grow in relationships with God, with each other, and with others in the community. Transform San Diego is a mission outreach of the LCMS.
SPOTLIGHT ON AKRON, OH
Emphasizing the distinct Lutheran understanding of the “Priesthood of All Believers,” Holy Trinity Lutheran encourages its members to stop by Room 202 before going to visit fellow members. In that room is found a small freezer containing soup. Holy Trinity also has a book and magazine lending library. Church members are encouraged to deliver soup, books and magazines to fellow church members. A member of the ELCA, more information about Holy Trinity Lutheran’s outreach to downtown Akron can be found at www.trinityakron.org .
SPOTLIGHT ON ST. LOUIS, MO
Historic Trinity Lutheran truly lives out a specific characteristic of being a “downtown church,” being a “Cathedral Ministry.”
As the “Mother Church” of The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod, the first church founded by the Saxons after their arrival in St. Louis in 1839 and pastored by Dr. C. F. W. Walther from 1841 (succeeding his brother who was founding pastor of Historic Trinity and served until dying of typhoid fever) to his own death in 1887, Historic Trinity will host a Synod-wide service on Sunday 23 October 2011 at 3:00 p.m. to celebrate the bicentennial of Dr. Walther’s birth. A member of the LCMS, more information about Historic Trinity’s outreach to downtown St. Louis can be found at www.trinitystlouis.com .
CLOSING
In closing, my sisters and brothers in Christ, my wish for each of you is simple: KEEP PREACHING THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST IN SEASON AND OUT OF SEASON FOR HE IS THE WAY, THE TRUTH AND THE LIFE. As you preach Jesus, may He bless you in all ways, enabling you to continue to bless those around you!
Joined with you serving Christ and His people,
The Reverend Christopher Schaar
Editor
Senior Pastor, Historic First Lutheran, Pasadena, CA
Registration materials for our “Build UP the Walls!” Gathering, Friday 29 April – Sunday 1 May, 2011, are in the mail to members and friends of The Association of Downtown Lutheran Churches. All materials, including schedules, transportation and accommodation information, registration forms and our roster of Presenters can also be viewed and downloaded here.
Downtown
A Quarterly Publication of The Association of Downtown Lutheran Churches
c/o Historic First Lutheran Church, 808 N. Los Robles Ave., Pasadena, CA 91104
DowntownChurches@aol.com
Issue #12– January, 2011
IN THIS ISSUE:
WELCOME!
A warm welcome to this issue of “Downtown,” a newsletter full of interchange and exchange between downtown Lutheran churches across our great country! As your editor, it’s my hope you’ll find this a helpful, powerful resource to further equip and empower your ministry in the great downtown. As your editor, I can only accomplish that goal when you respond to the content of this newsletter and feed me information about what’s going on with your own particular ministry. Responses, comments, constructive criticisms, etc. can be directed to DowntownChurches@aol.com .
MISSION STATEMENT
“The Association of Downtown Lutheran Churches celebrates the mission and ministry of the Lord through congregations in downtown neighborhoods, sharing and developing ideas and programs by communicating, networking and encouraging one another.”
NEXT GATHERING
SPOTLIGHT ON PHOENIX, AZ
Last year, Pastor Steve Massey from St. Paul Lutheran in Phoenix turned 50 years old (along with St. Paul’s). To celebrate the events, he trained to hike the Grand Canyon rim-to-rim in one day. On 30 September 2010, he completed the hike. He also made this an opportunity to financially support outreach for St. Paul and urban ministry throughout the Pacific Southwest District of The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod.
As part of this event, Pastor Massey started a blog: www.rim2rim4thecity.blogspot.com. One of the purposes of this blog is to network the urban church with other churches. The Lord has brought the nations into the backyards of our urban churches. Many times the urban churches do not have the manpower to run programs they desire, such as Vacation Bible School. This blog site can be used for the urban church to express ministry needs and another church can connect with that church to meet that need. Over $1,700.00 was raised for urban ministry.
In addition, St. Paul’s has started a “Magazine Round Table,” inviting members to recycle their read magazines (and also save money by not having to purchase a subscription to every magazine they may desire to peruse) by placing them on a designated table for other members to also enjoy. Stickers marked “St. Paul” are affixed over the mailing labels so people know to return the borrowed magazine when completed with it.
A member of the LCMS, more information about St. Paul Lutheran’s outreach to downtown Phoenix can found at www.stpaullutheran-az.com .
SPOTLIGHT ON RICHMOND, VA
Bethlehem Lutheran Church took outreach to a new level this past fall! An outreach activity involving students at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) took place during “Welcome Week.” Bethlehem passed out free hamburgers, veggie burgers, hot dogs and soft drinks. Literature about the church was available, along with announcements about upcoming opportunities in which students might get involved. Follow-up emails to students announced special events planned for them: a cooking course, a class on church architecture and symbolism, a class on defending the Christian faith and a meeting about ways that students can serve the greater community through the church. The goal of this event was to build bridges with students so that they might know Bethlehem and Bethlehem them so that some may also come to know or better know the Lord Jesus.
In addition, Bethlehem celebrated “Christmas in October,” collecting items to be delivered to homebound members during “Caroling to the Homebound” visits in December. All-occasion cards, combs, chap stick, hair brushes, hard candy, hand and body lotion, puzzle books, stationery and stamps, tooth brushes and toothpaste were all collected during October. Food and beverage items were collected during November and December.
A member of the LCMS, more information about Bethlehem Lutheran’s outreach to downtown Richmond can found at www.bethlehemlutheran-richmond.com .
SPOTLIGHT ON NAPA, CA
Many downtown churches support local food banks in a great variety of ways! St. John’s Lutheran put its own unique spin on this important mission. For the past two years, a two-acre plot of land next to the sanctuary has served as a community garden tended by an army of volunteers, raising hundreds of pounds of tomatoes, squash, cucumbers, potatoes, lettuce and other fresh produce. There’s even a flock of hens, doing their part in their moveable pen by eating bugs and weeds and laying eggs. Local food bank workers pick-up the fresh produce from St. John’s every day or two. As soon as the crops come in, they’re distributed to families in need, making the produce as fresh as possible. St John’s hosts open work parties on Saturday mornings, but volunteers are liable to drop in any time.
A member of the LCMS, more information about St. John’s Lutheran’s outreach to downtown Napa can found at www.stjohnslutheran.net .
SPOTLIGHT ON PORTLAND, OR
“Let none hear you idly saying, ‘There is nothing I can do.’” Way too often, downtown churches use their small size or struggling financial condition as excuses, saying, “Once we’re larger or have more money available, we plan to do something.” Instead of using that excuse, Zion Lutheran teamed up with a number of other faith-based organizations and social service agencies to impact downtown Portland through an event called “Downtown Compassion” last September.
Held at the Memorial Coliseum, many different volunteer services were provided: medical, dental, physical therapy, foot care, immunizations, social services, hair cuts, child care and even pet care. Upon opening, the swell of the crowd was overwhelming. Clients waited patiently in the center of the Coliseum until their appointment times were announced on the big screen. Initial numbers report 1,200 meals served, 600 immunizations given, 300+ medical or dental care clients, 140 prescriptions given out, 125 haircuts, and guests, as well as volunteers, were prayed with, listened to and cared for. The debriefing session agreed that even more volunteer staff members were needed for future events. Volunteers agreed that it was a humbling honor to have been a part of this event.
A member of the LCMS, more information about Zion Lutheran’s outreach to downtown Portland can found at www.zion-portland.org .
SPOTLIGHT ON AKRON, OH
Zion Lutheran Church has established a “Community Emergency Fund,” inviting church members to help those in need. Maybe unusual by downtown standards, Zion’s experience has been that many of the people seeking assistance are only seen once because theirs is a situation that requires short-term help. This new fund helps with utility bills, stranded motorists, transportation to medical treatment, food needs beyond what its food pantry has available, obtaining identification cards and countless other situations.
A member of the LCMS, more information about Zion Lutheran’s outreach to downtown Akron can found at www.ziononthehill.org .
SPOTLIGHT ON SPRINGFIELD, IL
Grace Lutheran Church has introduced a new feature in its newsletter called “Ask the Staff.” This feature allows members to ask questions about Grace’s mission and ministry and permits the appropriate staff member to provide important information so that members better know and understand what happens in downtown Springfield.
In addition, in preparation for its annual distribution of baskets at Thanksgiving and Christmas, Grace Church challenged its members to “think outside the box” and place a collection container at their work locations to collect canned goods, to ask members of non-church groups belonged to by members to donate food or money, to suggest that Christmas gift exchanges instead include contributions to the food baskets, or emailing non-member family and friends, asking for food or money for the baskets. All great ideas!
A member of the ELCA, more information about Grace Lutheran’s outreach to downtown Springfield can found at www.GraceLutheran-Springfield.com .
CLOSING
In closing, my sisters and brothers in Christ, my wish for each of you is simple: KEEP PREACHING THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST IN SEASON AND OUT OF SEASON FOR HE IS THE WAY, THE TRUTH AND THE LIFE. As you preach Jesus, may He bless you in all ways, enabling you to continue to bless those around you!
Joined with you serving Christ and His people,
The Reverend Christopher Schaar
Editor
Senior Pastor, Historic First Lutheran, Pasadena, CA
Downtown
A Quarterly Publication of The Association of Downtown Lutheran Churches
c/o Historic First Lutheran Church, 808 N. Los Robles Ave., Pasadena, CA 91104
DowntownChurches@aol.com
Issue #11– October, 2010
IN THIS ISSUE:
WELCOME!
A warm welcome to this issue of “Downtown,” a newsletter full of interchange and exchange between downtown Lutheran churches across our great country! As your editor, it’s my hope you’ll find this a helpful, powerful resource to further equip and empower your ministry in the great downtown. As your editor, I can only accomplish that goal when you respond to the content of this newsletter and feed me information about what’s going on with your own particular ministry. Responses, comments, constructive criticisms, etc. can be directed to DowntownChurches@aol.com .
MISSION STATEMENT
“The Association of Downtown Lutheran Churches celebrates the mission and ministry of the Lord through congregations in downtown neighborhoods, sharing and developing ideas and programs by communicating, networking and encouraging one another.”
A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT: JOY IN THE JOURNEY!
REACHING OUT IN THE GREAT DOWNTOWN
Remember the old Petula Clark song? “When you’re alone and life is making you lonely you can always go DOWNTOWN. When you’ve got worries, all the noise and the hurry seems to help, I know. DOWNTOWN. Just listen to the music of the traffic in the city. Linger on the sidewalk where the neon signs are pretty. How can you lose? The lights are much brighter there. You can forget all your troubles, forget all your cares, so go DOWNTOWN. Things will be great when you’re DOWNTOWN, no finer place for sure. DOWNTOWN! Everything’s waiting for you.”
So many years after that song hit the charts, it’s becoming a self-fulfilling prophecy. Statistics tell us that, after many years of fleeing to the “‘burbs,” people are discovering anew the secret of their ancestors: “Downtown is the place to be!”
Why do we have the monstrous, cavernous church buildings downtown? Because the streets and the houses used to be packed with people. Excited reports I have received from downtown churches across the country have confirmed what I myself have experienced in downtown ministry. There is again growth in our downtown churches. Not all that growth is simply coming from people commuting back in from the “‘burbs.” A lot of that growth is happening because of all those people moving back into the lofts and apartments and condos located DOWNTOWN. Property prices and quality of life issues are driving people back into our cities, back into our downtowns, back into our downtown churches. Praise God!
Brothers and sisters in Christ: do you and your congregation have a plan for dealing with the repopulation of the city that is either happening around you right now or is guaranteed to happen around you within the next few years? If you do, share those insights with the rest of us at DowntownChurches@aol.com .
THANKS
Since the distribution of our last newsletter, the following downtown ministries have graciously added the Association to their newsletter mailing lists or have added the Association to their electronic distribution list, listed here in alphabetical order:
That leaves only about 400 of you out there still to share your news with the Association. Please rest assured that every single newsletter received IS INDEED READ, with information often gleaned to be included in future issues of “Downtown.”
If you’ve not yet added the Association, won’t you please do so today? If your congregation publishes a printed newsletter, would you please add us to your mailing list? Please address them to Rev. Christopher Schaar, Historic First Lutheran, 808 N. Los Robles Ave., Pasadena, CA 91104-4317. If your congregation publishes an electronic newsletter, would you please add us to your e-dis list? Please send them to DowntownChurches@aol.com. If your e-news requires an email address to subscribe to receive your newsletter, please send notice of that fact to DowntownChurches@aol.com and we will make sure we subscribe.
NEXT GATHERING
The fifth gathering of the Association of Downtown Lutheran Churches will for the first time be located west of St. Louis. Historic First Lutheran Church of Pasadena, California will serve as host. The gathering is scheduled for the weekend after Easter, starting with a late afternoon hosted cocktail hour and dinner on Friday 29 April 2011, continuing through Sunday evening 1 May 2011.
We announce these dates now for calendar and budget planning purposes. Registration fee is expected to be $125.00, which will include several meals. Presenters from Lutheran World Relief, Fuller Seminary, Concordia University Irvine, The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod are already being secured. Formal registration packets, including airline, ground transportation and hotel information, will be snail mailed by 1 February 2011 to enable consideration and response prior to the start of Lent.
SPOTLIGHT ON AKRON, OH
As we all know, keeping the grounds of the church beautiful and appealing to both members and visitors alike takes a huge amount of constant labor and funding. Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Akron has started an “Adopt-a-Plot” program. Their gardens look great and they’d like to keep them that way. A map posted on the info-tower allows individuals or families to take summer “ownership” of a specific area of the church property.
(Just as a side note, if you have a beautifully landscaped property, outreach to your neighbors – both residential and daily business workers – might take a twist of allowing them to use your property for lunch breaks, etc.)
A member of the ELCA, more information about Holy Trinity’s outreach to downtown Akron can found at www.trinityakron.org
SPOTLIGHT ON CHICAGO, IL
Not a foreign topic to any of us, the maintenance and repair costs of generally old and constantly aging buildings create a huge burdens on the budgets of congregations.
In March, 2010, The Chicago Gazette Magazine spotlighted the plight of Historic St. Matthew Lutheran Church which has been ordered by the City of Chicago’s Building Department to make costly repairs, including replacing windows, tuckpointing the chimney, adding metal safety bars to the front doors, fixing the ceiling structure and repairing cement steps. That original article caught the attention of many willing to help and brought help from local congregations. That original article also touched the hearts of an architect and an engineer, who are volunteering their services to the church.
During the difficult task of raising enough funds to get all the work done, Pastor Julio A. Loza discovered a nonprofit group called “Partners for Sacred Places,” which provides training and technical assistance to congregations in making historic buildings handicapped accessible.
A member of the LCMS, more information about Historic St. Matthew Lutheran’s outreach to downtown Chicago (including it’s “El Comedor Popular” soup kitchen which serves 1,200 meals a month to the hungry and unemployed) can be found at www.stmatthewchicago.org .
Information about “Partners for Sacred Places” can be found at www.sacredplaces.org .
SPOTLIGHT ON SAN FRANCISCO, CA
Most of us downtown churches conduct community outreach programs. Many times congregation members don’t actually connect with the members of the community reached by those outreaches. Bethel Grace Lutheran Ministries has developed a wonderful idea to connect congregation members with the 26 children and families enrolled in their summer program.
“Prayer Pictures” have been posted in a public area. Congregation members are invited to take home a “Prayer Picture” from the posting area. Each “Prayer Picture” includes a photo of the child and a few informational items. Congregation members are asked to pray for the child and its family daily that they may believe in Jesus as their Savior, be baptized and become active disciples in Bethel Grace Lutheran Ministries.
A member of the LCMS, more information about Bethel Grace’s outreach to downtown San Francisco can be found at www.bethelgrace.com/BethelGraceLutheranMinistries .
CLOSING
In closing, my sisters and brothers in Christ, my wish for each of you is simple: KEEP PREACHING THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST IN SEASON AND OUT OF SEASON FOR HE IS THE WAY, THE TRUTH AND THE LIFE. As you preach Jesus, may He bless you in all ways, enabling you to continue to bless those around you!
Joined with you serving Christ and His people,
The Reverend Christopher Schaar
Editor
Senior Pastor, Historic First Lutheran, Pasadena, CA
Downtown
A Quarterly Publication of The Association of Downtown Lutheran Churches
c/o Historic First Lutheran Church, 808 N. Los Robles Ave., Pasadena, CA 91104
DowntownChurches@aol.com
Issue #10 – August, 2010
IN THIS ISSUE:
WELCOME!
A warm welcome to this issue of “Downtown,” a newsletter full of interchange and exchange between downtown Lutheran churches across our great country! As your editor, it’s my hope you’ll find this a helpful, powerful resource to further equip and empower your ministry in the great downtown. As your editor, I can only accomplish that goal when you respond to the content of this newsletter and feed me information about what’s going on with your own particular ministry. Responses, comments, constructive criticisms, etc. can be directed to DowntownChurches@aol.com .
MISSION STATEMENT
“The Association of Downtown Lutheran Churches celebrates the mission and ministry of the Lord through congregations in downtown neighborhoods, sharing and developing ideas and programs by communicating, networking and encouraging one another.”
YOUR EDITOR’S PERSONAL THANKS!
On Sunday 9 May (Mother’s Day) I sent a long, emotional email to all of you relating the drama surrounding the adoption of my nephew, Luke Gregory Robbins. My sister and brother-in-law, Julie and Pastor Greg Robbins, had quickly driven from Southern California to Indiana to adopt newborn Luke, who was born on Tuesday 4 May. On Mother’s Day, the birth mother changed her mind, declining to release her parental rights of Luke to Julie and Greg. I emailed you, asking for prayers for peace and for a miracle. Many of you responded to that email. God is good! That very same evening, the birth mother changed her mind again, legally releasing her parental rights to Julie and Greg. We were able to baptize Luke into the family of God at Historic First Lutheran Church of Pasadena on Father’s Day, 20 June 2010. THANK YOU to all who lifted up Julie and Greg (and the rest of us family) in prayer, claiming God’s miraculous ways in our lives. We are grateful for your prayers, your support and your love!
THANKS
Since the distribution of our last newsletter, the following downtown ministries have graciously added the Association to their newsletter mailing lists or have added the Association to their electronic distribution list, listed here in alphabetical order:
That leaves only about 400 of you out there still to share your news with the Association. Please rest assured that every single newsletter received IS INDEED READ, with information often gleaned to be included in future issues of “Downtown.”
If you’ve not yet added the Association, won’t you please do so today? If your congregation publishes a printed newsletter, would you please add us to your mailing list? Please address them to Rev. Christopher Schaar, Historic First Lutheran, 808 N. Los Robles Ave., Pasadena, CA 91104-4317. If your congregation publishes an electronic newsletter, would you please add us to your e-dis list? Please send them to DowntownChurches@aol.com. If your e-news requires an email address to subscribe to receive your newsletter, please send notice of that fact to DowntownChurches@aol.com and we will make sure we subscribe.
NEXT GATHERING
The fifth gathering of the Association of Downtown Lutheran Churches will for the first time be located west of St. Louis. Historic First Lutheran Church of Pasadena, California will serve as host. The gathering is scheduled for the weekend after Easter, starting with a late afternoon happy hour and catered dinner on Friday 29 April 2011, continuing through Sunday evening 1 May 2011. We announce these dates now for calendar and budget planning purposes. Registration fee is expected to be $125.00, which will include several meals. Presenters from Fuller Seminary, Concordia University Irvine, The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod are already being secured. Formal registration packets, including airline, ground transportation and hotel information, will be snail mailed by 1 February 2011 to enable consideration and response prior to the start of Lent.
EVANGELISM / OUTREACH IN THE GREAT DOWNTOWN
A new member of the Association recently contacted our administrative offices to ask about evangelism / outreach ideas that work in downtown “neighborhoods.” That’s a great question because we all know that evangelism and outreach in the downtown is different and even more difficult from the challenges experienced by suburban and rural ministries.
Not to make this sound easy in any way (for it’s not) but the key to evangelism in downtown “neighborhoods” involves stepping out of the box of traditional evangelism approaches. The key to connecting with daytime business visitors (and the permanent residents moving back into our downtowns) is to get the church open AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE during the week. Signage is very important. Some ideas to consider to get the church open during the week include:
What success have you found in carrying out evangelism / outreach in your local community?? Share your ideas at Downtownchurches@aol.com and we’ll include them in future issues of “Downtown.”
“LAST ON GRANT”
That’s the title of the newly published book by The Reverend Dr. Philip H. Pfatteicher, recently retired Associate Pastor of First English Evangelical Lutheran Church, Pittsburgh, PA. Last on Grant is the fascinating, exhaustive history of the congregation from 1836 to 2010. The title comes from the fact that First English Church is the last church community on Grant Street, completely surrounded by high rise office buildings. Published by Lutheran University Press in Minneapolis, copies may be ordered from First English Church at flc@flcpittsburgh.org .
SPOTLIGHT ON WASHINGTON, D.C.
New missions and ministries in historic downtown churches deserve to be celebrated!
First Trinity Lutheran Church in Washington, D.C. has a long and impressive history of starting new congregations. Since 1852, First Trinity has been in mission and has spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ by starting 5 congregations. But the members and staff of First Trinity don’t believe that’s enough! They don’t believe their work of starting missions is over!
A new mission is in the works! A community targeting people between the ages of 18 and 29 is in the planning! These target people are both less religious than older Americans, yet also in other ways remain fairly traditional in their religious beliefs and practices. First Trinity’s study of these target people moving into the nation’s capitol finds that they are looking for community and opportunities for service. What direction this new mission will take remains to be seen, but this venture is being surrounded in prayer. Each of your prayers is requested in this new venture, asking God to bless the spread of His saving message.
A member of the ELCA, more information about First Trinity Lutheran’s outreach to downtown Washington, D.C. can be found at www.firsttrinitydc.org .
SPOTLIGHT ON BOSTON, MA
An early supporter of the Association of Downtown Lutheran Churches, First Lutheran Church of Boston has shown its continuing support of mission and ministry in the downtown by granting its pastor, The Reverend Ingo Dutzmann, an extended sabbatical. Such sabbatical, not uncommon in suburban churches, but not at all common in downtown churches, is meant to bless the pastor with a time away from the burdens of daily ministry and an opportunity to broaden his or her ministry perspective.
In this specific instance, Pastor Dutzmann will be spending his time studying ministries located in various downtowns. Perhaps some of you have already been contacted by Pastor Dutzmann, asking you to spend some time with him. He hopes to return to his own congregation at the end of his sabbatical inspired and reinvigorated by the challenges and promises of downtown ministry.
All of us in the Association look forward to hearing Pastor Dutzmann’s discoveries uncovered during his sabbatical.
A member of the LCMS, more information about First Lutheran’s outreach to downtown Boston can be found at www.flc-boston.org .
SPOTLIGHT ON LEAWOOD, KS
Lord of Life Lutheran Church, a new member of the Association, sponsored a “Congregational Serve Day” on Saturday 1 May. The event was a service to the elderly and disabled who cannot perform some simple home-ownership tasks like interior or exterior painting or springtime lawn clean-up. Lord of Life partnered with Metropolitan Lutheran Ministries in this one-day event.
A member of the LCMS, more information about Lord of Life Lutheran’s outreach to downtown Leawood can be found at www.lordlife.com .
SPOTLIGHT ON AUSTIN, TX
St. Paul Lutheran Church has found a creative solution for the guilt experienced by some members and regular worshipers who contribute electronically. If electronic giving seems unsatisfying because people don’t participate in giving an offering during the worship service, St. Paul’s has created an “E-Giving Ticket,” which are available from a table in the narthex. When the offering plate is passed, the “E-Giving Ticket” can be placed into the offering plate as a token of the commitment of faithful giving.
A member of the LCMS, more information about St. Paul’s outreach to downtown Austin can be found at www.stpaulaustin.org .
CLOSING
In closing, my sisters and brothers in Christ, my wish for each of you is simple: KEEP PREACHING THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST IN SEASON AND OUT OF SEASON FOR HE IS THE WAY, THE TRUTH AND THE LIFE. As you preach Jesus, may He bless you in all ways, enabling you to continue to bless those around you!
Joined with you serving Christ and His people,
The Reverend Christopher Schaar
Editor
Senior Pastor, Historic First Lutheran, Pasadena, CA
Downtown
A Quarterly Publication of The Association of Downtown Lutheran Churches
c/o Historic First Lutheran Church, 808 N. Los Robles Ave., Pasadena, CA 91104
DowntownChurches@aol.com
Issue #9 – May, 2010
IN THIS ISSUE:
WELCOME!
A warm welcome to this issue of “Downtown,” a newsletter full of interchange and exchange between downtown Lutheran churches across our great country! As your editor, it’s my hope you’ll find this a helpful, powerful resource to further equip and empower your ministry in the great downtown. As your editor, I can only accomplish that goal when you respond to the content of this newsletter and feed me information about what’s going on with your own particular ministry. Responses, comments, constructive criticisms, etc. can be directed to DowntownChurches@aol.com .
MISSION STATEMENT
“The Association of Downtown Lutheran Churches celebrates the mission and ministry of the Lord through congregations in downtown neighborhoods, sharing and developing ideas and programs by communicating, networking and encouraging one another.”
SPECIAL DEDICATION
This ninth issue of “Downtown” is dedicated in honor of the retirement of The Reverend Dr. Philip Pfatteicher on Sunday 6 June 2010. Pastor Pfatteicher will enter this new era in his life and ministry after 50 years in the Holy Ministry and 11 ½ years of faithful ministry as Associate Pastor at First Lutheran Church in Pittsburgh. Those desiring to send congratulatory greetings may do so in care of First Lutheran Church, 615 Grant St. Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Well done, good and faithful servant!
FUTURE DEDICATIONS
If you have suggestions for future issues of “Downtown” to be dedicated in memory of or in honor of other great veterans of downtown ministry, please do not hesitate to pass that suggestion along to DowntownChurches@aol.com .
THANKS
Since the distribution of our last newsletter, the following downtown ministries have graciously added the Association to their newsletter mailing lists or have added the Association to their electronic distribution list, listed here in alphabetical order:
That leaves only about 400 of you out there still to share your news with the Association. Please rest assured that every single newsletter received IS INDEED READ, with information often gleaned to be included in future issues of “Downtown.”
If you’ve not yet added the Association, won’t you please do so today? If your congregation publishes a printed newsletter, would you please add us to your mailing list? Please address them to Rev. Christopher Schaar, Historic First Lutheran, 808 N. Los Robles Ave., Pasadena, CA 91104-4317. If your congregation publishes an electronic newsletter, would you please add us to your e-dis list? Please send them to DowntownChurches@aol.com . If your e-news requires an email address to subscribe to receive your newsletter, please send notice of that fact to DowntownChurches@aol.com and we will make sure we subscribe.
IMPORTANT TOPICS!
With the distribution of each issue of “Downtown,” we receive emails from those who aren’t pastors or leaders of downtown churches, sometimes apologizing for “spying” on our conversations and conveying how they also enjoy and find helpful the information in “Downtown.” So, if you’re one of our non-downtown readers, WELCOME! We’re happy to provide insights to you as well! While the specific focus of this newsletter is upon the mission and ministry happening in the great downtowns of North America, we know that many of these items are helpful to mission and ministry everywhere.
INCREASE OUR INFLUENCE
Each issue of “Downtown” is the product of multiple (easily 25 or more) hours of internet research, church newsletter perusal, typing, lay-out and distribution. Each issue is a great investment of time. While our mailing list contains about 450 addresses, our e-distribution list is less than half that number. Would you please help us increase that e-distribution? There are two things you can do:
1) Talk up “Downtown” among all your ministry colleagues, laboring in downtown ministries or non-downtown ministries. We are particularly finding it difficult to locate many of our downtown ministries on the world wide web (many of our downtown ministries sadly have no web site) in order to invite them to join our e-dis list. If you could please share “Downtown” with other clergy and church leaders, that would be appreciated! Encourage them to sign-up to receive their own copy by sending an email to DowntownChurches@aol.com .
2) Invite your lay members to become readers of “Downtown.” If you could please include a blurb in your weekly bulletins or monthly newsletters, asking your laity to check out past issues of “Downtown” at www.downtownlutheranchurches.org, also encouraging them to sign-up to receive their own copy by sending an email to DowntownChurches@aol.com .
NEXT GATHERING
Based upon discussion at our last gathering in October, 2009, it was decided that our next gathering should be scheduled for the spring of 2011. It was also decided that the next gathering should be in California (so far we’ve had three gatherings in the Midwest and one in Florida). Our next gathering is admittedly a year from now, but we wanted to invite you to begin thinking about and planning for our next time together. Tentative dates will be the weekend of the Third Sunday of Easter, 2011. The gathering will either be at Trinity Lutheran in Sacramento, CA or at Historic First Lutheran, Pasadena, CA. We’ll keep you posted as plans develop.
SPOTLIGHT ON LONG BEACH, CA
Each night, after church activities are ended, a few cars enter the inner parking lot at First Lutheran Church. The security guard opens the gate, receives a brief application and issues a permit to park. The bathrooms are open. Waste containers are available. The folks living in their cars have a safe place to sleep at night. “Overnighters” leave before preschool activities commence the next morning. City officials and police are supportive of providing this safe haven for some of the 5,000 homeless in the neighborhood. This special outreach has been dubbed the “Parking Ministry.”
A member of the LCMS, more information about First Lutheran’s outreach to downtown Long Beach can be found at www.FirstLB.org .
SPOTLIGHT ON MILWAUKEE, WI
Downtown churches are typically known for their daring, creative “tweaks” to traditional mission and ministry. Such is the case with Grace Lutheran Church in downtown Milwaukee which recently celebrated the Ascension of our Lord not with a worship service in the church, but with a potluck mission dinner in the Grace Center. Dinnerware and drinks were provided by the church and college students ate for free (no need to bring anything). The special program included the showing of a DVD called “Road to Emmaus,” a chancel drama about Christian witnessing. In addition, nurses from Grace Church who just returned from relief trips to Haiti were interviewed. The evening concluded at 8:00 p.m. with the singing of Ascension hymns and mission songs. A special collection was received to benefit a special mission project.
As yet another creative “tweak,” Grace Place Coffee Shop is now pleased to offer for sale Christian books, Bible study aids, daily devotions, along with greeting cards, CDs and Grace Place’s custom coffee. Talk about a powerfully practical outreach to downtown neighbors and daily work “visitors!”
A member of the WELS, more information about Grace Lutheran’s outreach to downtown Milwaukee can be found at www.gracedowntown.org .
SPOTLIGHT ON MINNEAPOLIS, MN
Bishop Peter Rogness, in “Ending Poverty – A 20/20 Vision” has written, “We believe it is the Creator’s intent that all people are provided those things that protect human dignity and make for healthy life: adequate food and shelter, meaningful work, safe communities, healthcare and education.” To that end, Central Lutheran Church’s substantial “Restoration Center” provides community meals every Monday; financial assistance to help with co-pays for glasses, prescriptions, dental work; public transportation assistance; referrals for housing, employment and other resources; assistance with writing resumes and cover letters; clothing distribution; caring nurses who assist with basic health care needs in the Augsburg Nursing Center three days a week.
In a creative way to celebrate its history, the anniversary of the first worship service of Central Lutheran Church on Passion (Palm) Sunday 1919 has been commemorated on Passion Sunday ever since. A long-standing tradition is for the Congregation Council President-Elect to issue a “Founders’ Day Proclamation.” Such proclamation is published on Central’s website.
A member of the ELCA, more information about Central Lutheran’s outreach to downtown Minneapolis can be found at www.centralmpls.org .
SPOTLIGHT ON PASADENA, CA
At the beginning of 2010, Pastor Christopher Schaar, Senior Pastor of Historic First Lutheran Church, started a special ministry. Following the example of Father Maurice Chase, who has been dubbed by the media as “Father Dollar Bill,” Pastor Schaar has begun passing out dollar bills to the homeless who stand on the street corners of Pasadena.
As the economy has declined to its current position, Pastor Schaar heard comments from some of his parishioners that they would like to help those who are homeless and standing on street corners. Those parishioners expressed concern, though, as to how they would know who was authentically in need. Some women also expressed concern about their own personal safety in passing money through car windows. Encouraged by those parishioners, Pastor Schaar committed a dollar out of his own pocket every day and made that ministry available also to members of his congregation. Those parishioners pass their dollar bills to Pastor Schaar at the exit doors after worship (it sometimes look like they are tipping the pastor for a fine service and sermon) and Pastor Schaar adds those gifts to his own contributions and daily distributes those dollar bills to those he sees daily and knows are authentic.
A member of the LCMS, more information about Historic First Lutheran’s outreach to downtown Pasadena can be found at www.historicfirstlutheran.org .
CLOSING
In closing, my sisters and brothers in Christ, my wish for each of you is simple: KEEP PREACHING THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST IN SEASON AND OUT OF SEASON FOR HE IS THE WAY, THE TRUTH AND THE LIFE. As you preach Jesus, may He bless you in all ways, enabling you to continue to bless those around you!
Joined with you serving Christ and His people,
The Reverend Christopher Schaar
Editor
Senior Pastor, Historic First Lutheran, Pasadena, CA
WELCOME!
MISSION STATEMENT
“The Association of Downtown Lutheran Churches celebrates the mission and ministry of the Lord through congregations in downtown neighborhoods, sharing and developing ideas and programs by communicating, networking and encouraging one another.”
AN OUTSIDE EAR AND VOICE
Sometimes an outside ear can hear things that insiders can’t hear – or don’t want to hear. Sometimes an outside voice can say things that insiders can’t say – or don’t want to say.
With that in mind, Rev. Christopher Schaar, your editor and Leader of the Association of Downtown Lutheran Churches, has embarked on a new personal ministry. He is making himself available as a consultant to downtown churches across the country. With 16 years experience in downtown ministry, not counting the three years he spent as a Seminary student at Historic Trinity Church in St. Louis, Rev. Schaar hopes this new ministry might prove to be the turning point in the ministries of many downtown churches.
What Rev. Schaar envisions is the opportunity to sit down with the staff, leaders and members of downtown churches to listen to their hopes and fears of the present and the future, and provide encouragement and creative direction to them. He will conduct advanced study on each specific ministry location, then meet with staff, leaders and members over several days, typically a Thursday through Sunday. He will be available to lead Sunday morning adult Bible class and preach at worship services. He will guide and mentor staff and leaders during the months following his visit, with the intent of better equipping and empowering downtown churches to overcome their fears and achieve their dreams.
This is offered to downtown churches and ministries at no consultation cost. Rev. Schaar does ask for reimbursement for his out-of-pocket expenses, including airfare, hotel and rental car (to enable him to survey the area on his own). Only a couple of these consultations are available annually.
Interested downtown churches are encouraged to contact Rev. Schaar at Downtownchurches@aol.com .
THANKS!
Since the distribution of our last newsletter, the following downtown ministries have graciously added the Association to their newsletter mailing lists or have added the Association to their electronic distribution list, listed here in alphabetical order:
“Grace Notes,” Grace Lutheran, Springfield, IL;
“The News Around First,” First Lutheran, Chattanooga TN;
“The Word,” St. Paul Lutheran, Austin, TX
That leaves only about 400 of you out there still to share your news with the Association. Please rest assured that every single newsletter received IS INDEED READ, with information gleaned to be included in future issues of “Downtown.”
If you’ve not yet added the Association, won’t you please do so today? If your congregation publishes a printed newsletter, would you please add us to your mailing list? Please address them to Rev. Christopher Schaar, Historic First Lutheran, 808 N. Los Robles Ave., Pasadena, CA 91104-4317. If your congregation publishes an electronic newsletter, would you please add us to your e-dis list? Please send them to DowntownChurches@aol.com . If your e-news requires an email address to subscribe to receive your newsletter, please send notice of that fact to DowntownChurches@aol.com and we will make sure we subscribe.
SPOTLIGHT ON PITTSBURGH, PA
The Downtown Ministerium’s winter event (a one-day “winter Vacation Bible School”) for children in kindergarten through sixth grade (with youth in grades 7-12 serving as camp counselors) was held on 27 February at First Lutheran Church of Pittsburgh. Under the theme “Fire and Ice,” during the morning the children learned about Moses’ encounter with God at the burning bush through music, crafts and other activities. During the afternoon, the campers went ice skating at PPG Place. The suggested donation of $15.00 included a t-shirt, lunch and ice skating. Scholarships were available for cases of financial need.
A member of the ELCA, more information about First Lutheran’s outreach to downtown Pittsburgh can be found at www.flcpittsburgh.org .
SPOTLIGHT ON SAN FRANCISCO, CA
An intentional merger of two historic downtown churches, Bethel Grace Lutheran Ministries proves how diverse is today’s great downtown! A recent review of their members and friends who attend regularly showed that they are indeed a very diverse group of believers. Of the 115 people, 37 are Caucasian, 36 are African American, 35 are Asian, 4 are Hispanic and 2 are in the “other” category. Pastor Terry Chan notes, “Not many congregations are so well mixed but it reminds us that this diversity is a picture of what Heaven will look like one day.”
A member of the LCMS, more information about Bethel Grace Lutheran Ministries’ outreach to downtown San Francisco can be found at www.bethelgrace.com/BethelGraceLutheranMinistries .
SPOTLIGHT ON ST. LOUIS, MO
“Bloom where you’re planted!” That’s exactly what Historic Trinity Lutheran has been doing for the past 161 years it’s been located on the south side of downtown St. Louis, including since 1864 at the corner of 8th and Soulard. Historic Trinity has ridden the wave of regentrification in it’s immediate neighborhood over the past 20 years. In addition, capitalizing on its status as the “Mother Church” of the entire St. Louis area and The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod, Historic Trinity has also seen the influx of new members who drive into the city from the suburbs. “Blooming where it’s been planted” perfectly describes the mission and ministry of Historic Trinity Church.
But all the growth and vitality at its current location hasn’t kept the leaders and members of Historic Trinity from dreaming about the present and future. A few years ago, the realization was made that the entire central core of downtown St. Louis was absent any Lutheran presence. Even 20 years ago that would not have been important as the central core was simply the home to large offices and abandoned warehouses, a virtual ghost town on evenings and weekends. More recently, though, a thriving loft district has flourished in the central core, with lots of younger singles and newlyweds buying or renting the newly developed residential lofts.
To meet the spiritual needs of those new inhabitants of downtown St. Louis, Historic Trinity founded “Vintage 10,” a second-site ministry about 10 minutes from Historic Trinity, in the very heart of the loft district. The “Vintage 10″ ministry, led by Historic Trinity’s Associate Pastor, Rev. Jason Rust, moved on All Saints’ Day 2009 into its first permanent worship location, located under a newly opened wine bar. A unique partnership was effected between Historic Trinity and the wine bar owner, which provided some financing to the owner through a loan secured from the Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF). “Vintage 10″ is distinctively contemporary in its approach to worship and ministry, while retaining historic Christianity (thus the name “Vintage”). “Vintage 10″ worshipers are definitely post-modern in their thinking.
This is a wonderful example of “Blooming where you’re Planted” while also being concerned about the “garden opportunities” in other areas of the city.
A member of the LCMS, more information about Historic Trinity Lutheran’s outreach to downtown St. Louis can be found at www.trinitystlouis.com . More information specifically about Vintage 10 can be found at www.vintageten.net .
SPOTLIGHT ON SPRINGFIELD, IL
Probably the only Lutheran church located within the boundaries of a National Park (The Lincoln Home Historic Site), Grace Lutheran tackled a common, recurrent problem facing all downtown churches and rose to the challenge a few years ago to purchase a small (60 space) public parking lot across the street from the church, at great cost (approximately $500,000.).
Ultimate dreams for that property include the construction of underground parking with a several story building on top, housing a creative multi-purpose area for worship, meetings, and child care. Apartments for senior members of the congregation would be on the floor above that.
Meanwhile, Grace Church rents the majority of the spaces on a monthly permit basis to those working in downtown Springfield (this income is considered “unrelated business income” and is subject to income tax by the congregation). Some parking spaces are reserved 24/7 for Grace Church staff and visitors.
The property is also currently used as a unique ministry. Senior Pastor, Rev. Tom Christell, and his wife were vacationing in a tourist area some time back when they happened upon a church parking lot manned by an older gentleman, sitting in front of a sign “Parking Lot Ministry.” The man explained to Pastor Christell that his volunteer efforts raised money for his church that owned the parking lot. A “copy-cat” idea was spawned in Pastor Christell’s mind and he has started “Pastor’s Parking Lot Ministry.” He mans the parking lot on Saturdays when big events are happening in Springfield, including President Barack Obama’s announcement of Vice-President Joe Biden as his running mate from the steps of the Old State Capitol. A tax-deductible receipt is issued parkers, with the fee called a donation to Grace Church. Such donations are deposited into a discretionary fund to assist the costs of Grace Church’s mission outreaches.
[As an avid student of history, the editor would be remiss not to mention that Grace’s founding pastor, Rev. Francis Springer, was a neighbor of President Abraham Lincoln immediately prior to his election as our 16th President. The editor was recently hosted by Pastor Christell and received a personal tour of Grace Church and the Lincoln Home Site.]
Grace Church was just named a “Sesquicentennial Church” by the Illinois State Historical Society. A sesquicentennial church has the distinction of being an active, operating congregation for at least 150 years. Grace is naturally the mother and grandmother church to many Lutheran (ELCA and LCMS) congregations in Springfield.
A member of the ELCA, more information about Grace Lutheran’s outreach to downtown Springfield can be obtained by contacting Pastor Christell at prchristell@aol.com [Their web site is currently under re-construction].
SPOTLIGHT ON SEATTLE, WA
About a year ago, an effective new model was developed in Seattle to discover and minister to Lutheran students attending the University of Washington. That new model is called “Chapel on the Ave.,” served by Director of Student Ministries, Andrew Potsko. Starting in the traditional way of talking with Lutheran congregations within the Northwest District of The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod, identifying their college-age students attending the University, a unique new challenge has fallen into their grasp. The Husky Union Building will be closing for renovations on 14 June this year, leaving students to search for alternative places to relax and study. Exponential growth is anticipated at the Chapel by simply opening their doors to these displaced students. Not only can they offer a safe and quiet place to hang out, but also a place to find something more. The hope is that students wandering in to use the computer will find them asking about God also!
A ministry outreach of the LCMS, more information about Chapel on the Ave.’s outreach to downtown Seattle can be found at www.chapelontheave.org .
SPOTLIGHT ON PORTLAND, OR
Trinity Episcopal Cathedral held a Lenten Eucharist on Saturday 13 March set to the music of “The Boss,” Bruce Springsteen. The service featured an assortment of instruments and intergenerational musicians leading the service using Springsteen’s unique songs of struggle, redemption, courage and hope. The offering collected benefitted Trinity’s Food Pantry, which served nearly 20,000 people in 2009.
More information about Trinity Episcopal Cathedral’s outreach to downtown Portland can be found at www.trinity-episcopal.org .
CLOSING
In closing, my sisters and brothers in Christ, my wish for each of you is simple: KEEP PREACHING THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST IN SEASON AND OUT OF SEASON FOR HE IS THE WAY, THE TRUTH AND THE LIFE.
As you preach Jesus, may He bless you in all ways, enabling you to continue to bless those around you!
Joined with you serving Christ and His people,
The Reverend Christopher Schaar
Editor
Senior Pastor, Historic First Lutheran, Pasadena, CA
A warm welcome to this issue of “Downtown,” a quarterly newsletter full of interchange and exchange between downtown Lutheran churches across our great country! As your editor, it’s my hope you’ll find this a helpful, powerful resource to further equip and empower your ministry in the great downtown. As your editor, I can only accomplish that goal when you respond to the content of this newsletter and feed me information about what’s going on with your own particular ministry. Responses, comments, constructive criticisms, etc. can be directed to DowntownChurches@aol.com .
MISSION STATEMENT
“The Association of Downtown Lutheran Churches celebrates the mission and ministry of the Lord through congregations in downtown neighborhoods, sharing and developing ideas and programs by communicating, networking and encouraging one another.”
LAST PAPER ISSUE!
After just 7 issues, “Downtown” will cease to exist in its present form with this issue. As a cost-saving measure, we will begin to exclusively distribute “Downtown” electronically after this issue. Some of you will receive duplicitous copies of this issue as you’ve already signed up to receive this electronically. For those of you who do not receive this issue electronically, please take a moment right now to send notice of your desired e-mail address to DowntownChurches@aol.com . You will also want to make sure that your spam filters will allow mass distribution from that e-mail address.
And, for the (hopefully) very small number of you who desire to continue to receive a hard-copy of “Downtown” mailed to you, please also make such request (even if you’ve done so before, please do so again so we can get an accurate listing) to DowntownChurches@aol.com .
THANKS!
Many thanks to those downtown ministries which have graciously added the Association to their newsletter mailing lists or who have added the Association to their electronic distribution list, listed here in alphabetical order:
“Bethlehem News & Notes,” Bethlehem Community Church (Lutheran), Euclid, OH; “Faith Alive!,” Faith Lutheran, Phoenix, AZ; “First Church Alert,” First English Evangelical Lutheran, Pittsburgh, PA; “First Lutheran News,” First Lutheran, Muskogee, OK; “First Things,” First Lutheran, Long Beach, CA; “Newsletter” First Lutheran, Van Nuys, CA; “Messenger,” Historic Trinity Lutheran, Detroit; “Mission Outpost,” Bethel Grace Lutheran, San Francisco, CA; “The First Lutheran,” First Lutheran, Boston, MA; “The Messenger,” First St. Paul’s Lutheran, Chicago, IL; “The Voice of First Trinity,” First Trinity Lutheran, Washington, DC; “The Zion Star,” Zion Lutheran, Portland, OR; “Trinity Highlights,” Holy Trinity Lutheran, Akron, OH; “Trinity Tidings,” Trinity Lutheran, Sacramento, CA; “Trinity Tidings,” Trinity Lutheran, Seattle, WA.
That leaves only about 400 of you out there still to share your news with the Association. Please rest assured that every single newsletter received IS INDEED READ, with information gleaned to be included in future issues of “Downtown.”
If you’ve not yet added the Association, won’t you please do so today? If your congregation publishes a printed newsletter, would you please add us to your mailing list? Please address them to Rev. Christopher Schaar, Historic First Lutheran, 808 N. Los Robles Ave., Pasadena, CA 91104-4317, If your congregation publishes an electronic newsletter, would you please add us to your e-dis list? Please send them to DowntownChurches@aol.com . If your e-news requires an email address to subscribe to receive your newsletter, please send notice of that fact to DowntownChurches@aol.com and we will make sure we subscribe.
REPORT ON THE GATHERING
In October, a small group of us (14 people, representing 8 ministries from both the ELCA and LCMS) gathered for a wonderful weekend of fellowship, learning and worship at Historic Trinity Church in St. Louis. Each participant was able to explain to the group his or her particular ministry. In addition, resource information (newsletters, bulletins, historical booklets) was exchanged freely.
We were blessed by insightful presentations by Dr. Tom Zehnder, Executive Director of LCMS World Mission; Dr. Tony Cook of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis; and Rev. David Birner, Associate Executive Director for International Missions, LCMS World Mission. Worship experiences on Saturday evening and Sunday morning were enjoyed at both Historic Trinity Church and at Vintage 10, Historic Trinity’s satellite location in the downtown loft district.
Saturday found us twice engaged in “Spitball Sessions,” facilitated by Rev. Christopher Schaar, Leader of the Association, from topics identified earlier by participants. Specific topics that were discussed by the group included being a “Cathedral Ministry;” the challenges of staffing; pastoral longevity and its effect upon the downtown church; identifying and keeping informed “Alumni” (former members and school alumni); unique ways to fund downtown ministries; how to engage the residents of the gay neighborhoods that surround many of our downtown churches; worship styles; the future direction of the Association; how to create ministry unity in the diverse downtown; how to engage the multiple cultures that surround many of our downtown churches; how to break down the perceived walls that keep people out of our downtown churches and the use of terminology, particularly “Old” versus “Historic.”
If you missed the Gathering for whatever reason and are interested in hearing more about any of the above topics, simply open up an electronic dialogue with Rev. Schaar at DowntownChurches@aol.com . He’d be glad to fill you in on specific questions or issues you may have.
It was decided that the fifth gathering of the Association would be held in the Spring of 2011 (post-Easter), with location preference being given to the West Coast (most likely California).
SPOTLIGHT ON PITTSBURGH, PA
Associate Pastor at First English Evangelical Lutheran, The Rev. Dr. Philip Phatteicher, is updating the church’s written history since the previous written history only goes through 1909! In a humorous story related in the church newsletter, Dr. Phatteicher tells of Pastor Gleason who had occasion to contact the mayor’s office concerning the impossibility of legally making any deliveries to the church since the church was surrounded by no-parking zones. The response from the mayor discounted the request from the pastor: “There is no church on Grant Street.” Dr. Phatteicher relates how the church had been on Grant Street since 1887, the last surviving church on the street and one of the two oldest buildings on Grant Street. Dr. Phatteicher also comments how things have changed as today the city is well aware that there is a church on Grant Street and that the pastor is recognized by city officials and is invited to have a significant role in many boards and agencies of the city. This shows the power and importance of written congregational histories – not simply to “dwell on the past,” but to know from where we have come.
A member of the ELCA, more information about First English Lutheran’s outreach to Pittsburgh can be found at www.flcpittsburgh.org .
SPOTLIGHT ON PORTLAND, OR
Zion Lutheran recently celebrated it’s “Prayer Shawl Ministry.” Ladies make the prayer shawls to distribute to the sick. Each shawl is distributed with a little card that reads, “Our prayer to you … wrap this shawl around you and feel God’s grace and care. Know that it was made with love and in each stitch a prayer. May the comfort that it offers remind you God is near. And if you’re sick or hurting, may God’s love calm your fears. Know that God’s great mercy is very like this shawl: surrounding, warming, loving your heart, your soul, your all.” This ministry began in September, 2005, with its 100th shawl just delivered.
In addition, as with many of our downtown churches, the German Gottesdienst is celebrated the second Sunday of the month at 9:00 a.m. The German worshiping group found that many of its hymnals were wearing out or finding “new homes” outside the church pew. The worshiping group was recently blessed by two boxes (27 lbs.) of new “used” hymnals donated from congregations in the Hannover Region of Germany.
A member of the LCMS, more information about Zion Lutheran’s outreach to Portland can be found at www.zion-portland.org .
SPOTLIGHT ON VAN NUYS, CA
Dealing with the needs of the homeless and hungry confronted by many downtown churches, First Lutheran hosts free community breakfasts the second and fourth Saturdays of the month. Staffed by volunteers, 50 to 90 people attend throughout the hour of service. Not just a soup kitchen or food pantry, an opening Scripture reading, devotion and time of singing is led by Pastor Eric Loza and volunteers. Volunteer staffers are church members, members of neighboring churches and even the homeless themselves. Not all “guests” (the term used by Pastor Loza) are homeless or jobless or in need of any help. Some come just to chew the fat, with the free meal helping their wallet. Some “guests” come looking for jobs. Some “guests” have addictions. Most of the help provided the “guests,” though, is in simple conversation, knowing that it’s a lonely existence to live on the streets. One of the highlights of this relatively new mission outreach is a baby shower for a couple who had been living on the streets but later found housing.
A member of the LCMS, more information about First Lutheran’s outreach to Van Nuys can be found at www.facebook.com/group.php?v=info&gid=65922287968 .
SPOTLIGHT ON AKRON, OH
Holy Trinity Lutheran serves the aging and infirm by making medical equipment available for use by members and friends of members – items like walkers, quad canes, bedside commodes, crutches, shower chairs, raised toilet seats and wheelchairs. The equipment available for free check-out, with the only request that equipment be returned clean. The church is always looking for additional equipment to be donated.
A member of the ELCA, more information about Holy Trinity Lutheran’s outreach to Akron can be found at www.trinityakron.org .
CLOSING
In closing, my sisters and brothers in Christ, my wish for each of you is simple: KEEP PREACHING THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST IN SEASON AND OUT OF SEASON FOR HE IS THE WAY, THE TRUTH AND THE LIFE.
As you preach Jesus, may He bless you in all ways, enabling you to continue to bless those around you!
Joined with you serving Christ and His people,
The Reverend Christopher Schaar
Editor
Senior Pastor, Historic First Lutheran, Pasadena, CA
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