Downtown Issue #35 – November 2019
Posted by admin on November 17, 2019Downtown
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 #35– November, 2019
IN THIS ISSUE:
- WELCOME!
- MISSION STATEMENT
- DEDICATED IN LOVING MEMORY
- NEWSLETTERS STILL BEING SOUGHT
- IN OUR PRAYERS
- WELCOME TO THE GREAT DOWNTOWN!
- AND FAREWELL…
- CONGRATULATIONS!
- DOWNTOWN WEDDINGS
- SPOTLIGHT ON SACRAMENTO, CA
- SPOTLIGHT ON CHICAGO, IL
- SPOTLIGHT ON ST. LOUIS, MO
- SPOTLIGHT ON PORTLAND, OR
- SPOTLIGHT ON PORTLAND, OR
- SPOTLIGHT ON DES MOINES, IA
- SPOTLIGHT ON ALBANY, NY
- SPOTLIGHT ON ORLANDO, FL
- CLOSING
WELCOME!
A warm welcome to this issue of “Downtown,” a newsletter full of interchange and exchange between downtown Lutheran churches around 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 sent 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.”
DEDICATED IN LOVING MEMORY
This issue of “Downtown” is lovingly dedicated in the memory of two legendary downtown pastors:
The Reverend Delayne Pauling (1934–2018) served many years at First St. Paul Lutheran in downtown Chicago, IL, and was a founding member of the Association of Downtown Lutheran Churches in 1996.
The Reverend Tyrus Miles (1938-2019) served many years at Zion Lutheran in downtown Portland, OR.
Both Pastor Pauling and Pastor Miles truly embodied the spirit of downtown ministry. They lived, moved and had their being in the downtown. They were passionate about the heartbeat of the downtown and dreamed large dreams not only for their own church but for all the churches of the downtown.
If you have suggestions for future issues of “Downtown” to be dedicated in memory of other great veterans of downtown ministry, please contact DowntownChurches@aol.com .
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 subscribe.
IN OUR PRAYERS
Please include in your personal and corporate prayers the following vacant, calling downtown ministries:
First and Zion Lutheran Churches (ELCA), downtown Canton, OH (pastor).
St Paul Lutheran (LCMS), downtown Raritan, NJ (pastor).
If you have a vacancy you desire added to our prayers please send notice to DowntownChurches@aol.com .
WELCOME TO THE GREAT DOWNTOWN!
The Reverend Steve Albers was installed as Associate Pastor of Historic Trinity Lutheran in downtown St. Louis (Soulard), MO on Sunday 20 January 2019.
The Reverend Michael L. Croom was installed as Pastor of Trinity Lutheran in downtown Memphis, TN on Sunday 10 February 2019.
The Reverend Keith Johnson was recently installed as Pastor of Zion Lutheran in downtown Akron, OH.
The Reverend Kurt Christenson was recently installed as Pastor of First Lutheran in downtown San Diego, CA.
AND FAREWELL…
The Reverend Joseph Weatherell accepted a call, leaving the pastorate of St. Paul Lutheran in downtown Raritan, NJ. We thank Pastor Weatherell for his labors in the downtown and wish him God’s continued blessings!
CONGRATULATIONS!
Trinity Lutheran in downtown Orlando, FL celebrated its 100th Anniversary on 15 September 2019 (yes….that means Trinity predates Walt Disney World by 50 years). The morning began with a catered breakfast, followed by the opening of a time capsule, followed by one joint worship celebration.
DOWNTOWN WEDDINGS
One of our member congregations recently contacted the Association because it was updating its wedding policies, particularly the facility use fees charged to non-members. The question was what do other downtown cathedral ministries charge (and what other stipulations are imposed upon non-member weddings – counseling; church attendance; etc.) Many of you responded to an email inquiry made in September. The plan is to send a compilation of responses in early January, 2020.
It’s not too late for you to share your policies in order that we may fulfill our mission of “sharing and developing ideas and programs by communicating, networking and encouraging one another.” Make sure to email your policies / charges to DowntownChurches@aol.com before Christmas.
And…..THANKS for being part of collaboration!
SPOTLIGHT ON SACRAMENTO, CA
St John’s Lutheran in downtown Sacramento recently reported that its “Safety and Security Committee” has been hard at work to provide all who come to St. John’s a safe and comfortable environment. On St. John’s webpage are available an emergency evacuation plan (document), a violence training prevention video and an emergency action plan (video).
What has your church done to address issues of safety? Send your ideas to DowntownChurches@aol.com .
A member of the ELCA, more information about St. John Lutheran’s outreach to downtown Sacramento can be found at stjohnslc.org .
SPOTLIGHT ON CHICAGO, IL
Resurrection Lutheran in downtown Chicago is preparing for a special celebration in 2020!
In 1970, Resurrection Lutheran came into existence due to the merger of Trinity Lutheran (founded 1883) and Messiah Lutheran (founded 1896). Fifty years as a merged, vibrant congregation impacting the downtown is something to celebrate! (The merged congregation stands in sight of exceeding the longevity records of its two predecessor churches – a truly unique position.)
A member of the ELCA, more information about Resurrection Lutheran’s outreach to downtown Chicago can be found at rlclakeview.com .
SPOTLIGHT ON ST. LOUIS, MO
As part of the celebration of 180 years of mission and ministry, Historic Trinity Lutheran in downtown St. Louis installed banners in both terminals of St. Louis Lambert International Airport saying “Welcome to St. Louis,” along with the church name. Among other visitors, the banners welcomed all LCMS District Presidents and over 8,000 participants attending the Lutheran Education Association conference.
What “public space” advertising has your church used? Send your idea to
Central Lutheran in downtown Portland recently sent care packages to 12 of its college students, reminding them that the Central community continues to hold them in thoughts and prayers. Homemade cookies joined bags of nuts, tea, power bars, snack bars and dried fruit.
What does your church does to stay connected with your college students while they are away from home and church? Send your ideas to DowntownChurches@aol.com .
A member of the ELCA, more information about Central Lutheran’s outreach to downtown Portland can be found at trinitystlouis.com ..
SPOTLIGHT ON PORTLAND, OR
Pastor Daniel Hues of Zion Lutheran Church in downtown Portland has launched a catchy campaign to encourage the members and friends of Zion to “Pray Luke 10:2 Everyday at 10:02:”
“The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest field.”
What catchy campaigns have you used? What have you done to encourage the growth of workers in Christ’s harvest field? Send your ideas to DowntownChurches@aol.com .
A member of the LCMS, more information about Zion Lutheran’s outreach to downtown Portland can be found at zion-portland.org .
SPOTLIGHT ON PORTLAND, OR
Central Lutheran in downtown Portland recently sent care packages to 12 of its college students, reminding them that the Central community continues to hold them in thoughts and prayers. Homemade cookies joined bags of nuts, tea, power bars, snack bars and dried fruit.
What does your church does to stay connected with your college students while they are away from home and church? Send your ideas to DowntownChurches@aol.com .
A member of the ELCA, more information about Central Lutheran’s outreach to downtown Portland can be found at centralportland.org .
SPOTLIGHT ON DES MOINES, IA
St. John’s Lutheran in downtown Des Moines recently celebrated the incredible growth of the After School Arts Program (ASAP) that began at St. John’s in 2007 as an outreach ministry for under–served urban children. Today, ASAP operates at 30 different sites throughout the city, operating 150 studios, serving around 2,500 children per year, requiring thousands upon thousands of creative volunteer hours with children in the community.
What has your church done for children in your immediate neighborhood / community? Send your ideas to DowntownChurches@aol.com .
A member of the ELCA, more information about St. John’s Lutheran’s outreach to downtown Des Moines can be found at stjohnsdsm.org .
SPOTLIGHT ON ALBANY, NY
On Sunday 25 August, St. John’s Lutheran in downtown Albany (Colonie) held its annual “Mass on the Grass” in its cemetery. Worshipers were invited to bring their own lawn chairs for this communion worship including the reading of the names of loves ones, concluding with the tolling of the bells. A picnic followed the service.
Do you conduct outdoor worship services? Send your ideas to DowntownChurches@aol.com .
A member of the ELCA, more information about St. John’s Lutheran’s outreach to downtown Albany can be found at stjohnsalbany.org .
SPOTLIGHT ON ORLANDO, FL
Back in August, Trinity Lutheran in downtown Orlando led off its weekly electronic newsletter with a reminder to allow a little extra time to get to church on Saturday evening due to the “Backstreet Boys” concert in addition to two sporting events downtown that may have an impact upon traffic. A great practice to follow!
How have you communicated to church members about potential impacts due to being located in the downtown? What options (besides extra time or staying home) have you suggested to allow people to continue their worship life? Send your ideas to DowntownChurches@aol.com .
A member of the LCMS, more information about Trinity Lutheran’s outreach to downtown Orlando can be found at trinitydowntown.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