Fall Kickoff at Muhlenberg
Have you ever had one of those days where you’re trying so hard to do the right thing: to be patient with the frustrating person, to show mercy to the person who’s done you wrong, to do the things you said you’d do but now don’t feel like doing? But it just doesn’t work: angry words are said, a grudge is held, and you binge Netflix instead of working on the project you need to do.
We’ve all had those days. Sometimes we have those days more often than we’d like to admit! And we think: Why can’t we just get it right?
On those days, I like to remind myself of this quote from Martin Luther:
”This life therefore is not righteousness, but growth in righteousness, not health, but healing, not being but becoming, not rest but exercise. We are not yet what we shall be, but we are growing toward it, the process is not yet finished, but it is going on, this is not the end, but it is the road. All does not yet gleam in glory, but all is being purified.”
This life is not being but becoming. We’re never going to get it right all the time. We are human! But that doesn’t mean that God isn’t at work, continually inviting us into a vision of kingdom life that transforms us and draws us ever nearer to the heart of God.
This fall, we’ll be engaging with Gospel texts from Matthew that are all about becoming. We’ll read some tough parables that remind us that we do not always forgive as widely or as deeply as the Lord’s Prayer calls us to. We don’t always do what we say we’ll do; we don’t always treat our neighbors well; sometimes God’s mercy frustrates us.
But these stories from Jesus don’t just hold a mirror up to show us where we’ve gone wrong. They also cast a vision of something far greater: life in God’s kingdom. Christ gifts us with more grace and forgiveness, more compassion and mercy than we would think possible. The abundance of God’s blessings transforms us, and helps us learn to translate our internal faith into external action.
We’ll never be perfect. We won’t “arrive” at some enlightened state. But we are becoming: becoming more loving, becoming more caring, becoming more Christ-like.
And at Muhlenberg, we’re becoming together. On August 23, we resume two worship services and welcome the return of our Faith Formation hour. Groups that took a break for the summer are up and running again, and familiar fall favorites such as the annual church picnic, the Diamond Jubilee, and Jazz Vespers join new opportunities like “Funday Night.” These opportunities to grow closer to God and closer to one another give a glimpse of all that we are becoming. Join us on the journey! - Pastor Lauren
Children’s Ministry
Kids & Nursery ~ Kids’ activities packs, which include quiet activities related to worship and the weekly Scripture reading, are available in the Gathering Area. We also include a weekly children’s message in worship. For our very youngest, quality childcare is provided each Sunday in the Nursery, 8:15 am - 12:30 pm, so little ones (birth – age 5) will have a safe space to be during worship and the Faith Formation hour.
Sunday Faith Formation Begins Sunday, August 23, 9:45 am
Children’s Sunday School ~ We have three classes to better serve each age appropriately:
Pre-K - 1st grade will explore Bible stories and get to know who Jesus is. They will explore the stories through art, dramatic play and music.
2nd - 3rd grades will use both story style and NRSV Bibles to connect with the lectionary. They will explore what they have learned through games, art and adult-led discussions.
4th - 5th grades will dig deeper into the lectionary of the day and come to a deeper understanding of who Jesus is. They will have time to explore concepts with writing, art and Lego™ prompts to create something based on what they learned. They will work on projects for 6-week sessions and then display them in the Gathering Area for the congregation to see.
We need Sunday School teachers and volunteers! Contact Children’s Minister Ashley Saunders (saunders@muhlenberglutheran.org) to sign up for 6 weeks with some amazing kids!
Youth Ministry
Funday Night Church
New this year — Funday Night Church gives Sunday Funday an all new meaning. Funday Night Church is the 3rd Sunday of every month starting September 20, 6:00 - 8:00 pm. This program is open to ages 3rd Grade - Senior High. We will meet in the MAC for worship, and break out into designated age groups for intentional fellowship with Bible time and games. This is a great time for relationship building. It’s also the perfect night to invite a friend!
Middle School/Confirmation
6th - 8th graders, get ready for a year of faith and fun!
Sunday mornings we’ll gather at 9:45 am in the Augsburg Room for Lutheran Yes!, a hands-on class that invites students into God’s ongoing YES through curiosity, creativity and connection. We are excited to see you there! Begins August 23.
The first Sunday of each month, we’ll gather for our Confirmation Family Class from 6:00 - 8:00 pm in the Nielsen Room. Through games, activities, and conversation we’ll dive into the Bible and discover God’s Word together. Pastor Lauren leads this group for all ages. Begins September 6.
Senior High
9 - 12th graders, we have a life-changing adventure planned!
Next summer is the ELCA Youth Gathering in Minneapolis, MN. We’ll join THOUSANDS of other Lutheran youth from around the country for high-energy worship, inspiring speakers, experiential learning, and transformative connections. It’s not just an event but a movement in which faith ignites and community comes alive! The Gathering is an opportunity to ask big questions, grow in faith and be part of something bigger than yourself. Mark your calendar now for June 26 - July 3, 2027! A family information meeting will be held Sunday, August 30 at 9:45 am in the Campus Room.
But we’re not waiting until next summer to start the fun! Sunday mornings at 9:45 we’ll gather in the Campus Room to look at the world together through the lens of faith. Grounded in Scripture, we’ll explore what God has to say about news events and our everyday lives. Begins August 23.
Sunday Morning Adult Education
A Study of Richard Rohr’s book, YES AND … ~ All are welcome, whether for a single week or for the entire year. No weekly preparation is needed. This group wrestles with the challenges of living out our faith in a complex world, using Richard Rohr’s book as a guide. Facilitated by Mark Warner. Meets in the Nielsen Room (downstairs).Begins August 23.
Faith and our World~ This weekly study examines the intersection of Scripture and current events. Using the ELCA’s Faith Lens resource, participants will explore, question, and discern together. Facilitated by Karen Thomsen and Brad Moyers. Meets in the Kairos Room (downstairs below the Gathering Area). Begins September 6.
Other Adult Education
Wednesday Morning Bible Study~ Join Kathy Thompson each Wednesday at 10:30 am for Bible study via Zoom. This fall’s study will be “Disputing with God,” exploring biblical texts in which people enter into dispute with God, whether to protest God’s judgment, appeal to God’s mercy, or accuse God of wrongdoing. What emerges is a complex dynamic between humans and God, who learn to dispute with one another while remaining deeply committed to their ongoing relationship. It promises to be a lively, engaging study! No previous experience in Bible study necessary, just a desire to explore. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/200491556 Or by phone …DIAL IN – 301-715-8592 and enter Meeting ID / Passcode: 200491556# Begins August 26.
Grief Group~ If you’re grieving a death or a significant loss of any kind, you’re invited to join Pastor Lauren in a bi-weekly grief group. Every other Friday morning at 10:00 am, we’ll gather in Pastor Lauren’s office for prayer, conversation, and learning together. We’ll use the book Understanding Your Grief and the Understanding Your Grief Journal as our guides. Join caring companions on the spiritual journey of grief, as together we seek comfort, understanding, and hope. Begins September 11; continues 9/25, 10/9, 10/23, 11/6, 11/20, 12/4, 12/18, 1/8, 1/22, and 2/5.
Men’s Group~ Meets for fellowship and Bible study the first Thursday of each month at Mr. J’s Bagels (1731 S. High St.). For more information, contact Mark Warner (mjwcarpediem@gmail.com) or Dave Barnes (barnesda09@gmail.com).
Women’s Coffee~ Meets for conversation about faith and life the first Friday each month at Black Sheep Coffee (80 E. Market Street). Contact Pastor Lauren if interested.
Lutheran Campus Ministry (LCM)
LCM at Muhlenberg is open to all college students who are enrolled at JMU, Bridgewater College, Eastern Mennonite University, or Blue Ridge Community College.
Cookout! ~ Our year begins Sunday, August 30 with a Lutheran Campus Ministry Cookout to welcome our new and returning college students. This cookout will take place here at Muhlenberg at 12:30 pm (following worship) and is open to all college students and Muhlenberg members who are faculty or staff members at JMU, Bridgewater, EMU, or Blue Ridge.
Dinners! ~ This semester, we'll gather weekly for LCM DinnersSundays at 6:00 pm in the Campus Room beginning September 7.
For more information, contact Pastor Lauren (eanes@muhlenberglutheran.org).
Fall into Music at Muhlenberg
There are many opportunities to share your musical talents at Muhlenberg! From Children and Adult Choirs to special instrumental and vocal performances from congregants, music is an important part of our worship at Muhlenberg and our outreach to the greater community!
Music is a pillar of our church and community, and everyone is welcome to join, whether you’re a seasoned singer or instrumentalist or just beginning.
Our initial rehearsals for the Chancel Choir are a perfect opportunity for newcomers to experience the joy without any commitment. Join us and Fall into Music at Muhlenberg! If you’re interested in becoming a part of the music program, please contact Music Minister Matt Thomas (thomas@muhlenberglutheran.org).
Chancel Choir (Adult choir - grade 10 and up) ~ rehearses every Wednesday, 6:00 – 7:30 pm in the Music Room beginning August 12. A tapestry of melodies, from the Renaissance era to the latest in choral music, awaits you. Prior choral experience is helpful, but not mandatory. Led by Matt Thomas.
Gloria Dei Ringers ~ We'll be blessed with a “pop-up” occasional handbell choir this year. They will play in worship September 27 and October 18. There will be four rehearsals Tuesday evenings, 7:00 - 8:30 before each worship date. If you are interested in ringing, please contact Kath Wissinger (Longwalk3@aol.com).
Children’s Choir ~ rehearses Sundays, November 8 - December 20, 12:15 - 12:45 pm in the Sanctuary. Catering to the spirited voices of our children ages 4 - grade 2 and led by Matt Thomas, the Children’s Choir will sing in worship the second Sunday of Advent (12/6) and the 4:00 pm Christmas Eve service.
Jazz Vespers ~ November 18 at 7:00 pm. This lively service will feature Just Jazzin' brass band under the direction of our very own Bob Curry.
Please also watch The Chimes for information about Youth Ensemble for the fall.
Service & Advocacy
The Local & Global Outreach Committee coordinates outreach, service, and advocacy in our local community and around the world. Mark your calendars for these important dates:
Action Sundays ~ Action Sundays give the entire congregation a way to take part in a simple Thrivent Action Team service project. Watch The Chimes for information about our next Action Sunday.
Patchwork Pantry ~ One of our ongoing projects is a monthly collection for Patchwork Pantry, a local food pantry. Bring your non-perishable items the first Sunday of each month and place them in the bin in the Gathering Area. The pantry is also in need of paper products (paper towels, wraps, food storage bags, toilet tissue, etc.), cleansers (dish, laundry, all-purpose), diapers, and all types of hygiene products.
Rise Against Hunger, September 19 ~ an international aid program feeding those who are chronically hungry around the world with dehydrated meals of rice, vegetables and other fortified ingredients. Our task that day is to assemble 40,000 meals, pack them, and make them ready to ship out! This will be Muhlenberg’s ELCA Day of Service
Ministries and Dates to Remember
There are many different ministries you can connect with at Muhlenberg. You’ll be able to read more about each of these opportunities in upcoming issues of The Chimes or on our website at www.muhlenberglutheran.org.
Comfort Makers ~ Meets Thursdays, September 3 - November 19, 9:00 am – 12 noon in Wayland Hall (note the new start time!). Contact Linda Morrison for more information (lindamm778@gmail.com or 540-383-5085).
Prayer Shawl Knitting Circle ~ Meets March - October the first Saturday of the month 10:00 am - 11:30 am. Join us in the Gathering Area to create a prayer shawl through knitting or crocheting. No experience necessary!
Lay Communion Ministry ~ The first Sunday each month, members who serve as Lay Communion Ministers bring communion to those who are homebound and unable to attend worship. If you are interested in joining this important team, please contact Pastor Lauren Eanes (eanes@muhlenberglutheran.org).
Church Picnic, Hillandale Park, Shelter #12 (handicap accessible), September 13, 12:30 pm (immediately following the 11:00 am service). We’ll start yard games while the grills heat up.
Pride Worship, Emmanuel Episcopal Church, September 19, 6:00 pm.
Welcome to Muhlenberg Gathering, September 27, 9:45 am ~ Interested in learning more about Muhlenberg or joining our church family? This gathering provides an opportunity to learn about the mission and ministry of the church. Contact Pastor Lauren for more information.
Diamond Jubilee Luncheon, October 11, 12:15 pm ~ Our annual gathering and celebration of Muhlenberg members age 75+.
Trunk or Treat, October 25 ~ Join us 2:00 - 4:00 pm. Children of all ages can trick or treat around cars parked in the MAC parking lot.
Lost and Found, November 20 - 22 ~ Virginia Synod hosts an annual faith-sharing retreat for 7th and 8th graders and adult advisors at Eagle Eyrie Conference Center in Lynchburg.