I went to the musical 1776 a few nights ago where I learned some new things about how the Declaration of Independence came to be written. As I watched, I felt proud to be an American – to be part of a group of people who wanted freedom from tyranny, freedom to vote, freedom from an empire far away.

 We continue in the long season of Pentecost. A season of growth as disciples of Jesus.

•    September 3 - Jeremiah 15:15-21 & Matthew 16:21-28
•    September 10 - Psalm 119:33-40 & Matthew 18:15-20
•    September 17 - Genesis 50:15-21 & Matthew 18:21-35
•    September 24 - Jonah 3:10-4:11 & Matthew 20:1-16

Lutherwood Camp and Retreat Center is our September Mission of the Month. 

You can visit their website at https://www.camplutherwood.org/

During the summer we will be looking for additional volunteers to help since some of our regular helpers take vacations. Please consider helping one of the two Sundays we serve the meal  (2nd or 4th Sundays).    

 Volunteers can arrive at 4:30 to help with set up and the meal will be served at 5:00. We stop serving meals at 6:00 and usually can be cleaned up and done by 6:30.   

Thank you!  

The homeless, under-resourced, or just plain hungry are all welcome! Anyone in need can get a meal at Central Lutheran Church each Sunday night. Sunday Suppers are at 5:00 pm during Daylight Savings Time and at 4:00 pm during Standard Time. These meals are provided by volunteers from  different congregations representing a variety of denominations in Snohomish County.

Dear siblings in Christ,

You may have recently seen the new video from Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton — Future Church: God's Love Made Real. We have an unprecedented opportunity to learn about our church — to listen to and learn from YOU! Will you lend us your voice?

The quilters here at Central Lutheran Church make quilts for people around the world, through Lutheran World Relief.  Click below for more information on how you can help.  

“We live in a culture…that is preoccupied with money. We respect people who have it and write whole television series about how they make it and spend it. While church members hear one sermon a week on average, they are exposed to about sixteen hundred commercials every day, on billboards and bus seats, in newspapers and magazines, on matchbooks and clothes with designer and product logos, on radio and television, each offering advice on how to spend their money. What is the church’s responsibility for guiding them through this cacophony of opportunities?” [Behind the Stained Glass Windows, John and Sylvia Ronsvalle]

People who object to any mention of money in the church forget that Jesus talked about it frequently. He said that commitment to “stuff” undermines our spiritual health and challenges his lordship. “Then Jesus told his disciples, ‘If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit them if they gain the whole world but forfeit their life? Or what will they give in return for their life?’” (Matthew 12:24-26).

On the playing field of your personality, who wins—God or stuff?

Finance Update Through July

Beginning Balance         (5,976)*
Monthly Expenses       (16,870)
Monthly Income             16,009

Income (Deficit)               (6,837)

*Beginning Balance corrected from last month.

 Happy Birthday to those celebrating September birthdays!  

Debbie Saunders 9/4

Merrick Davis 9/4

Ron Dotzauer 9/9

Maggie Anderson 9/13

Barbie Barnes 9/22

Bill Loesche 9/22

Marlene Ringen 9/27

Congratulations to those celebrating September Wedding Anniversaries!

Jim & Deb Killough 9/1

Dave & Gayle Watts 9/7

Stanley & Char Surridge 9/11

Steve & Nancy Olsen 9/26

Scott & Betsy Haines 9/28