Oh God, like the earliest disciples, we sometimes do not understand. Sometimes we are afraid. Sometimes what we do understand seems overwhelming. But we take comfort in the fact that for those earliest disciples, Jesus was willing to sacrifice his primary ministry to whole towns—indeed, the very reason why he had said he had come (Mark 1:38)—because he felt compelled to teach his flawed disciples. That is love.

And so we pray that we, too, may have that kind of love.

We pray for the Lesotho Evangelical Church in Southern Africa (LECSA), as it enters into a season of electing new leaders at all levels, starting at neighborhood prayer circles, then local associations and congregations, then parishes, then presbyteries, then synod, then denominational leaders. We pray that all leaders who are chosen for the next four years will mirror that love that Jesus showed: love that has the wisdom of knowing when to focus on bigger issues, and when to focus on those right around you. Love that speaks truth. Love that turns social structure on its head. We pray that the loving work Jesus modeled may be embodied in these leaders and felt throughout the whole church and country and that in doing so you may be welcomed into our midst.

Amen.

                      Prayer by Mark Knowles 

         (Cards and Calls Appreciated)

Ella Rivers, Donna Church, Musz Bailey, Jim Babcock, Shelley Sherper, Bobbie Berg, Susan Olsen, Jackie Schuelein, Carol Lloyd, Joanne Burdick, Ruby Cawthra, Jane Houlton, Marion Marcott, Cheryl Wold, Judy Halgren, Amy Britt, Bailey Rosdahl, Jimmy Stevens, Dee & Jim Stevens (Jimmy’s parents), John Olson, Nicole [Kilber] Teske, Linda Fenton, Dave Halgren, Diane Narr, Joan Axen and Nancy Andersen.

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Paula Benfer is promoting Art Bright. For those who are feeling lonely or isolated, needing interactions with others through art.  This program might be for you or a loved one.  The gatherings will be held on Tuesdays in the month of October from 10-12 noon in Fellowship Hall, sponsored by Union Church with the help of the United Way. For more information contact Paula or the church office.

Frank also encouraged everyone to support Family Promise Anoka by attending their annual fundraiser, which is a dinner,  “Hotdish for Homelessness” on September 30^th, 6:30 PM, at Lord of Life Church in Ramsey.  “Join us for an evening of Music, Stories, and Laughter!” as well as dinner. If you cannot attend, please support financially. Also, there is availability to pick up your food at the event without attending, due to the issues with the pandemic. Our church has partnered with Family Promise Anoka since the chapter in Elk River closed.  Please contact Frank Scouten for questions and tickets.

Today we had a Trustee’s quarterly meeting, and Josh Kannegeiter from Trustees brought us up to date on the status of our budget. 

This was also clean-up Sunday.  Several of our members worked hard in the heat and wind to clean up our outdoor grounds.  Thank you for all your help!

The flowers on the altar were placed by Paula Benfer. Hospitality was hosted by Trustees. THANK YOU!

For the Haitian refugees seeking safety at the US border of Del Rio, TX, who are facing deportation back to a devastated Haiti, we lift up our prayers. 

We are delighted to announce our call to The Reverend Kelly Gallagher who will begin her ministry with the Minnesota Conference UCC on January 10. Rev. Gallagher will move from Massachusetts, where she previously served for eight years as Associate Conference Minister in that Conference.

                                              - MN UCC

We add our prayers of joy!

Cheryl Sil asked for prayers for a co-worker, Richard, who has a viral illness and has been out of work for a week. 

Jackie Schuelein extended thanks for all the prayers for her daughter, Karla, who has COVID.  Karla was very sick, but she is doing better.

Paula Benfer had a joy that one of her art students from Ohio won an Emmy for special effects on the movie Star Wars.

Frank Scouten announced that the proceeds from the garage sale that was held at the church, with proceeds going to Family Promise, reached $1000!! Thanks to all who donated and helped with the sale, especially Frank and Darla Scouten and Rylie Anderson. 

Dave Foley introduced Tom O’Connor who is visiting with the Foleys and attending church with them today.  Tom worked with Dave. 

Another visitor was introduced, Dave Horn.  Welcome!

Will Frater expressed the joy that his brother was married on Friday in Portugal.  Congratulations!

Pastor Robin reminded us that God blesses us with an abundant world. He calls us to share all of who we are and some of what we have with others, especially those who support peace and justice.  

To see the prayer post for the previous week, please click the link above.