Light of the Cross Lutheran Church
July 2020
Ponderings from Pastor Juli
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For ours struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this take up the shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.” (Ephesians 6:10-18a)
From the beginning of our awareness of the coronavirus we have been hearing about protective equipment. At first it was the shortage of PPE (personal protective equipment) for the frontline workers in the medical field who were critically short on masks, gowns, gloves and other supplies that were necessary to protect them as they cared for those with the virus. We saw manufacturers across the country shift from producing their normal products to making these critical supplies. Early on in the fight against this virus, our focus was on trying to flatten the curve so that we could amass enough PPE to protect medical personnel and perhaps replenish a depleted stockpile.
Alongside this focus, was the early instruction to wear masks as part of the preventive measures we could be taking individually to help prevent the spread of the virus. Unlike the PPE worn by the medical professionals which were to protect them, masks were to be worn for the protection of others. I know these masks have been the source of much controversy. They have become politicized and have turned into a barometer of one’s patriotism and one’s expression of their freedoms. Yet apart from those discussions, the basic reason for encouraging masks was to protect each other – you protect me, and I protect you.
All of this discussion of “protective equipment” reminded me of Paul’s encouragement to the people of Ephesus – and to us. Unlike some of Paul’s letters to other churches, the purpose of this letter to the Ephesians was to encourage and strengthen them. Paul reminded the disciples there they would continue to battle strong evil forces – and in order to withstand their attacks, they would have to put on “protective equipment” – the full armor of God: the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, feet shod for readiness to proclaim peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit (the word of God).
In this day and age when protective equipment has become part of our conversation again – it is important to remember Paul’s words and the protective equipment he encouraged us to wear. It’s still necessary, and it is still effective. How are you utilizing this protective equipment as you battle the forces of evil? God’s armor is vital as you face the challenges of evil and stay strong in faith.
Calendar
- Council/Smart Team July 15 at 9:30 a.m.
- Parking Lot Service: July 5 at 9 a.m. (see additional notes within newsletter)
- Parking Lot Service with Alliance Church July 19 NOTE TIME: 10:30 a.m.
Some cancellations to note
- Garrison Seniors are not currently meeting at the church until further notice.
- Play Days in Garrison, including the Tent Service, has been cancelled.
Helpers Needed for Parking Lot Service
- Parking Lot attendants (2 needed) – help to direct people to parking places and direct traffic leaving the service.
- Ushers – handing out prepared packets (including bulletin)
- Packet preparers (2 people) – meet at 8 a.m. Sunday morning to assemble
ZOOM meetings provide Community Connection
The following Zoom meetings take place each week. For each event, an invitation is sent out and you are invited to join the meeting. You can attend via phone, tablet or computer. If you need help getting connected to Zoom, give Pastor Juli a call.
Sunday worship at 9 a.m. every Sunday
“Lutheran Coffee” at 9:30 a.m. every Tuesday
Wednesday worship at 12 noon every Wednesday
Friday Prayer Group at 9 a.m. every Friday (this meeting is hosted by Pat Whitney, but
let Pastor Juli know you would like to attend this meeting.
We also meet daily at 10 a.m. (not on Zoom) for prayer. Take a few moments each day to connect through a shared time of prayer.
THANK YOU!
- for your generous gifts to the Food Shelf on June 21 from our Parking Lot gathering
- for your continued strong financial support for our congregations! Your gifts are greatly appreciated.
- for the lawn mowing crews and garden tenders.
- Caryle Crandall – for continuing to take care of the bookkeeping responsibilities
- Bobbie Germanson & Linda Augustson and money counters who are making sure your offerings “count”.
- for all the ways that you are taking care of each other – never has it been more evident that we are the hands and feet of Jesus, bringing hope and peace to the world!
Enjoy your favorite State Fair foods while transforming lives!
July 3 and August 6-8 from 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Our Minnesota Adult & Teen Challenge Brainerd campus will be hosting a socially distanced drive-in, offering you Freedom Fries and many more yummy fair favorites… without any of the crowds! All proceeds will go towards the programming for our Brainerd Campus clients! Bring your family and come hungry!
Our socially distanced drive-in process
Drive into our parking lot and receive a personal menu
Follow the signs around our building to place your order and pay. You will receive free popcorn while you wait!
Pull into your assigned parking spot while our amazing team prepares your order (including the best fries you've ever had)
Drive away with all of your favorites!
Our Menu
- Cheese Curds - So fresh, we hope you hear them squeak!
- Mini donuts - Warm, flaky and sweet!
- Bill W Cheeseburger - 1/3 lb All-American Tradition
- The CHALLENGE Double Burger - 2/3 lb Monster!
- No Beer Brat - Amazing Flavor! You won’t be disappointed!
- Hope Dog - mmm mmm good—huge 1/4 lb all-beef dog!
- Serenity Salad - Garden greens, tomato, shredded cheese and croutons
- Freedom Fries - These really are the BEST fries!
- Cotton Candy - Perfect on its own, or for dessert!
- Assorted Beverages
Our Address
2424 Business 371 Brainerd, MN 56401
Aitkin County Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity in Aitkin County is going strong. A home is being built this summer at 218 Minnesota Ave. S which is right on Highway 169. Volunteers and donations are welcome. Contact: Aitkin County Habitat for Humanity, P.O. Box 281, Aitkin, MN 56431 – (phone) 218-927-5656.
Rhubarb Dream Bars (corrected)
Combine: 2 C. flour 3/4 C. powdered sugar
1 C. butter, softened
Mix well and press into greased 9 X 13 pan. Bake for 10-15 minutes until golden brown at 350.
Beat until well blended:
4 eggs 2 C. sugar
1/2 C. flour 1 1/2 tsp salt
Add and mix: 4 C. rhubarb
Spoon mixture onto baked crust. Bake for 45 minutes more. Cool and cut into bars
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