Thoughts from the Pastor…   Build it and they will come. That was the theme for the movie Field of Dreams and it also serves as a wonderful image of our Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity endeavor this summer. Truly, we built it, and people came! Although this build was a community undertaking, a Thrivent Build, because of its association with Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, requires that at least half of the participants in the build be Lutheran and that has not been a problem at all, as members of Martin’s have been leaders in their volunteerism at the build site. I have been so incredibly proud of the dozens and dozens of members of Martin’s who have stepped up to the hammer and started swinging, taking advantage of the opportunity to do a build right here in our own development. One of the most common things I have heard from the participants has been “I’ve always wanted to do a Habitat build, but never really had the chance.” And as they’ve worked, we’ve seen amazing things happen, as community developed, relationships formed, and people truly embraced our theme for the coming year “God’s Work: Our Hands.”

            Serve and they will come. Although that was never a movie theme, it also succinctly sums up the wonderful activity of this congregation this summer. Whether it was the response to a plea for help with the Summerfest Lunch, serving our “Friendship Floats”, helping with the various aspects of three funerals in 10 days, stepping in to provide comfort and solace following house fires and accidents of members, or doing a fundraiser for a fellow member during a time of need, people at Martin’s served each other and served the Lord.

            One of the many joys of being the pastor of Martin’s (which, by the way, I will have been for fifteen years this August 25!) is the complete confidence I have that people will step  up to the plate, pitch in and help. In an age of ever-increasing apathy, I am continually amazed at people’s willingness in this congregation to help when they are informed of a need. And the joy that they inevitably experience as they give of their time and talent to the service of the Lord. There is a palpable “attitude of gratitude” and positive energy at so many of our events—not a grudging sense of guilted servitude. Truly an embodiment of an understanding that this is God’s Work: Our Hands. I often hear about it from others who are truly touched by the way we work together. If you are a member and have not gotten connected, I invite you to pitch in and catch that Spirit!

            Invite them, and they will come. Statistics show that eighty percent of all visitors to worship come because a friend invited them. Not advertising, not door-to-door solicitation by a pastor, but because a friend told them about it. People are also more likely to get connected and stay connected if they have that friendship connection. You will most likely share with your friend if you went to a good movie, or used a product you like, so why is it so hard to invite them to worship? If it is a part of your life that is fulfilling and life enhancing, why not share it?

            This fall we are embarking on a deliberate and intentional outreach to our friends and neighbors who are not connected to another congregation in an effort to help grow the body of Christ. Elsewhere in the newsletter are details and information about this effort. According to census figures, North Dakota has one of the highest rates of church affiliation at about 75%. That means in Casselton, there are at least 500 people who don’t have a church home! (And even more who may belong, but don’t attend anywhere.) So pray about a friend you would like to see connected with the church, remember that it is God’s Work: Our Hands, and invite them to join our common mission.

Peace,

Pastor Paula

                          Worship Schedule for August

During the summer, because we are a diverse congregation with different tastes for worship, we utilize all the different styles of worship for the one service. Contemporary Worship uses the Contemporary Band and CBW. The Praise Service has the Praise Band and overhead screen. Traditional worship uses the ELW with the traditional settings. Blended Worship involves hymns from the ELW or CBW but with a variety of forms of liturgy, and no band. The organ or the keyboard is used for blended worship. The schedule is put together based on the availability of the worship leaders and because of that; it can be subject to change during the summer months. It is our prayer that people will attend each week, regardless of style, as a commitment to being part of the body of Christ, working in unity as we celebrate diversity.

            August 3                     9:00 a.m.          Traditional Worship with Communion   

            August 10                   9:00 a.m.          Contemporary Worship

            August 17                   9:00 a.m.          Blended Worship

            August 24                   9:00 a.m.          Praise and Worship

            August 31                   9:00 a.m.          Blended Worship with Communion

Are you interested in a trip to Mexico to Visit Our Missionary?

Our missionary, Heidi Torgerson, works at the Lutheran Center in Mexico City. The ELCA immersion program at the Lutheran Center challenges and empowers participants as God’s people to become advocates and promoters of a more just and humane world in the context of a global order that increasingly robs the poor of life and dignity. Participants experience the reality of the poor; reflect critically on the root causes of this reality; experience the hope for transformation through movements and projects arising from marginalized sectors of society; and return home with a recommitment to the gospel of Jesus, who lived in solidarity with the poor and excluded. There was some discussion of taking a trip last year; however, we were unable to get enough people to go. This year, however, we are looking at doing a trip jointly with another sponsor of Heidi’s in Dalton, MN. If you are interested in more information about an 8-day trip to Mexico City let Pastor Paula know soon, and we will begin planning a trip to and be transformed!

August Schedule for Noon Bible Study in Fargo    We meet Tuesday, Aug. 5, 12, 19, and 26 at Grazie’s in the Multiband Tower. Each week we explore texts for the next Sunday’s worship service, ask questions about them, , and talk about how they connect with our lives. You don’t need to do any prep work. Just show up and learn.

New Neighbor or Friend Information Packet

Do you have a neighbor you’d like to invite to worship, but don’t know how to go about it? Then stop by the office and pick up a “friends and neighbor” packet, containing information about Martin’s, a brochure, a directory, a cookbook, and a few other surprises. This is the perfect way to share your faith and welcome a neighbor to worship.

The Habitat Build still needs workers August 18-22 to help with installation of cabinets and put in trim. We are also still in need of donations for the build or certain appliances not covered by the build. Contact Pastor Paula if you are interested.