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 Liturgical Nerd Notes-Bringing forth the
Bread and Wine
I have heard from some people about confusion on why we bring the elements (bread and wine) from the back of the church. The easy, quick, and unsatisfying answer to this question can be found on page 106 in our ELW’s (the cranberry hymnal). During the offering there is a side note:
“After the offering is gathered, the assembly stands. Bread, wine, money, and other gifts may be brought forward.”
So why does the ELW lump together our money offering with this communion bread and wine? That is because at the time it is brought forward it is merely bread and wine. It is only upon the Eucharistic Prayer that God’s Divine Word blesses the bread and wine into being not only bread and wine, but the very body and blood of Jesus Christ. Elements are merely what you see, but consecrated elements carry with them the forgiveness of sins and participation in the sacrifice and victory Jesus claimed for us.
So when we bring up the bread and wine we are bringing them up as another offering. The money offerings are meant for the ministry of the church. The offering of bread and wine is to God’s Table to be used for communion. That is why the offering prayer I have used the past few weeks from the ELW (pg. 107) goes like this:
“God of all creation, all you have made is good, and your love endures forever. You bring forth bread from the earth and fruit from the vine. Nourish us with these gifts, that we might be for the world signs of your gracious presence in Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.”
I hope this makes sense to you. It has been an ancient practice to bring forth the bread and wine.
Note: I would also like to mention that if you are communion assistant, you are in charge of bringing our offering of bread and wine from the back of the church to the Lord’s table.
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The following have been elected to positions of leadership and trust at Augustana Lutheran Church:
Rocky Atwell, Bonnie Bandelow secretary, Wayne French vice chairman, Steve Gray, Bryan Johnson, Jeanine Lees, Mindy Poppy, Linda Papoccia, Jeanine Westerlund, Ed Williams and Pastor Reed Pedersen
Contact info. for all Council members found on Website Leadership Page...Link HERE
May God bless them, and direct their deeds in peace, that they may be faithful servants of Christ.
Council Highlights
September 18, 2018
- Pastor Reed plans to start discussion groups based on the book Autopsy of a Deceased Church in October. The book was studied and discussed by all members of the Church Council at their July retreat. All agreed that our church is still healthy but definitely needs help to remain that way.
- Pastor Reed, 2 Council members and a lay person will be brainstorming with representatives from Cambridge Lutheran to discover ways to share ministry in both communities.
- The Altar Guild will be asked for input on how to redo the Sacristy.
- The Wellness and Service Committees will work together for Trunk or Treat during the Village’s Trick or Treat hours on Sunday, 28 October.
- The next Church Council meeting will be Tuesday, October 9, at 7:00pm. Wayne French will bring refreshments.
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We Sing the Year Around
Hymn Festival Organ Dedication
Sunday, October 14, 4:00pm
First Lutheran Church
Galesburg, Illinois
 Internationally acclaimed organist, composer, conductor Dr. John A. Ferguson, Elliot & Klara Stockdal Johnson, Professor of Organ & Church Music Emeritus, St. Olaf College, will lead We Sing the Year Round Hymn Festival.
The Hymn Festival, written and led by Dr. Ferguson, is in celebration of the church’s new Allen organ. A free will offering toward organ scholarships will be accepted. Everyone is invited to celebrate the addition of this magnificent instrument to First Lutheran Church.
Come to sing or simply listen as Dr. Ferguson leads this extraordinary musical event.
For more information, call 309.343.3176.
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Visitor from
Arcot Lutheran Church, India
In the Afternoon of October 23rd Augustana will be visited by Rev. Theopilus Vinodkumar. He is a pastor from the Arcot Lutheran Church, our sister synod in India. Rev. Theo was one of our tour guides on the Synod Trip to India and I consider him a friend. This is exciting for two reasons. First, this is a chance for Augustana to show our hospitality to this wonderful pastor from half-way around the world. Secondly, during Rev. Theo’s visit we will finalize the implementation of our companion relationship with Transfiguration Lutheran Church ALC in Pondicherry, India. While Rev. Theo is not the pastor of our companion congregation, he will be passing on any gifts and Augustana mementos we have for the good people in Pondicherry. We are currently not sure of the exact time, but when we know we will communicate that out. It is my hope that we can get many members of the church to come to this visit and light reception of Rev. Theo.
~ Rev. Reed
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 Thank you Pastor Reed and my Augustana Family for a wonderful “God Speed” service and coffee hour on Sunday, September 2. It was such a special time with my “out of state” family here to enjoy it as well. And, I loved my delicious cardinal cake signifying “loved ones are near”! And that includes Augustana family too!
Peanuts and I moved into Sunrise Senior Living on Monday the 17 th after staying with Francy and Unni for 10 days. I think all of us slept for 12 hours straight after we managed to get everything moved and setting me and Peanuts up with what was needed for 24 hours – bed, bathroom, Cubs and Cardinal baseball….
The church office has my new address and phone numbers. Looking forward to hearing from you! I also have coffee and cookies for anyone that ventures west! You are ALWAYS welcome!
God Bless my Augustana Lutheran Family!
With Love,
Mary Anne (and Peanuts!)
P.S. Frances and I are still speaking! But we just are starting the unpacking. HAHA |
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Sandra Johnson will be 80 years old on October 10. Let’s shower  her with cards and make her day special. Send your cards to: P O Box 226, Andover IL 61233
Thank you for being a part of Sandra’s special day!
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October Birthdays
01 Ansley Carlson
03 Bradan Lees
03 David Peterson, Jr
05 Chris Isaacson
06 Nikki Rehn
04 Natalie Parrett
04 Eleanor Scott
06 Amber Zurcher
07 Stephanie Peterson
07 Dave Westerlund
09 Jay Peterson
10 Sandra Johnson
10 Frances Sreekumar
11 Mike Lowery
14 Richelle Zurcher Foutch
17 Nickie Ruthaivilavan
18 David Youngberg
19 Kathy Pysson
22 Daniel Crippen
22 David Crippen
25 John Peterson
27 Judy Rehder
27 Carol Williams
28 Ed Williams
29 Lois Peterson
29 Joseph Brodd
29 Mindy Pysson
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October Anniversaries
04 Ray and Ruth Ann Newman
04 Chris and Dave Riddell
11 Kevin and Chris Isaacson
21 Wally and Diane Ladewig
29 Bob and Linda Papoccia
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September Meetings
Joy Circle
Tuesday, October 9 - 9:00am
Dorothy Norberg, hostess
Peace Circle
Thursday, October 11 - 1:30pm
Kathy Atwell, hostess
Faith Circle
NO October Meeting
October 16 - 9:00 AM
Mission Sewing Day
Work on these days consists of sorting materials, pressing, cutting, sewing and tying quilts. All people are welcome for this worthwhile project.
Sunday, October 21 - 10:30 AM WELCA Sunday
WELCA Sunday lifts up the work of the Women of the ELCA. Assistants in Worship that morning will be the women and young ladies of the congregation. A blessing of the quilts for LWR will also be a part of the service.
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WELCA - West Conference
Fall Assembly
Bright Stars of Bethlehem
Saturday, October 20
9:00am in Founders Hall
Trinity Lutheran Church
1330 13th St Moline IL 61265
Trinity Lutheran Church hosts the West Conference Women of the ELCA. Registration and brunch at 9:00am with the program following at 10:00am.
This is a free event, but please make a reservation to help plan enough food. Call the church office, 309.762.3624. Beth Nelson Chase, Bright Stars’ Executive Director speaks about Bright Stars of Bethlehem.
Bright Stars of Bethlehem is dedicated to supporting the education, medical, professional and spiritual development needs of people living in Palestine. This ministry was organized as an outreach program of Christmas Lutheran Church by Rev. Dr. Mitri Raheb.
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Women, Wine and the Word
This is an opportunity for women to come together to build relationships, share in fellowship and explore God’s word. We will meet on the fourth Thursday of the month at 7:00pm in people’s homes. We invite women to bring their Bible, their favorite wine (or non-alcoholic drink) or appetizer to share, and a friend.
We will be reading the book, One Thousand Gifts by Ann Oskamp. We will plan on reading two chapters a month and then discuss the chapters.
We will meet at the parsonage, 612 Sixth Street in Andover on Thursday, October 25 at 7:00pm. Hope to see you there!
~ Megan Pedersen
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New Opportunity for Assistance:
ALC Good Samaritan Fund
 The Endowment Fund Committee is going forward with a Good Samaritan Fund. This will be overseen by the committee.
The purpose of the Good Samaritan Fund is to provide financial assistance to persons who are confronted with short-term emergency situations within a specific local region as defined by highways: US 150, IL 81, IL 82, and IL 17. ( please note that these are soft boundaries)
Our hope is that this fund can help those in need in our community who are caught with temporary or long standing financial stress concerns. This is not limited to the members of our church. If you, or someone you know, is in need of help with a bill of some sort please feel free to tell them about the ALC Good Samaritan Fund.
For more information on eligibility and amount, please visit the endowment page on our church website (Link Here) or call the church office. |
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October 28, 2018: Trunk of Treat!
Augustana Lutheran Church is moving forward with a fun opportunity to serve our community! During the village sanctioned trick-or-treat time for Andover (2:00-4:00 p.m.) on October 28 we will be having a special trunk-or-treat event. We are looking for church groups and individuals to decorate the trunks of their vehicles for Halloween and to bring a candy or other treat to hand out. We will then park on both sides of Locust St. (the spot of the old Andover Café and park). During this time we are hoping to have families from around town come and trick-or-treat at the trunks of our vehicles as part of their Halloween route. We would love as many people as possible to help participate in this. If you do not wish to have your own trunk, still stop by (adults and children alike) and enjoy the other trunks and treats that people have brought.
If you plan on having a trunk or have questions about it please contact the church office or Jeanine Lees.
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Book Study:
Autopsy of a Deceased Church
 Pastor Reed will be leading a four week book study based on Thom Rainer’s, “Autopsy of a Deceased Church”. The study will start Wednesday, October 10, and will continue the rest of the Wednesdays in October. Pastor Reed is leading two sessions on those Wednesdays at 9:00am and at 7:00pm. We will go through selected chapters of the book and discuss two important questions:
Where do you see Augustana Lutheran Church in this?
Where opportunities do you see for
Augustana Lutheran Church?
Pastor Reed has mentioned this book during worship and allowed for people to pick them up. If you have not had a chance at a copy please ask the church office about it. You will not be required to read the book before the book study to participate in the study, but it will be helpful and more enlightening if you are able to read it beforehand.
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Adult Education and conversation
group meets in Luther Hall.
Coffee is on! Come any Sunday during the
Education Hour, 9:15—10:15 AM!
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Men’s Bible Study
 Men's Bible Study for all ages continues on Monday evenings at 6:00pm in the High School room (by the east entrance). Roger Catlett leads the study. Welcome whenever you can come for a wonderful time of fellowship and discussion. |
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Assisting in Worship - November 2018
Communion Assistants
04 Gordon Rehn
11 Rachel Swanson
18 Jan Gritton
25 Deanna Swanson
Acolytes
04 Kile Johnson
11 Sophie Selander
18 Ashley Rickey
25 Katie Angelos
Lectors
04 Rocky Atwell
11 Sally Reinhart
18 Ruth Swanson
25 Bonnie Bandelow
Greeters
04 Laura & Ashley Rickey
11 Gordon & Nikki Rehn
18 Ron & Eilene Peterson
25 Dwayne Newman
Ushers
Jan Gritton
Diane Ladewig
Wally Ladewig
Dwayne Newman
Communion Set Up
04 Wally & Diane Ladewig
11 Steve & Nancy Gray
18 Kathy Atwell
25 Ken & Diane Poppy
Altar Guild
Jan Gritton and Connie Dismer
Homebound Communion
Ron and Eilene Peterson
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October Jeanine Lees
It is your responsibility to find a replacement if unable to serve.
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Tentative Acolyte Schedule October
Note: please be at church no later than 15 minutes before the service. Find Pastor for instruction.
If you cannot acolyte on your scheduled date, trade with someone else and let the church office know ASAP about the date. (309.521.8127) Save this schedule and parents phone numbers.
Lori/Joey Foley 309.235.4279
Kevin / Kile Johnson 309.428.5433
Heather/Sydney Poppy 309.794.1691
Laura/Ashley Rickey 309.235.4259
Michele/Sophie Selander 309.721.3162
October 7 Joey Foley
October 14 Sydney Poppy
October 21 Sophie Selander
October 28 Kile Johnson
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Sunday School Youth Assisting in Worship
Bringing Offering Forward 
October 7 Kelsey Poppy
October 14 Emmett Green
October 21 Kallie Carlson
October 28 Kenlee Carlson
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What Is Mission Support?
As members of the Northern Illinois Synod, we have the joy and delight of responding to God’s rich grace and healing love in Jesus Christ with generosity. The sharing of gifts, whether personally or as a congregation, is a joyful response of thanksgiving for God’s love and the ministry of proclaiming God’s love in Christ is called “stewardship”.
For individuals and congregations, stewardship is a practice of discipleship and the way we live immersed each day in God’s love in Christ, sharing our gifts in thanksgiving and for ministry, Just as our “giving” as individuals is an expression of stewardship, the same is true for congregations. This practice of giving is called Mission Support.
Mission Support, most importantly, is an expression of thanksgiving by the congregation but also a very important way that congregations of the Northern Illinois Synod and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America can partner in God’s mission, For every dollar of Mission Support received by the Northern Illinois Synod, 55% is shared with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America as a joyful expression of thanksgiving for the gift of God’s grace and as vibrant partners in ministry throughout the world.
In the Northern Illinois Synod Mission Support provides resources for the ministry we have as a synod. The largest portion (55%) of gifts received for Mission Support are shared with the ELCA as partners in God’s mission to the world. This is our synod’s offering, given in thanksgiving for God’s rich love and grace in Jesus Christ. The remainder of gifts received for Mission Support enable our Northern Illinois Synod to support congregations in their ministry and in the process of calling a pastor. This area of ministry represents a major portion of the synod ministry budget. A portion of Mission Support gifts are also shared with Institutions and Agencies such as Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago, Lutheran Outdoor Ministries Center, and others. Finally, gifts of Mission Support enable the ministry committees of our synod to do their work in providing resources and programing for our Northern Illinois Synod congregations.
In the Evangelical Lutheran Church, Missio Support provides 80% of the resources that enable the start of new mission congregations (presently the NIS has 3 new ministry starts) and accompany existing congregations in revitalization. Mission Support also provides staff and resources for the development of new leaders in the church, partnership with churches around the globe, alleviating poverty, working for justice, and so much more.
Thank You!
Thank you for your generous gifts given in thanksgiving for God’s grace in Christ and for God’s mission,. These gifts are of great importance as they are about how congregations can partner in the mission of sharing the joy of God’s healing love in Jesus Christ to our neighbor and the world.
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November 11th: Stewardship Sunday
Every Newsletter directly under “Augustana Spire”, are these words: Proclaiming the Gospel, Growing in Faith, Ministering to All. This is the vision statement and theme the stewardship team is going forward with as we think about how we will be donating our time, skills, and monies to Augustana Lutheran Church for 2019.
Proclaiming the Gospel: Augustana Lutheran Church is committed to sharing the good news of Jesus Christ every Sunday. We also wish for it to be shared by our community every day.
Growing in Faith: Faith is not stagnate, but ever growing. We at Augustana are committed to continually be active and committed to learning and growing in our faith.
Ministering to All: Augustana has not been able to do this as well as it has in the past. We offer up great opportunities for those who worship with us, but we also wish to be committed to the community which we serve, not just members.
These three things cannot be fulfilled by just Pastor Reed or a select few. This takes the whole ALC family to come together and continue on the welcoming tradition we have had for such a long time. As you receive stewardship letters and time and talent sheets in the mail, please fill them out and think about how you can help Augustana Lutheran Church serve God’s Mission for 2019.
We will also be having four faith talks at the beginning of worship on October 21 and 28 and November 4 and 11.
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150th Anniversary Celebration
Sunday, November 18, 2018, we will celebrate 150 years of worshiping in our sanctuary. At 3:00 pm the service will begin at the Jenny Lind Chapel and will transition to the “new” sanctuary where we will have a re-dedication of the church sanctuary and communion. Following this service we will have light refreshments in Luther Hall and we will also be selling portraits of the sanctuary during that time.
Note: our service will be based on the initial dedication service from 1868.
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Praying With and For the Saints
Sunday, November 4 before worship we will be praying for all of those in the Andover cemetery and for those whom we last lost in our own lives. At 9:15 we will be offering two opportunities to participate in this. First: we will have people sitting at tables in Luther Hall going through the list of people buried in the cemetery. Second: Weather permitting, we will offer up an opportunity for our more mobile members to walk the cemetery grounds to pray at the headstone of those in the cemetery. This is a really cool opportunity to gather together as living Saints and pray for the Saints who are living in eternal rest with God.
Note: The Sunday school will also plan on being involved with this.
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All Saints Sunday - November 4
On All Saints’ Sunday, the names of all those members of our faith community who have died in the past 12 months (since last All Saints Day) are read aloud as a bell is tolled for each person.
As we did last year, we invite you to submit names of other loved ones that you would like to be read out loud that day. Please list names via online form using this link & submit. Please submit the names by October 31 |
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Coffee With the Bishop
Mark your calendars and plan to attend a Coffee with the Beshop at one ofthe several locations this fall...
- Sataurday, October 20 10:00-11:30 am Zion Belvidere
- Sataurday, October 20 2:00-3:30 pm Immanuel, Amboy
- Sunday, November 4th 2:00-3:30 pm First, Galesburg
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Church Modernization Projects Update
 September 28 , 2018
$ 34,985 received - 35.3% of Goal
$ 62,090 pledged - 59.1% of Goal
Weekly updates are posted on our website at Church Modernization Projects. If you have not yet pledged, you can do so online here.
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