PJ's January 2014 Blog

Dear Friends, January 1, 2014 Greetings to you in the powerful name of Jesus the Christ!! What an amazing journey it has been to walk through the Unbinding the Heart and Soul with members of Atonement by e-mail and facebook! I am certain that as we dream about the future of Atonement and the ministry God is calling us to be about we must be a prayerful people!! Let me share with you one of the devotions written by Martha Reese in Unbinding The Heart called – An Hour for the Spirit. It is based on John 14: 16-26. “When you think of God, do you think first of the HUGE God who created the universe, the God on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, the God “Out There?” I think many people think fist of the majesty and mystery, of awe and power, the transcendent God. But we also talk about the “immanent” God who’s right here with us, in the middle of groups of us, inside each one of us. That’s “God with us.” Jesus in the manger, Jesus who walked on earth, Jesus who is risen and walks beside us, and also the Holy Spirit. Read John 14: 16-26. Jesus was preparing his disciples for his death and resurrection. He told them he would be with them in a different way after his death. God would send the Spirit. The Holy Spirit is available to us, because we’re Jesus’ disciples too. Jesus offers us guidance, power, minute-to-minute connection with God. This isn’t some nice little metaphor. Life in the Spirit is more like plugging into an electric current! Powerful Christians, mystics, prophets and missionaries have sensed the power and subtle leading of the Holy Spirit for thousands of years now. Too many of us leave God at arm’s length, “up in the sky,” a vaguely comforting idea, but not to real. Would you be willing to try an experiment? The intent of this isn’t to minimize the majesty of God, but to help us see that we can turn to God every moment of the day. The Spirit is with us! Experiment: Choose an hour of your day today when you’re going to offer every choice to God. Each minute of this hour, ask God what you’re supposed to be seeing, what you’re supposed to do next. It could be an hour at the office-should you talk with someone? Make a phone call? Sort those papers? Bless the lunch room? Ask the Spirit to guide your decisions. If it’s the first hour of the day, which side of the bed should you get out of? Should you wash your face or brush your teeth first? Ask which child you should kiss first. Before you open your mouth to speak, ask the Spirit to give you the words to say. This is about the cosmic importance of what God can do with us if we learn to offer the daily stuff to God. ASK! THEN DO IT! WHAT HAPPENED?” In the New Year I will be sending out an invitation to join me on another Unbinding the Soul or Heart Adventure! Join me and others as we explore and discover what God is doing now in our lives and in the church! God Is With Us!! In the Spirit, Pastor Jim (P.J.

December 2013

Dear Friends, Greetings to you in the powerful name of Jesus the Christ! “It is required of stewards that they be found trustworthy.” I Corinthians 4:2 You are encouraged to attend the LAST “We Say Yes” gathering to be held during Sunday School on Sunday – December 1 in Herbie’s Café! We will talk about what we will say yes to in Mission & Ministry at Atonement for 2014. Each member of Atonement will be given the opportunity to make financial commitments and to share how you will use your Time & Talents in our shared Mission & Ministry! This is a very important time to pause and consider together what our next step will be in staffing for the continued growth of Atonement! As you know Bethany Thier has accepted a full time position at St Norberts and our Director of Youth and Family Ministry - Jolyn Helgeson will be stepping down as of the end of December. Because of these changes in staffing it will be very important to consider together how we will staff for our continued growth in mission & ministry in 2014 and beyond. Your input is very important!! Sunday – December 1 10:00-11:30a.m. During this time of change in staffing which in packs our mission & ministry together I would ask the following of you: 1. Be in prayer about our future and also for me your pastor, staff and church council! 2. Volunteer to help! There are a number of ways you can be of help to me your pastor so that I do not over do it. I am still recovering from major surgery which means working shorter days so I can do self care therapy. A list will be posted very soon of some of the ministries you could volunteer to help with. 3. Stop in to visit with me about any questions and or concerns about our ministry together with limited staff. Your input at this time is very important and I welcome your suggestions and support! 4. Attend a We Say Yes Gathering in November! This is a very important time to come together as we consider where God is taking this church in Mission and Ministry! 5. PRAY! PRAY! PRAY! This is so very important for us to do as a congregation. Unbinding Your Soul has reminded me of the power of prayer to not only give us direction but also renewed energy. Come to our prayer gatherings on Friday evenings at 6:00p.m. See you at one of the “WE SAY YES” GATHERINGS!! In Christ, Pastor Jim Gerth

PJ's November 2013 Blog

Dear Friends, Greetings to you in the powerful name of Jesus the Christ! “It is required of stewards that they be found trustworthy.” I Corinthians 4:2 You are encouraged to attend one of the “We Say Yes” gatherings to be held during the month of November at Atonement. We will talk about what we will say yes to in Mission & Ministry at Atonement for 2014. Each member of Atonement will be given the opportunity to make financial commitments and to share how you will use your Time & Talents in our shared Mission & Ministry! This is a very important time to pause and consider together what our next step will be in staffing for the continued growth of Atonement! As you know Bethany Thier has accepted a full time position at St Norberts and our Director of Youth and Family Ministry - Jolyn Helgeson will be stepping down as of the end of December. Because of these changes in staffing it will be very important to consider together how we will staff for our continued growth in mission & ministry in 2014 and beyond. Your input is very important!! Sunday – November 3 10:00-11:30a.m. Sunday – November 3 4:00-5:30p.m. Tuesday – November 12 11:30-1:00p.m. Wednesday – November 13 6:00-7:30p.m. Thursday – November 21 11:30-1:00p.m. During this time of change in staffing which in packs our mission & ministry together I would ask the following of you: 1. Be in prayer about our future and also for me your pastor, staff and church council! 2. Volunteer to help! There are a number of ways you can be of help to me your pastor so that I do not over do it. I am still recovering from major surgery which means working shorter days so I can do self care therapy. A list will be posted very soon of some of the ministries you could volunteer to help with. 3. Stop in to visit with me about any questions and or concerns about our ministry together with limited staff. Your input at this time is very important and I welcome your suggestions and support! 4. Attend a We Say Yes Gathering in November! This is a very important time to come together as we consider where God is taking this church in Mission and Ministry! 5. PRAY! PRAY! PRAY! This is so very important for us to do as a congregation. Unbinding Your Soul has reminded me of the power of prayer to not only give us direction but also renewed energy. Come to our prayer gatherings on Friday evenings at 6:00p.m. See you at one of the “WE SAY YES” GATHERINGS!! In Christ, Pastor Jim Gerth

PJ's October 2013 Blog

Dear Friends, Greetings to you in the powerful name of Jesus the Christ! What an amazing adventure I was blessed to go on these last 6 weeks! I must say I was not at all sure what to expect! I had visited many people in the hospital over the years but I have no memory of ever being the patient. (My mom has told me many stories of being the hospital as a young child – but I do not remember them). So going to St Vincent on the Tuesday morning – August 6th at 5:30 am was all new to me. What would I feel? What would I see? How will the beds feel? Will I have much pain? Will I be able to sleep? And how does one take care of that most basic of all functions – you know what I mean! It has to do with the bathroom! As you can tell I like anyone else had my questions and doubts and some fear about what this journey would all be like. Little did I know what God had in store for me! Little did I know how my relationships with my wife, sons and friends would become an amazing gift that would teach me what it means to be loved and cared for! You see since October of 1981 I had been the one standing by the bed side of family, friends and parishioners as the pastor. I spoke the words of hope and I placed my hand on their heads and prayed the prayer of blessing for healing and strength and comfort and peace. But now for the first time in my life I was the one in the bed! I was the one that needed help getting in and out of the car & the bed! I was the one that hungered to hear the words of hope and comforted I had spoken so many times! I was the one that looked with great anticipation for a familiar face to walk into that hospital room or into our home! And you know what? I was not disappointed! Over and over again you were for me Gods hands to take my leg and lift it up when I had no strength to do such a simple thing! Over and over again you were for me Gods voice that spoke those words of encouragement and love and understanding that I needed to hear when the days would get long and the ongoing challenge of therapy unending! Over and over again you were for me God’s incarnate Word when you would show up at the hospital or our home and the smile and the greeting of your touch gave me strength! And when I could not sleep because of the pain and discomfort you where their over the internet as I would have conversations at 2 or 3 in the morning by texting – yes you heard me texting! You have no idea how up lifting it was to read your words and to know in the darkness of the night I was not alone – you were being God’s Holy Spirit letting me know that I was not alone! And then there were the countless cards that keep showing up in the mail! I could not believe it! I read every single one of them over and over when the days got challenging and the nights got long! How can I begin to thank you for all the ways you where to me God’s hands, voice of promise and encouragement? Words can’t begin express my gratitude for each and every expression of support and love! You were being the church in the way God calls us to be! You were willing to walk with me in my time of need and I thank you!! I was also deeply touched and challenged by the 40 day journey we took together called “Unbinding Your Heart”! Wow! I can’t begin to count the number of times I would sit down at the dining room table at 3 or 1 in the morning and I would open God’s Holy Word to read things like: “Nothing can separate you from the love of God” or “ and she reached out to touch Jesus’ robe” or “Beloved let us love one another” or “I will send you the gift of the Holy Spirit” or “And he left the 99 and went looking for the one lost sheep” or… It seemed like each day when I opened to read there was ready for me just that word I needed to remember! As a result of this amazing 40 day adventure I am looking for 12 people to join me on another adventure! No – we are not going to the hospital or to therapy. But I can promise whoever is willing to join me on this next adventure you will have your life transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit at Work! I have no doubt! So far I have one person who has taken on this invitation to go on this spiritual life changing adventure! Call me or E-mail me or Text me that you are ready to go!! I’ll be waiting to hear!! The adventure will not begin until I have a total of 12!! Let me end with the first Words of Scripture I read the morning of my surgery: “The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in prayer let your request be made known to God. And the peace of God which surpasses all understanding will guard your heart and your mind in Christ Jesus!” THANK YOU!! In Christ, Pastor Jim Gerth

PJ's July 2013 Blog

Dear Friends, Greetings to you in the powerful name of Jesus Christ! It is coming soon! Soon I will be going into the hospital for a knee replacement. This will take place on Tuesday – August 6th at St Vincent. I am so thankful that we have Bethany on staff full time. She has been a wonderful partner in ministry and will be a great blessing during my recovery time. I am told by my doctor that I will be out of work for 6 weeks. That’s hard for me to imagine but I continue to hear from others who have gone through this that I will need to focus my energy and time on rehab. I have begun to plan ahead through September – as much as possible. But I am asking for your help! I do not want Bethany to have to carry the whole load by herself! What follows are some ways you can use your gifts & time in the ministry we do together! 1. Bethany & Jairo & Pastor Stan will team up to take care of preaching and preside at Holy Communion. It may happen that we will not have communion every Sunday & Wednesday. You can help with worship in the following ways: Liturgist, Children’s Message, Help Serve Holy Communion, Turn on & off P.A System & Lights, Unlock & Lock Church Building, and be sure Ushers & Greeters & Reader & Acolyte are present. 2. Teaching of Confirmation will be taking place in September with the 7th – 9th graders and during August with a student who is planning to be confirmed in August. I will arrange for a pastor to be present for the August confirmation. You can help Bethany with the teaching of classes in September. We will have 7th graders doing Old Testament, 8th graders the Small Catechism and 9th graders doing “Who Is Jesus Christ!” 3. We are making plans for Sunday School in the fall now! There will be a meeting about Sunday School for all interested parents and other adults the later part of June or the first part of July! Please share your hopes for this part of our ministry with Pastor Jim or Bethany and be sure to attend the planning meetings. We will also need teachers and helpers!! 4. The Mid-Week Service and Barbeques will continue in August. Bethany will take care of the worship service and the speakers will be arranged for each Wednesday. You can help with the following: Setting up for Worship & the Meal, Help with the Holy Spirit Doves, Prepare, Serve and Clean Up after the meal. 5. Visitation will continue as needed. It would be helpful if someone would stop in to visit with those in our parish that can not join us for worship. There will be a display set up in the entry way for you to sign up to share your time and talents in the above areas of ministry! I am thankful for the staff God has blessed us with as well as members who are willing to serve. Like our United2Serve verse says: “Each one should use whatever gifts he or she has received to serve.” I Peter 4:10. Or I also like these words of Paul from Philippians 1: 3- “I thank my God every time I remember you, In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel!” In Christ, Pastor Jim Gerth

Pastor's June 2013 Blog

GETTING TO KNOW YOU!!! Just to remind you to stop at the GETTING TO KNOW YOU display on Sunday mornings to sign up to have either Bethany or myself stop over for a visit this summer. The purpose of these visits is to get to know you better, to share the vision the church council has for Atonement over the next few years and to hear what your hopes are for the Mission & Ministry we do together. Do stop by and sign up today! Thank you for your wonderful financial support of Atonement over these first 4 months of 2013. Your gifts have made it possible to move forward with the proclamation of the Gospel so that others may come to know Jesus Christ! May we continue to give out of Joy for what Christ has done for us! If you have any questions about our financial position you can direct them to a member of the Church Council. We give because Jesus gave His life for you and me. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son that whoever believes in him may not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16 SEE YOU AT WORSHIP! Pastor Jim Gerth (P.J.)

PJ's May 2013 Blog

GETTING TO KNOW YOU!!! Just to remind you to stop at the information table on Sunday mornings starting in May to sign up to have either Bethany or myself stop over for a visit this summer. The purpose of these visits is to get to know you better, to share the vision the church council has for Atonement over the next few years and to hear what your hopes are for the Mission & Ministry we do together. Do stop by and sign up today! Thank you for your wonderful financial support of Atonement over these first 4 months of 2013. Your gifts have made it possible to move forward with the proclamation of the Gospel so that others may come to know Jesus Christ! May we continue to give out of Joy for what Christ has done for us! If you have any questions about our financial position you can direct them to a member of the Church Council. We give because Jesus gave His life for you and me. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son that whoever believes in him may not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16 SEE YOU AT WORSHIP! Pastor Jim Gerth (P.J.)

PJ's April Blog

Dear Friends, Greetings to you in the powerful name of Jesus Christ! “What are you discussing together as you walk along?” Luke 24:17 Do you enjoy taking a walk? I can not wait for the snow to melt so that I can go for some walks in the neighborhood and on some of the many area trails. There is so much to see and enjoy when one goes for a Walk. We are reminded of a few people who went on a walk with Jesus. At first they did not know who he was as they walked along talking about the things of life. It can be that way sometimes when one goes on a walk with a friend. One ends up talking about all sorts of things. So it was on the road to Emmaus that day with Jesus. These two men were opening up their lives to Jesus! It was further down the pathway that they came to realize who was walking with them that day – it was Jesus! I want to invite you to a WALK WITH JESUS that will take place at Atonement on Sunday – April 21. Together we will discover again just who Jesus is and what he is up to in our lives. We will encounter Jesus in the manger, walking on the water, feeding 5,000 people, healing a man, sharing a parable, dying on the cross and the empty tomb. The WALK WITH JESUS will begin at 2:00p.m. that Sunday afternoon and it is open to everyone. All of our confirmation youth are expected to participate in some way. LET’S GO FOR A WALK!! ********************************************************************** The visits begin! Starting in April Bethany & I will start our VISIT EVERY HOME CAMPAIGN! It is our intent to visit each household in the Atonement family over the next year. The goal for these visits are as follows: *To get to know each other better! *To hear what your hopes are for Atonement! *To share the vision the Church Council has for the next three years! I am looking for two people who would be willing to help us arrange these visits. We plan to do 4 or 5 visits each week. This is another way that we can grow in our understanding the Mission & Ministry Jesus is calling us to embrace! See you soon! In Christ, Pastor Jim Gerth

PJ's March 2013 Blog

Dear Friends, Greetings to you in the powerful name of Jesus Christ! “Jesus said to them, I am the bread of life!” John 6:35 Bread! I do love the smell of bread baking! I so enjoy taking a bite out of a piece of bread when it is still warm and has some butter and strawberry jam on it. Bread is just one of those food items that we all enjoy and is going to be the focus for our consideration on Wednesday evenings. Now I am not talking about Wonder Bread or some other brand. What I am talking about is the one who claims to be the Bread Of Life – Jesus Christ. Consider with me for a moment each letter of the word BREAD and what it may remind us about our relationship with the BREAD OF LIFE: B February 20 / Broken, Baptism, Believe, Bitter, Battle, Beautiful, Begotten, R February 27 / Ready, Remember, Redeemer, Renew, Rest, Rise, Rain E March 6 / Enough, Everlasting, Eternal, Enlighten, Expectation, Eating, A March 13 / Abundant, Alive, Abide Ask, Atonement, Alone, Anointed, D March 20 / Death, Deliver, Dust, Dying, Dark, Delight, Descendent, Each Wednesday evening we will enjoy some homemade Bread & Soup that will be served by our youth. The freewill offering taken for the meal will help support getting our youth to camp and mission trips. Following the meal we will gather for worship and celebrate and explore what it means to be in relationship with the one who is THE BREAD OF LIFE. The offering given during worship will be to help our Seminarian – Paul K as he prepares for ministry. If you wish your gift to go to another purpose please note it on the envelop. Our youth will be teaming up with Bethany to help lead us in worship! We are excited to welcome the members of Christ Community who will be worshiping with us on Maundy Thursday – March 28th. A special meal will be served that evening starting at 6:00P.M. with worship taking place at 7:00P.M. The focus of worship that evening will be meeting the one who is The Bread of Life in the Sacrament of Holy Communion. Pastor Chris who is the intern at Calvary Lutheran and helps out at Christ Community will be participating in the service! LET’S FILL THE CHURCH as together we REMEMBER! Be sure to come and enjoy Soup & Bread from 6:00-6:45P.M. followed by worship at 7:00P.M. with Holy Communion. In Christ, Pastor Jim Gerth

PJ's February 2013 Blog

Dear Friends, Greetings to you in the powerful name of Jesus Christ! “Jesus said to them, I am the bread of life!” John 6:35 Bread! I do love the smell of bread baking! I so enjoy taking a bite out of a piece of bread when it is still warm and has some butter and strawberry jam on it. Bread is just one of those food items that we all enjoy and is going to be the focus for our consideration on Wednesday evenings. Now I am not talking about Wonder Bread or some other brand. What I am talking about is the one who claims to be the Bread Of Life – Jesus Christ. Consider with me for a moment each letter of the word BREAD and what it may remind us about our relationship with the BREAD OF LIFE: B Broken, Baptism, Believe, Bitter, Battle, Beautiful, Begotten, Belong, R Ready, Remember, Redeemer, Renew, Rest, Rise, Rainbow, Ransom, E Enough, Everlasting, Eternal, Enlighten, Expectation, Eating, A Abundant, Alive, Abide Ask, Atonement, Alone, Anointed, Alpha, D Death, Deliver, Dust, Dying, Dark, Delight, Descendent, Disciple, Each Wednesday evening we will enjoy some homemade Bread & Soup that will be served by our youth. The freewill offering taken for the meal will help support getting our youth to camp and mission trips. Following the meal we will gather for worship and celebrate and explore what it means to be in relationship with the one who is THE BREAD OF LIFE. Just before the offering we will be visited by someone from one of the many countries in the world. They will share with us insights into life where they live and the bread they hunger for! Our youth will be teaming up with Bethany to help lead us in worship! More will be coming to you about this Lenten BREAD! Be sure to come and enjoy Soup & Bread from 6:00-6:45P.M. followed by worship at 7:00P.M. In Christ, Pastor Jim Gerth

December 2012 Blog

Dear Friends, December 1, 2012 Greetings to you in the powerful name of Jesus Christ! “The Everlasting Father the Prince of Peace.” Isa 9:6 Peace be with you. Those are the words that Jesus spoke to his followers many times. We all hunger for Peace. Peace in our homes. Peace in our Community. Peace at our place of work. Peace in the world. Be sure to join us this Advent & Christmas as we prepare and welcome the one who brings peace - Jesus Christ. There will be a PEACE TREE where you can attach a ribbon as an expression of your prayer for PEACE. The PEACE TREE will be lit up for the very first time on Wednesday evening - December 19 at 7:00p.m. This will be part of a Live Nativity and Christmas Cantata of Carols that will end with the PEACE TREE being lit. Anyone in the area is welcome to attach a ribbon to the Peace Tree starting the very first Sunday of Advent – December 2nd. There will be a container by the tree filled with ribbons for you to attach to the Peace Tree. You will find a schedule of all the other activities taking place during Thanksgiving, Advent & Christmas below. Place it some where around your home to remind you of how you can celebrate that CHRISTMAS IS HERE! In Christ, Pastor Jim (P.J.)

PJ's January 2013 Blog

Dear Friends, Greetings to you in the powerful name of Jesus Christ! I love a good story – don’t you? There is something about a good story that draws you into the drama of people places and things that it become hard to put it down. Well – there is a story that we are going to explore this fall and winter that you will not want to miss. It is simply called – “THE STORY”! We will explore stories like stubborn Jonah and his improbable fish tale or a family patriarch named Abraham whose with filled with surprises and hope, or Ruth who showed such courage when life seemed impossible or Peter who was willing to except an invitation to step out of a boat our Job who struggled to understand the reason for suffering and how God was present in it. Yes these are the stories of faith that shape who we are as children of God. But among all these remarkable stories we will come face to face with God’s Son. We will look long into the eyes of Jesus Christ and hear his claim that he is the alpha and omega the beginning and the end. It will be in The Story that we will come to discover together how our stories of life are found in God’s Story. Our journey will begin on January 1st as we begin a period of prayer. We will pray that the Holy Spirit will open our hearts to this journey! Each day an email will go out to the members of Atonement and will be posted on my face book inviting you to be in prayer for a few moments. There will be a short devotional and some suggested things to be in prayer about during the day! This time of Prayer is followed by a kick of Sunday that will take place on Sunday – January 13th . The sermon that Sunday will be an invitation to join thousands of others on a journey that will be life changing. We will open THE STORY together to discover what God is doing and how we are part of God’s Story. Each Sunday The Story for the week will be part of the children’s message followed during the week by a number of small groups that will explore further The Story. There will be small groups at a number of times and places: *Sunday morning during Sunday School *Sunday late afternoon in a members home *Thursday morning at 6:30AM in Herbie’s Café *Thursday evening at 6:30PM in Herbie’s Café *Bethany’s Talk Group(day of the week to be announced). Your help is needed as we hope that every member of the Atonement Church Family will participate. I need helpers to work with me in preparation for this remarkable adventure in the following areas: *Prayer Ministry Organizer *Small Group Organizer * Publicity Coordinator *Sunday Morning Worship Planning *Food Organizer *Face Book Coordinator *Other Please give me a call if you would like to help me prepare for this churchwide campaign as we walk together through THE STORY!! You can reach me at 920-468-0713 or james.gerth@yahoo.com In Christ, Pastor Jim Gerth (P.J.)

Pastor's November 2012 Blog

Dear Friends, Greetings to you in the powerful name of Jesus the Christ! Now which way do we go? – that was the question on my mind as I came to an intersection on the north side of Chicago. It was dark and I simply could not figure out which way was the right way. Thankfully we had our Garmin plugged in and the voice of this women that we call Myrtle was able to guide us safely on our way. If it had not been for Myrtle I would still be lost on the north side of Chicago. I needed help to know which way to go. Atonement finds itself at the threshold of an exciting adventure. We have seen much growth in this ministry over the last few years: *Worship attendance is ahead of last year by 1865. *First Communion Classes have grown from 4 or 5 to over 20. *Hope For All – our ethnically mixed worship service has grown from an average of 17 to an average of 30 in less than two years. *We ended 2011 with a balance of $81,652 and we meet our budget for the first time in a few years. *United2Serve continues to grow as we focus on three specific areas of mission & ministry. Total gifts through U2S as of September of this year is $15,489. *The small group ministries continue to grow. There are 35 to 40 adults gathering each month around the Word of God to explore what God is up to in their lives. *Vacation Bible School has grown from 65 to over 110 children this summer. *Community Outreach continues to expand as we see the importance of Walking Together with Preble Hive, Freedom House, Martin School, Spanish A.A. Group, NEW Shelter, Just Drive, Annual Festival & Rummage Sale just to mention a few. *Our passion for ministry has also gone beyond our community as we see growth in our support of LWR, Mission Trips, Seminarians, Malaria, Crossways Camping Ministries and many others. *There has also been an increase over the last two years in our membership. Last year we welcomed 14 new families and this year we have welcomed 23 new members. The Atonement Community is growing. *We have been blessed with the financial support of other churches, individuals and the synod as they have gifted us with over $23,000 this year alone for our MultiCultural Ministry. *Our confirmation classes have seen growth as we have a total of 13 young people in grades 7-9. *In 2010 we celebrated 4 baptisms and this year we have celebrated 11 baptisms with the possibility of 3 more. *Facility upgrades with a new roof, carpet and windows over the last few years. Growth in volunteers coming forward to help in the upkeep of our grounds and building. *and… What more have you seen in regards to our growth these last few years? The Walking Together in Mission & Ministry wants to hear what you have to say about what has taken place these last few years and how we can continue this growth. There will be two LISTENING TIMES between services on Sunday November 4th & 11th. This will take place in the parish hall. Please come and participate in this conversation. “Effective mission planning is the work of an entire congregation. There may be a small group of people involved in the hands-on work and planning activities, but the WHOLE CONGREGATION is engaged through prayer, discernment and other forms of participation and support as well as sharing a commitment to the actions that emerge from the planning process.” It has been exciting to see this growth and we Praise God for how the Holy Spirit has helped to move us forward as we discover what it means to WALK TOGETHER in mission & ministry. So what is the next step? Your participation in the conversation about what has been taking place and how we can build on this growth. One thing we will be asking you to consider is the expansion of staff to include a full time Lay Associate in Ministry. Let me leave you with these words from Paul in Ephesians – “But speaking the truth in love, we must grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by every ligament with which it is equipped, as each part is working properly, promotes the body’s growth in building itself up in love.” Ephesians 4:15 Peace through Christ, Pastor Jim Gerth

PJ's October 2012 Blog

Dear Friends, Greetings to you in the powerful name of Jesus the Christ! Read the following to prepare for our Harvest Festival Ephesians 2: 19-22 I Peter 2: 4-6 Luke 10: 1-2 It is coming soon! The last of many 50th Anniversary events will take place on Sunday – October 21. This will be our 50th Anniversary Harvest Festival. Just think – it was over 50 years ago at this time of year that farm workers would show up on this land to bring in the harvest. Yes – it was on this section of land that a farmer grew tomatoes. I can seem them in my mind’s eye harvesting all those beautiful and ripe tomatoes. Now as we look back for the final time there is reason to celebrate for another kind of harvest has been taking place – it has been the harvest of the heart and soul of the lives of hundreds and thousands of people. Just like those farmers would sow the seed so have we been sowing the seed of God’s love and grace and look at the harvest God has made possible. Wow! It is time to pause and celebrate that as Paul wrote in Philippians 1: 3-6 – “that God who began this good work in you will bring it to completion.” God has done this through the power of the Holy Spirit at work through you. It has been that Holy Spirit that has nurtured and called for the harvest in the lives of so many. This is what will take place on Sunday October 21. We will gather for worship at 10:00a.m. Yes that is right – there will be only one service that morning at 10:00a.m. Paul Kacynski will be with us that Sunday morning to lead us in worship using the liturgy he shared with us in August. The focus of the worship will be to give thanks to God for the harvest these last 50 years and to prayerfully look to the future. We will seal the cornerstone at worship so be sure to share with us your ideas for what to put behind the cornerstone. Sunday school will take place during worship – it will begin after the children’s sermon. The worship & Sunday School hour will be followed by the Harvest Festival Meal – homemade booyah, homemade breads, desserts and something to drink. (No Takeouts please). We began our 50th Anniversary year in prayer and we plan to bring it to a close in prayer. There will be a 50th Anniversary Prayer Journey that I invite all to participate in. This will begin on October the 17th and end on November 25 (the last day of this liturgical year). It will take you 8 to 10 min each day but what a blessing it will be to you and to the future of Atonement. This will be on facebook, our website and in paper form. Each day you will be asked to read from the bible a certain verse and then pray. Yes it is time to Celebrate the Harvest. If you would like to help with this celebration please contact the church office! “O give Thanks to the Lord for God is good and God’s steadfast love goes on forever!” Peace in Christ, Pastor Jim Gerth (P.J.)

P.J.'s September 2012 Blog

Dear Friends, Greetings to you in the powerful name of Jesus the Christ! THE STORY has been put on hold until January of 2013 so that we can continue a conversation on POWER SURGE. I encourage you to participate in this very important conversation that will take place each Sunday morning – starting on September 16th – during the Sunday School hour in Herbie’s Café. Each Sunday morning I will be preaching on one of the Marks of Discipleship that Michael Foss sees as being very important for the future of the church. September 16 Matthew 18:21-35 PoWeR SuRGe: Flying Blind September 23 Luke 18:1-8 PoWeR SuRGe: P for Prayer September 30 Hebrews 10:19-25 PoWeR SuRGe: W for Worship October 7 2 Timothy 3: 14-17 PoWeR SuRGe: R for Read October 14 Matthew 25: 31-46 PoWeR SuRGe: S for Serve October 21 I Thessalonians 1: 1-10 PoWeR SuRGe: R for Relationships October 28 Malachi 3: 8-12 PoWeR SuRGe: G for Give November 4 Luke 7: 18-23 PoWeR SuRGe: Commitment Michael Foss said this in his book, “Christian leaders are looking for new, dynamic, and effective ways of being the church, ways that are faithful to the call of God and that will energize them and their ministries. Pastors and lay leaders are longing for a spiritual spark to ignite the passions of God’s people once again. This deep longing on the part of Christian leaders is accompanied by a growing sense of urgency, a growing sense that the time may be running out on American Protestantism.” Consider the following: *91 percent of all households own at least one Bible. *80 % of adults name the Bible as the most influential book in human history. *Yet, only 38 % of adults read the Bible in any given week. *Only 24% of adults volunteer to help a church. *96% of adults believe in God. *Yet 39% say Jesus did not have a physical resurrection. *61% say that the Holy Spirit is not real. What is going on here? How has this happened? And what can we do about it? It is time for a new vision of what it means to be part of the body of Christ, the church in the world. Join us on Sunday mornings as we discover together the six Marks of Discipleship in our own personal walk of faith and in the mission of Atonement Lutheran Church! See you at Herbie’s Café! In Christ, Pastor Jim Gerth (P.J.)

P.J.'s August 2012 Blog

Dear Friends, Greetings to you in the powerful name of Jesus Christ! I love a good story – don’t you? There is something about a good story that draws you into the drama of people, places, and things that it become hard to put it down. Well – there is a story that we are going to explore this fall and winter that you will not want to miss. It is simply called – “THE STORY”! We will explore stories like stubborn Jonah and his improbable fish tale or a family patriarch named Abraham whose filled with surprises and hope, or Ruth who showed such courage when life seemed impossible or Peter who was willing to except an invitation to step out of a boat or Job who struggled to understand the reason for suffering and how God was present in it. Yes these are the stories of faith that shape who we are as children of God. But among all these remarkable stories we will come face to face with God’s Son. We will look long into the eyes of Jesus Christ and hear his claim that he is the alpha and omega, the beginning and the end. It will be in The Story that we will come to discover together how our stories of life are found in God’s Story. Our journey will begin on August 12th as we begin a 40 day period of prayer. We will pray that the Holy Spirit will open our hearts to this journey! Each day an email will go out to the members of Atonement and will be posted on my face book inviting you to be in prayer for a few moments. There will be a short devotional and some suggested things to be in prayer about during the day! The 40 Days of Prayer is followed by a kick off Sunday that will take place on Sunday – September 16th. The sermon that Sunday will be an invitation to join thousands of others on a journey that will be life changing. We will open THE STORY together to discover what God is doing and how we are part of God’s Story. Each Sunday The Story for the week will be preached on and a number of small groups will gather during the week to explore further The Story. There will be small groups at a number of times and places: *Sunday morning during Sunday School *Sunday late afternoon in a member's home *Thursday morning at 6:30AM in Herbie’s Café *Thursday evening at 6:30PM in Herbie’s Café *Others (Maybe you would like to host a small group in your home). Your help is needed as we hope that every member of the Atonement Church Family will participate. I need helpers to work with me in preparation for this remarkable adventure in the following areas: *Prayer Ministry Organizer *Small Group Organizer * Publicity Coordinator *Sunday Morning Worship Planning *Food Organizer *Face Book Coordinator *Other Please give me a call if you would like to help me prepare for this churchwide campaign as we walk together through THE STORY!! You can reach me at 920-468-0713 or james.gerth@yahoo.com In Christ, Pastor Jim Gerth (P.J.)

P.J's July 2012 Blog

Dear Friends, Greetings to you in the powerful name of Jesus Christ! I chronicled my walks with emails. Here is a recap of that spiritual 50 mile journey: Greetings from the 50 mile walkers, Thankful that the heat is gone and we have cool temps for our first day of walking. Yes we are all Walking Together. We are taking with us part of the prayer cards from Sunday as we walk along we will be praying. Our day began as my days have begun preparing for this walk - devotional time and prayer. The title for the May 29th devotion in the Christ In Our Home is "Walking Together". WOW! I find that so encouraging. We are WALKING TOGETHER! That is the gift and the joy that God has given us at Atonement. The devotion is based on Isaiah 2:1-5. Isaiah invites us to walk in God's path, to be shaped by the Lord's ways, and to learn of God's vision that all creation live in harmony and peace. Yes we are WALKING TOGETHER - people of God from many different backgrounds. But we WALK TOGETHER all to the Glory of God! Join us on the walk through the rest of the week. We would love to see you along the way. We can only do this with your prayers and God's help! You can call me at one of the following #'s 920-660-1516 or 920-370-5031. Let us by the grace of God continue to WALK TOGETHER!! Peace of the Lord be with You! P.J. & Walkers Day 2 began with a devotional reading entitled "Called and Sent". It was based on Isaiah 6:8 "Here I am send me". Wow! It just so happens that this was the bible verse placed on a walking stick by a very dear friend that I still use when I walk. May we also respond like Isaiah did with faith saying, "Here am I; send me!" We have now covered a total of 21 miles. Praise God! Thursday will be a short walk - only 7 miles to the Frosty Tip. We should arrive at the Frosty Tip by about 10:30 - 11:00AM. Thank you to all who walked with me on Wednesday - there was a total of 8 walkers and three people helping with water! Thanks! We have now in cash & pledges about $2,600. You can still support this 50 mile walk with your prayer and financial gifts. Let us continue to Walk Together With Jesus all to the glory of God! P.J. Dear Friends, Wow! It is hard to believe that we are now at the 43 mile marker! 43 Miles! With God all things are possible - this is so true. Thank you to all the walkers and those who helped with water and prayed for us on Friday. Thank you to all who have given gifts to support the paying of our mortgage and support our Multi Cultural Ministry. Last time I looked we are close to $3,000 in gifts and pledges. Thank You! We do this to the Glory of God in thanksgiving for God's gift of peace! God is Great! P.J. With God all things are possible! Really? Yes - with God all things are possible! When I started this journey I was not at all sure that I would make it all the way. 50 miles is a long way. But God sent many to pray, to walk, to run to bring water and with all that holding me up we made it. Thank you to all who participated! It has been a blessing to me and I trust it has been a blessing to you. It is amazing how God walks with us on this journey of life. I know that the Holy Spirit is guiding Atonement and each of us into the next 50 years! Praise God! P.J.

P.J.'s June 2012 Blog

Dear Friends, June 2012 Greetings to you in the powerful name of Jesus the Christ! There is a Vacation Bible School song that I have been thinking about as I prepare for the 50th Anniversary here at Atonement. The words to this song are: “Celebrate! Celebrate God’s Love! Celebrate shout and sing. Celebrate! Celebrate God’s Love declare it joyfully!” Yes now is the time to CELEBRATE and GIVE THANKS to God for all that has taken place these last 50 years at Atonement! There are a number of special events being planned for May & June that you will want to attend! They are: *LET’S CELEBRATE GOD’S LOVE* Pentecost Sunday 50th Anniversary Celebration * Corner Stone Opened* Sunday May 27, 2012 7:30-8:45AM Anniversary Breakfast (Freewill Offering for 50th Anniversary) 9:00AM Pentecost Worship with U2S & Holy Communion (The Corner Stone) *********************************************************************** *LET’S CELEBRATE GOD’S LOVE* 50th Anniversary Celebration Sunday - June 3, 2012 9:00AM Worship & Holy Communion Special Guests: Bishop James Justman & Pastor Roald Harswick 11:00AM Reception at Riverside Ball Room 12:00 Noon Anniversary Meal Children 12 and Under are .50 per year Adults $11.00 each May we continue to grow in the love of Christ for the next 50 years. Be sure to share your ideas with the Anniversary Team about what we might place into the corner stone for the next 50 years! I am also asking for your prayers and support as I Walk 50 Miles in Celebration of God’s Love. You are invited to join me and others as we Walk Together With Jesus in Celebration & Thanksgiving of 50 years of Living the Gospel at Atonement Lutheran Church. The plan is to walk 16 miles a day starting on May 31st. We will start at Hainesville Lutheran Church outside of Sturgeon Bay. I am doing this for the following reasons: 1. Pray the Holy Spirit will continue to Guide Atonement into the next 50 years. 2. Raise funds for A.D.R. (church mortgage) & Multi Cultural Ministry. 3. Celebrate the Love of God in Christ! 4. Care for the gift God has blessed me with of my body! This is all being done that we might grow in what it means to Walk With Christ Jesus! Let’s Celebrate! Celebrate God’s Love! Celebrate Shout and Sing! In Christ, Pastor Jim (P.J.)

PJ's May 2012 Blog

Dear Friends, May 2012 Greetings to you in the powerful name of Jesus the Christ! There is a Vacation Bible School song that I have been thinking about as I prepare for the 50th Anniversary here at Atonement. The words to this song are: “Celebrate! Celebrate God’s Love! Celebrate shout and sing. Celebrate! Celebrate God’s Love declare it joyfully!” Yes now is the time to CELEBRATE and GIVE THANKS to God for all that has taken place these last 50 years at Atonement! There are a number of special events being planned for May & June that you will want to attend! They are: *LET’S CELEBRATE GOD’S LOVE* 50th Anniversary Ball Saturday—May 12 Atonement Lutheran Church 2132 Deckner Ave Green Bay, WI 6:00-7:00PM Dance Lessons 7:00-10:30PM Anniversary Ball $5.00 Single $7.00 Couple Join us as we celebrate 50 years of ministry all to the glory of God! *********************************************************************** *LET’S CELEBRATE GOD’S LOVE* Pentecost Sunday 50th Anniversary Celebration * Corner Stone Opened* Sunday May 27, 2012 7:30-8:45AM Anniversary Breakfast (Freewill Offering for 50th Anniversary) 9:00AM Pentecost Worship with U2S & Holy Communion (The Corner Stone) *********************************************************************** *LET’S CELEBRATE GOD’S LOVE* 50th Anniversary Celebration Sunday - June 3, 2012 9:00AM Worship & Holy Communion Special Guests: Bishop James Justman & Pastor Roald Harswick 11:00AM Reception at Riverside Ball Room 12:00 Noon Anniversary Meal Children 12 and Under are .50 per year Adults $11.00 each Yes there is even more to CELEBRATE ! Be sure to join us on Sunday May 6th as the following youth celebrate God’s Love by affirming their faith in Jesus Christ - Autumn Frerk, Hailey Huebner, Alexis Krenke, Jared Pike, Megan Zentmeyer, Savanah Gunderson And Karla Lopez. We also have four adults who will be Celebrating God’s Love by affirming their faith on Sunday – May 20th. They are Tiffany Wiebel, Michael & Emily Dagner and Randy Reeves. WOW! There is much to Celebrate as we can see how God’s Love continues to touch the hearts and minds of many! Let’s Celebrate! Celebrate God’s Love! Celebrate Shout and Sing! In Christ, Pastor Jim (P.J.)

PJ's April Blog 2012

Dear Friends, April 2012

Greetings to you in the powerful name of Jesus the Christ!

It seems as though no matter where I look I see info about the new movie coming out called “The Hunger Games”. Now I must admit that I know nothing about the plot. But the title intrigues me – “The Hunger Games”. It must have something to do with a game and it must be a game that one wants to win because we have a hunger for it. Well, I am not at all sure that I am close to the plot but it has clearly got the attention of people around the world. Everyone is excited about the release of this movie at mid night – March 22nd. I find this all rather interesting because we are in the midst of another kind of event that will having a lasting impact on the world. In fact the event I am thinking about will also touch the lives of people all over the world. It is not the release of another movie or the Final Four or some other type of game. The event that has caught my attention is the empty tomb on Easter morning.

Luke recounts the events this way in Luke 24 – “But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they went to the tomb, taking the spices which they had prepared. And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they went in they did not find the body. While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel; and as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, ‘Why do you seek the living among the dead? Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, that the Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and on the third day rise.’ And they remembered his words, and returning from the tomb they told all this to the eleven and to all the rest.” Wow! That is what the world is truly hunger for – NEW LIFE! This is no game what Jesus has done! This is no movie that Hollywood has produced to entertain us. No – this is real! Death could not hold Jesus in the tomb. The victory over sin and death has been won by Jesus!

We are told that after they saw the empty tomb and heard the word from the messengers of God that they went out to tell other what they had seen and heard about Jesus. What story are you sharing with your neighbor or coworker who is hungry for peace? What story are you giving witness to with those loved ones who are sick or grieving? Let us share with the world the Good News about Jesus Christ who lives! Let us tell others about the one who can satisfy the hungers of our hearts. Let us invite them to worship this Easter so that God’s Spirit can touch them with a peace that is beyond all human understand. Remember? Remember like those early followers of Jesus did. They not only remembered but they went out into the community telling others about Jesus Christ! Worship times on Easter Sunday are as follows:
SUNDAY – APRIL 8
8:00a.m. Easter Celebration & Holy Communion
9:30a.m. & 12:30PM Easter Egg Hunt
10:30a.m. Easter Celebration & Holy Communion
11:30a. m. Esperanza Para Todos & Holy Communion / Easter
CHRIST LIVES!!

In Christ,
Pastor Jim (P.J.)

PJ's March Blog

Dear Friends, March, 2012

Greetings to you in the powerful name of Jesus the Christ!

Be sure to join us on Wednesday evenings during Lent (begins on February 22) as we discover together what it means to “GET OUT OF THE BOAT”! Let’s go for a walk this Lent. The Bible is, among other things, a list of unforgettable walks. The first one was taken by God himself, who, we are told, used to walk in the garden in the cool of the day. But as a general rule, God asked people to walk with him. Perhaps the most unforgettable walk of all was taken by Peter the day he got out of a boat and walked on the water. Join us as we explore this familiar bible story in Matthew 14 and what it means to walk together with Christ!
Our evenings during Lent will begin with a SOUP & SANDWICH MEAL served by the youth of Atonement from 6:00-6:45PM. A freewill offering will be taken to help support our youth ministry. Worship will follow the meal at 7:00PM and will focus on the Matthew 14 texts of Jesus walking on the water.

SOUP SERMON THEME

March 7 / Beef Vegetable Soup “COME FOLLOW ME”
March 14/ Potato Soup “HELP!”
March 21 / _________________ “IS GOD ENOUGH?”
March 28 / _________________ “WAITING”

I am also looking for volunteers to share about how Christ has been present for you in the storms of life and the impact that had on your life. These would be reflections on the Matthew 14: 22-33 story of Jesus walking on the water. They would be no longer then 7 min. Let Pastor Jim know if you would like to share your story.
There will also be “Get Out Of The Boat” small group gatherings each week where we will view a DVD and talk further about walking with God. They are:
*Sundays at Herbie’s Café during Sunday School at 10:15AM
*Sunday afternoon at Reeve’s home at 5:30PM
*Thursday mornings at 6:30AM at Herbie’s Café at Atonement
The Sunday morning focus during Lent will be on prayer. There will be a prayer room set up that will be open though out the week for you to stop by and have a quite time with God. There will also be a prayer wall where you can share your prayer concerns with others who come to this quite place to pray.
Come and join us during Lent as we go for a walk with God. Remember - You’re One Step Away From The Adventure Of A Life Time”

In Christ,

Pastor Jim (P.J.)

P.J.'s February 2012 Blog

Dear Friends,

Greetings to you in the powerful name of Jesus the Christ!

“Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say rejoice!” Philippians 4: 4

It is time to Celebrate! “Celebrate! Celebrate God’s Love! Celebrate Shout and Sing! Celebrate! Celebrate God’s Love! Declare It Joyfully!” Yes now is the time to Celebrate! Even though Christmas has come and gone – Now is the time to Celebrate! Even though we are in the middle of winter with short days and long nights – Now is the time to Celebrate! Even though the Green Bay Packers did not make it to the Super Bowl – Now is the time to Celebrate! What am I talking about? It is time to Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the very first worship service at Atonement Lutheran Church. It was a cold winter day with a fair amount of snow on the ground when over 278 people gathered to Celebrate! The date was February 25, 1962. There where people from Calvary, Trinity, Grace and other Lutheran Churches in the area that joined us on that special day to Celebrate the start of a new ministry!

It is time to gather once again to celebrate what God has done in the past and to look forward to the future and what God will continue to do in and through the Atonement community. You are invited to come to a special Party to Celebrate our 50th Anniversary on Saturday – February 25th at 6:00PM. This is going to be a party! Come ready to CELEBRATE! There will be food and drink and story telling and prayer! Yes it is time to have a Party to give thanks for all that God has done!

REJOICE IN THE LORD!! See what good things God has done and continues to do at Atonement! See you at the Party on Saturday – February 25, 2012!

In Christ,
Pastor Jim Gerth (P.J.)

Pastor's January 2012 Blog

Dear Friends,

Greetings to you in the name of Jesus Christ!

This has been a wondrous Christmas! It all began on Christmas Eve at about noon. Word came to Jim that Jessica’s water had broke and they were on their way to the hospital. Jim was making final preparations for the three Christmas Eve Services and the one on Christmas Day. Karen was at St Vincent Hospital as the day & night chaplain. Everyone was waiting for the word that Charlotte had been born – but just before the first Christmas Eve Service at 4:30 pm Jim called to see how things were progressing. Charles answered and mentioned they were all settled into a room and things were moving forward.

Just like we had been doing with Advent we continued to WAIT with a growing amount of anticipation. But no word came from Troy as the second Christmas Eve Service was getting underway. This was the Spanish service and the children helped Jim tell the Christmas story. By the end of this service it was close to 8:30 pm and still no word about the birth of Charlotte.

The last service was to take place at 10:00 pm and included the Atonement Choir sharing the Christmas Story through readings and music. Charles did call to say it was going to be soon. WOW! The waiting was almost over. I gave my cell phone to one of the ushers asking they take the call for me.

The 10:00 pm service had just begun and I saw the usher step out of the worship area. I looked to see where he was and noticed he was standing in the hallway. He saw that I was looking and gave me the thumbs up that all was ok and Charlotte had been born. It was at about this time that Karen arrived from the hospital for worship and found out from the usher that we were grandparents! WOW! Praise God! It was at about 11:30 pm after worship that we finally talked with Charles and found out that Charlotte Elaynne Gerth had been born on Christmas Eve at 9:45 pm at Anderson Hospital. 5# 13 oz. and 17” long.

It was after Christmas Day worship that we (Karen & Jim) got into our car at about 12:30 pm and drove 514 miles to arrive at Anderson Hospital around 8:15 pm to see and hold our very first Granddaughter! What a joy to see this little one that God has created and blessed us with on this Christmas Eve. It was a joy to also see how excited Jess & Charles are about their first baby.

Karen & I had breakfast with Charles & Jess & Charlotte on Monday morning as we spent time holding and taking pictures of Charlotte. We went over to the house to see the nursery and then stopped back at the hospital to see Charlotte and the blessed parents one more time. We then drove to Chicago to see Nathan & Laura as Nathan was to be in the air going back to Russia on Tuesday morning for another 5 months.

Yes – this has been a remarkable Christmas! We thank God for all the blessings of this Christmas time as we see the wonderment of God’s love and creative grace in our Granddaughter!

In Christ,

Pastor Jim Gerth (P.J.) and Karen

PJ's December Blog

Dear Friends,

“For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9: 6

I was reading the Letters To Santa in the Daily Journal from 2003. It amazing me what children are hoping for this Christmas. Here are just a few of them:
Dear Santa: I want Barbe, I want a clok. I want a pal. Love, Maribel (age 6)
Dear Santa: I hope you come to me. I wesh for a cat. Hav a happy new year you are my favorite Santa. From, Samantha
Dear Santa: I hope you git me lots of toys. I hope you com my way. Mary Crissmiss. Nic

These are some of the sort of things you might expect a child to write in a letter to Santa. But then I came to these short yet powerful letters.

Dear Santa: I want My family to be Happy and I want My family to Hav food and I Love My family and My family love me. Love, Lolita (age 6)
Dear Santa: Please I was good I wish my family could get back together, So we could be the happiest family we would go to Kmart. Takeyah (age 6)
Dear Santa: Will my mom have a happy Christmas? Will my Puppy Get? Kan I Git Nomkos? Love, Megan

There is no doubt in my mind that there are countless children who are hoping for something of love this year. Not a love that is found in gift wrappings but a love that is found in a child – the Christ Child. Megan and Takeyah and Lolita are hurting. They are hoping for joy and peace to come to their families. How about you? What are you hoping for this Christmas?

Maybe we should encourage our children to write a letter to Jesus this Christmas. I wonder what the children would ask Jesus for this Christmas. What would you ask of the son of God, the Prince of Peace, the Alpha and the Omega, the great I am?

It is Jesus Christ who said to his followers in the upper room after His death and resurrection – Peace be with you. Wow! What a gift Jesus bring to a world that is hurting. This is my prayer for all the hurting children and adults this Christmas:
“Dona nobis pacem, pacem. Dona nobis pacem.” It means – Grant us Peace! Grant us Peace! It is Jesus who is the one and only Prince of Peace!

In Christ,

Pastor Jim Gerth (P.J.)

PJ's November 2011 Blog

Dear Friends,

Greetings to you in the powerful name of Jesus the Christ!

“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.” Isaiah 40:31

I recall as a young child always looking forward to the arrival of the Sears Christmas catalog. The day it would arrive in our home my older brother and I would page through the toy section dreaming about what might be under the Christmas tree. It was our hope book. What do you hope for this Christmas? The people of God that we meet in the Old Testament were hoping for the coming of a new time – a new kingdom – a new King. They also had their hopes about how life might be different. What are you HOPING for this Christmas?

I invite you to join us on Wednesday evenings during Advent as we explore the question – “What do you HOPE for this Christmas? The first Wednesday Advent Soup Meal & Service will be November 30th. The evening will begin with a Soup meal that will be served from 6:00- 7:00PM. During the meal time you will have the chance to make an ADVENT DECORATION that will remind you just what we HOPE for this Christmas. The meal time will be followed by a Service of Light & Darkness with Holy Communion. These services will be held in the parish hall. Let us join the prophet Isaiah as he reminds us to place our HOPE in the Lord!

I am looking for four or more people who would be willing to share what they are HOPING for this Christmas as part of the Wednesday evening service. The offering on Wednesday evening will go to the Malaria Campaign. In Africa, a child dies every 45 seconds from Malaria. Our gifts during Advent can help bring HOPE and make a healthier future possible. These gifts will provide mosquito nets, spray homes and provide necessary anti-malarial medication, support water treatment projects and help raise awareness about how to prevent, diagnose and treat malaria.

What do you HOPE for this Christmas? See you the Mid-Week Services as we explore that question.

In Christ,

Pastor Jim Gerth

Pastor Jim's October Blog

Dear Friends,

Greetings to you in the powerful name of Jesus the Christ!

“By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should be careful how he builds. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.” I Corinthians 3: 10-11

It was on a Sunday afternoon in October of 1961 that a group of people gathered to celebrate the Ground Breaking for Atonement Lutheran Church. Pastor Obert Lowe from Calvary Lutheran Church gave the invocation. Pastor Henry Kurtz, Pastor T.S.Hanson, Pastor Roland Hansen and Pastor Clarence Solberg read from scripture on that special day in Atonement’s history. The sermon was given by Pastor Dean A. Kilgust from Grace Lutheran Church. It is very clear that Atonement had it’s beginning because area churches came together to help it become a reality. We are so thankful for those pastors and charter members who followed where God was leading in starting a new congregation.
Now it is time to celebrate and dream about where God is calling Atonement to continue to grow in mission and ministry. You are invited to come and join in this special celebration on Sunday / October 23rd and Monday / October 24th.
Sunday / October 23 9:00a.m. Worship Celebration with Holy
Communion & United 2 Serve Offering
Sunday / October 23 10:00a.m. Dessert Feast & Booyah Sale
Sunday / October 23 11:15a.m. Esperanza para todos with Holy Communion &
United 2 Serve Offering
Monday / October 24 7:00p.m. The Luther College Concert Band Concert at Resch Family Auditorium Preble High School – The Concert is in Celebration of Atonement Lutheran Church 50th Anniversary.
Come and join us on Sunday October 23rd and Monday October 24th as we celebrate and praise God for the blessing of 50 years of Mission & Ministry and look to the future with Hope!

HELPERS are needed in preparation for this celebration. What follows is how you can help:
*Lodging is needed for the Luther College Concert Band on Monday night. They are lodged in groups of 2 or more.
*Ushers & Greeters are needed at the Concert at Preble.
*Prepare and serve the meal for the Concert Band on Monday at 5:15p.m. at Atonement Lutheran Church.
*Clean-up crew for after the meal and the Concert.
*Send out invitations for Sunday Worship & Dessert Feast and Mondays Concert.
*PR for the Concert to area schools, churches, & media.
*Do fall cleaning inside the church the week before Sunday October 23rd.
*Set up displays & create power point about what the ground breaking was like.
*Plan the Sunday morning Celebration & invite special guests.
MOST IMPORTANT OF ALL – I ask that all be in prayer for these days and for Atonement’s future. God is not done at Atonement. Like Paul said in Philippians: “I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion.”

God is Great!

Pastor Jim Gerth

PJ's September Blog

Dear Friends,

“Then the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all people shall see it together, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.” Isaiah 40:5

What a joy it has been to see so many gather on Wednesday evenings during the summer around these amazing stories of faith This last week our attention was focused on the life of Martin Luther King, Jr. He once said, “The churches should be the first to champion the cause of the oppressed, but they fail to support the oppressed until it becomes fashionable to do so.” Is that still true today? Are we ready to pick up the cross and follow where Jesus is going? I wonder – just what is Jesus’ dream for Atonement? Just what is Jesus’ dream for the neighborhood around Atonement?

Martin Luther King, Jr. once said this about a dream he had for all people:
“I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: ‘We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all people are created equal’.”
“I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood.”
“I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.”
“I have a dream today.”
“I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight, and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together.”

Do you see how God is bringing this dream into reality here at Atonement? The walls that divide because ethnic background are coming down as the Holy Spirit brings us together as one people. WOW! Last Wednesday evening was one such time when people who came from so many different ethnic backgrounds came together around the table of the Lord. It did not matter if we were German, Irish, Norwegian, Spanish, Swedish, or _______. In God’s eyes we were brought together around the table of grace and forgiveness! The dream is coming true! Praise God!

In the months to come the Atonement Family will look different on the surface from what it looked like 50 years ago when the ground was broken and this church was started. But – have you noticed how the neighborhood has changed? Yet with all that is different the message we proclaim is the same. It is a message of grace and forgiveness for all people. Do you see what God is doing? The dream of Isaiah and of Martin Luther King Jr is starting to become a reality! Praise God!

In Christ,

Pastor Jim Gerth

Pastor's August Blog

Dear Friends,

“When He saw the crowds, he had compassion for them.” Matthew 9:36

What do you see when you look at our neighbor? What do you see as a person of faith? We read in Matthew 9 that Jesus saw a people in need and was filled with compassion. It was a deeply felt compassion that moved him into action. What do we see? Let me share with you a story about how our eyes need to be opened to see what Jesus sees.

“I remember a mini-paradigm shift I experienced one Sunday morning on a subway in New York. People were sitting quietly-some reading newspapers, some lost in thought, some resting with their eyes closed. It was a cal, peaceful scene. Then suddenly, a man and his children entered the subway car. The children were so loud and rambunctious that instantly the whole climate changed. The man sat down next to me and closed his eyes, apparently oblivious to the situation. The children were yelling back and forth, throwing things, even grabbing people’s papers. It was very disturbing. And yet, the man sitting next to me did nothing. It was difficult not to feel irritated. I could not believe that he could be so insensitive as to let his children run wild like that and do nothing about it, taking no responsibility at all. It was easy to see that everyone else on the subway felt irritated, too. So finally, with what I felt was unusual patience and restraint, I turned to him and said, ‘Sir, your children are really disturbing a lot of people. I wonder if you couldn’t control them a little more?’
The man lifted his gaze as if to come to a consciousness of the situation for the first time and said softly, “ Oh, you’re right. I guess I should do something about it. We just came from the hospital where their mother died about an hour ago. I don’t know what to think, and I guess they don’t know how to handle it either.” Can you imagine what I felt at that moment? My paradigm shifted. Suddenly I saw things differently, and because I saw differently, I thought differently, I felt differently, I behaved differently. My irritation vanished. I didn’t have to worry about controlling my attitude or my behavior; my heart was filled with the man’s pain. Feelings of sympathy and compassion flowed freely: ‘Your wife just died? Oh, I’m so sorry! Can you tell me about it? What can I do to help?’ Everything changed in an instant.”

I invite you on a journey that will help open our eyes to see the world around us the way Jesus does. It is a 40 Day Journey that will change the way you live. Sign up today! It will take only 10 to 15 min a day & a weekly gathering at church with others who are on this 40 day journey! Our goal is to have 50 people participate in this exciting adventure! This is one of the ways we are gearing up for the 50th Anniversary of Atonement!! THE JOURNEY WILL BEGIN SEPTEMBER 11, 2011. In Christ, Pastor Jim Gerth

July 2011 Blog from Pastor Jim

Dear Friends,

Greetings to you in the powerful name of Jesus Christ!

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1: 8

DO YOU REMEMBER????
“In 1960 plans were laid for the establishment of one new congregation in each of the 19 districts of the proposed new American Lutheran Church. The Preble area of Green Bay was chosen as the site for the new Jubilee Congregation in the Northern Wisconsin District. Each of the 19 new mission congregations were named Atonement Lutheran. A church site was chosen and purchased, and building plans were drawn and approved. A parsonage was built on the corner of Deckner and Danz Avenue.
Ground breaking took place on Sunday, October 22, 1961. Construction began on the church building in the Fall of 1961. When Pastor and Mrs. Hjemboe and family arrived in January of 1962 the parsonage was ready for occupancy, but the church building was far from completion.
The winter of 1961-1962 was very cold and brought with it a near record snow fall complicating the building of the church. On the day of the first service snow was bull-dozed away to provide for parking and access to the building.
When Spring arrived it became impossible to drive into the area planned for parking. It was necessary to park on the streets and walk to the building on sections of crates and on planks.
The first service was an especially significant day in the life of Atonement. Two congregations, Grace and Trinity, arranged for their choirs to attend the service and to sing. With limited seating, it became necessary for one choir to leave the sanctuary before the second choir could be seated. “

Each month there will be more of what we remember about those early years of Atonement Lutheran Church. If you have a story to share about what the Holy Spirit was doing in those first 5 to 10 years please send it to me at james.gerth@yahoo.com I would imagine that there are many stories to be told. I also want to encourage you to join us for the 50 days of prayer that begins on August 24th. I am looking for at least 50 people to pray about what future God has in store for Atonement Lutheran Church. Each participant will have a Prayer Journal as a guide for this amazing 50 Days. Be sure to sign up now on the bulletin board outside the church office. Also – remember that I am looking for more stories to share about those early years of Atonement!

Yes, the Spirit of God continues to call us to share the Good News about the kingdom of God!
In Christ,
Pastor Jim Gerth (P.J.)

PJ's June 2011 Blog

Dear Friends,

Greetings to you in the name of Jesus the Christ!

It is time to CELEBRATE! It is time for a PARTY! Did you hear the news? Atonement is gearing up to celebrate it’s 50th Anniversary! Yes, it was 50 years ago that people of faith gathered together to start a new worshipping community on the east side of Green Bay.
“in 1960 plans were laid for the establishment of one new congregation in each of the 19 districts of the proposed new American Lutheran Church. The Preble area of Green Bay was chosen as the site for the new Jubilee Congregation in the Northern Wisconsin District. Each of the 19 new mission congregations were named Atonement Lutheran. A church site was chosen and purchased, and building plans were drawn and approved. Ground-breaking took place on Sunday, October 22, 1961. Construction began on the church building in the Fall of 1961. When Pastor and Mrs. Hjemboe and family arrived in January of 1962 the parsonage was ready for occupancy, but the church building was far from completion.”
The winter of 1961-1962 was very cold and brought with it a near record snow fall complicating the building of the church. On the day of the first service snow was bull-dozed away to provide for parking and access to the building. When Spring arrived it became impossible to drive into the area planned for parking. It was necessary to park on the streets and walk to the building on sections of crates and on planks.”
Wow! What an amazing time that was 50 years ago as the Holy Spirit was calling and gathering people together to form a faith community called Atonement. So much has taken place over these 50 years as God’s Holy Spirit has called people together to celebrate – baptisms, weddings, confirmations, new members, funerals, calling of Pastors & Youth Workers & more. I wonder what the future holds for Atonement?
I find it amazing that as we are about to celebrate the birth of Atonement that God is giving birth to something new once more in “Hope For All”. We had always hoped & prayed that some day we would have a Bilingual Worship Service - since the neighborhood around Atonement is now 30 to 35 % Hispanic. But the vision for this seemed to be nothing more then a dream. But then Holy Spirit stirred and sent us Paul and then Jairo and then Bethany and then…? What was God getting ready to do? It was clear now as I look back that God was bringing together all that was needed for that Monday evening when an Hispanic Family stopped at Atonement looking for a church family. WOW! Praise God!
Now some months later we have an average of 20 to 25 people gathering for worship on Sunday morning to hear in English & Spanish the Good News of a loving God that has come for all people. But the Holy Spirit was not done yet for it was just last week that 12 children celebrated their first communion (9 are Hispanic). Now the families are asking about instruction for confirmation. WOW!
There is so much to give thanks to God for as we look back over these 50 years and as we look forward to the next 50 years. I trust that the Holy Spirit will continue to call & gather people together to hear the Good News of a God who so loved the world that he gave his only Son Jesus Christ!
If you have any questions about “Hope For All” please share them with me.
“I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you, because of your sharing in the gospel from the first day until now. I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ.”
Philippians 1:3-6

COME HOLY SPIRIT – COME!
Pastor Jim Gerth (P.J.)

PJ's May 2011 Blog

Dear Friends,

Greetings to you in the powerful name of Jesus the Christ!
“And then they remembered”. Luke 24: 8
So how is your memory? It seems that there are some days that I have no problem remembering people’s names, appointments, special dates and so forth. But I have noticed as time marches on and more gray hair appears on my head that remembering has become more challenging.
This is the season to remember! It is time to pause and realize that God does not forget like you and me. God has acted once and for all by raising Jesus from the dead. He lives! The tomb is empty!
Yet this fulfilled Easter promise seemed hard for those early followers of Jesus to believe. Death is death! They saw him carry the cross out to Golgotha to be crucified! They saw the soldiers nail his hands and feet to that cross! They saw the spear go into the side of Christ! They saw him breath his last. So it is understandable that on that Easter morning it was going to take some time before this truth would sink in and they would remember. They would remember what Jesus said to Mary and Martha as they grieved the death of Lazarus – “I am the resurrection and the life, he who believes in me though he die yet shall he live. And who ever lives and believes in me shall never die.” They would remember that Jesus said he would rebuild the temple in three days. They would remember that Jesus had come for just this reason.
Yet – like the disciples we seem to live as though we have forgotten the promise of Easter morning. We live as though death has the final word and that is that. We seem to live as though seeing is believing. Well, I am here to say that believing is seeing. I believe that the tomb is empty and that truth changes the way I live today! I believe that Jesus is the resurrection & the life! I believe not because I see but because of what God promised!
We live at a time that seems to be driven by fear and not by hope. It is time that we as people of faith start to remember! Recall what Paul wrote in Romans 6 – “Don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” WOW!! A New Life!
Do you want to know what that New Life in Christ is like? Then come and join us as we explore together “A LIFE WORTH LIVING”. We will explore together how it is possible to live the Christian Life positively, practically and joyfully. It is time to remember what Jesus said and did! It is time to REMEMBER!!

In Christ,

Pastor Jim Gerth

March 2011 Blog

Dear Friends,

Greetings to you in the powerful name of Jesus the Christ!

The Church season of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, March 9. Lent is a season which prepares us once again to celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Easter. Lent is a time for us to remember the passion and death of Jesus and to reflect on our lives and our need for the Savior. This year at Atonement Lutheran Church we will be conducting a series of services called CROSS/PEACE.
At the Sunday morning worship service on March 6th, each family will receive a twelve inch tall wooden cross. This is the beginning of your CROSS/PEACE display. At each of the mid-week services, each family will receive an additional piece of the CROSS/PEACE display. Each piece will serve as a reminder of the central message of the mid-week service and be a reminder of some portion of the Passion History. At the end of the six week series, you will have a completed and attractive CROSS/PEACE display which you will be proud of and will be able to use as an evangelism aid in sharing the Gospel.
Many members of our congregation are working together in an effort to make this Lenten season and our CROSS/PEACE series a most memorable and inspirational season for you and your family. Be sure to check out the display at church and volunteer to help with our Lenten Services. Make every effort to attend every service. And pray for our congregation and all of our families, that during this special holy season all of us will move closer to Jesus.
Remember that our youth and their families are serving a Lenten Soup & Sandwich Meal each Wednesday evening from 6:00 – 6:45p.m. A free will offering will be taken to help with our youth ministry!

Yours in Christ,

Pastor Jim Gerth (P.J.)

PJ's February Blog

Dear Friends,

Greetings to you in the powerful name of Jesus the Christ!

What QUESTIONS do you have about Salvation, Prayer, The End Times, Angels, Sin, God, etc? During Lent (which starts in March) I will preach on the questions you ask. You may have noticed that there is a question box outside of where we worship. Write down your questions and place them in the box.

Some of the questions I have heard people wonder about in the past were:
*How does God Work?
*Why do we do things we know we shouldn’t do?
*How are we saved?
*If we’re saved, why do we still sin?
*Should Christians be involved in the world?
*Can we make a difference in the world?
*If I die tonight, can I be sure of where I will spend eternity?
*How many times do I really have to forgive?
*What am I doing here on earth?
*Why did Jesus die?
*How do we hear God speak?
*Why is there so much suffering in the world if God loves us?
*How does God Guide us?
*What does it mean to be born again?
*Does God heal today?
*How can I make the most of the rest of my life?
*What does God say about……
Do share your questions about faith and life as we explore together what it means to be God’s people. This will be a six week sermon series that will start the first Sunday in March. Questions can be placed in the question box at church or you can e-mail them to me at james.gerth@yahoo.com

Remember one of the question Jesus asked was: Who do you say that I am? What would you say?.

God is Great!

Pastor Jim Gerth

P.S. God is doing something new!! Do you know what it is? Be looking for information to come out about Esperanza Para Todos. It is coming to Green Bay! It is coming to 2132 Deckner Ave. It is coming in March. If you are wondering about what this is all about ask Bethany or Jairo! Yes God’s Spirit is giving birth! Come and see! Come and see what God is doing!

PJ's January Blog

Dear Friends,

Greetings to you in the powerful name of Jesus the Christ!

Do you recall ALPHA? ALPHA gave us the opportunity to explore the meaning of life. We dealt with questions such as:
*What is the point of life?
*What happens when I die?
*What relevance does Jesus have for our lives today?
*How do we deal with guilt?
*How can I make the most of the rest of my life?
You may recall that we did not complete our journey. There where a number of QUESTIONS about the Holy Spirit that we did not explore – yet we had planned to have a one day Holy Spirit retreat. The time has now come for the retreat! It will take place on Saturday – January the 29th from 9:30 – 4:30p.m. ALL ARE INVITED!! Even if you did not attend any of the sessions last Lent you can come for this one day – YOU WILL BE BLESSED!

The day will follow this timetable:
9:30a.m .Arrive & Welcome!!
9:45a.m. A short introduction to the weekend (John 15: 26)
10:30a.m Coffee / Tea Break
10:45a.m. “Who is The Holy Spirit” (John 14: 16-17a)
12:00 noon Lunch (provided)
12:45p.m. “What Does The Holy Spirit Do?” John 3:5-8
2:00p.m. “How Can I Be Filled With The Holy Spirit?” Ephesians 5:18
2:45p.m. Coffee / Tea Break)
3:00p.m. “How Can I Make The Most Of the Rest of My Life?” Romans 12:1
4:30p.m. Worship w/Holy Communion
Be sure to bring your Bible, some paper, something to write with and an item of food to share with the group. Lunch will be soup, salad and something sweet.

COME! Come and be part of a day that will be life changing. Remember what happened after that first Pentecost when the Holy Spirit was poured out upon the early followers of Jesus? Let us pray for this day and for Atonement that God would continue to pour out the Holy Spirit and set us on fire for Jesus.

Be sure to sign up so we know how many to prepare for! Come Holy Spirit – Come! Call us together so that we might grow in faith and passion for sharing your love!

In Christ,

Pastor Jim Gerth (P.J.)

PJ's Christmas Letter

Dear Friends,

Greetings to you in the name of Jesus the Christ!

Christmas is a time to tell stories. Let me share with you one of my favorite Christmas Stories by Louis Cassels.

Once upon a time, there was a man who looked upon Christmas as a lot of humbug. He wasn’t a Scrooge. He was a very kind and decent person, generous to his family, upright in all his dealings with others. But he didn’t believe all that stuff about an incarnation which churches proclaim at Christmas. And he was too honest to pretend that he did.
“I am truly sorry to distress you,” he told his wife, who was a faithful churchgoer. “But I simply cannot understand this claim that God became man. It doesn’t make any sense to me.”
On Christmas Eve, his wife and children went to church for the midnight service. He declined to accompany them.
“I’d feel like a hypocrite,” he explained. “I’d much rather stay at home. But I’ll wait up for you.”
Shortly after his family drove away in the car, snow began to fall. He went to the window and watched the flurries getting heavier and heavier.
“If we must have Christmas,” he reflected, “it’s nice to have a white one.”
He went back to his chair by the fireside and began to read his newspaper. A few minutes later, he was startled by a thudding sound. It was quickly followed by another, then another. He thought that someone must be throwing snowballs at his living-room window.
When he went to the front door to investigate, he found a flock of birds huddled miserably in the snow. They had been caught in the storm, and in a desperate search for shelter had tried to fly through the window.
“I can’t let these poor creatures lie there and freeze,” he thought. “But how can I help them?” Then he remembered the barn where the children’s pony was stabled. It would provide a warm shelter.” He quickly put on his coat and galoshes and tramped through the deepening snow to the barn. He opened the doors wide and turned on a light. But the birds didn’t come in.
“Food will bring them in,” he thought. So he hurried back to the house for bread crumbs, which he sprinkled on the snow to make a trail into the barn. To his dismay, the birds ignored the bread crumbs and continued to flop around helplessly in the snow. He tried shooing them into the barn by walking around and waving his arms. They scattered in every direction – except into the warm, lighted barn.
“They find me a stranger and terrifying creature.” He said to himself, “and I can’t seem to think of any way to let them know they can trust me. “If only I could be a bird myself for a few minutes, perhaps I could lead them to safety.”
Just at that moment, the church bells began to ring. He stood silently for a while, listening to the bells pealing the glad tidings of Christmas. Then he sank to his knees in the snow. “Now I do understand,” he whispered. “Now I see why you had to do it.”
“And the WORD became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth.” John 1: 14
JOY TO THE WORLD THE LORD HAS COME!!
Pastor Jim & Karen Gerth

Pastor's Blog for November

Dear Friends,

in the powerful name of Jesus the Christ.

“Come and see!’ John 1: 46b Come and see what God in Christ has done for you! Come and see that Jesus is the way the truth and the life. Come and see that the Holy Spirit is at work comforting us and giving us a new reason to be a people of hope. Come and see that the promises Jesus had made can be trusted! COME AND SEE!

That is my invitation to you that you COME & SEE what God has been doing, is doing and will be doing in the future at Atonement Lutheran Church. A special CELEBRATION is being planned for Sunday November 7th. COME AND SEE!
The CELEBRATION will be one centered around the Word & the Sacrament as we realize what God in Christ has done for us. It is the Good News of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ that compels us to recommit our lives to serve Christ by caring for others.

Be sure to bring with you the completed TIME, TALENT & FINANCIAL COMMITMENT SHHET to worship on the 7th. During worship we will place them on the altar as an expression of gratitude for what Christ has done. It is our hope that each member of Atonement will take on in faith the Growth Giving Challenge. The challenge is that each member will increase their giving by 1%. Be sure to take time in prayer using the resources sent to you to consider how you will use the gifts of time, talent and treasure to the glory of God.

We will also be welcoming new members into the Atonement Lutheran Church family on November 7th. Come and see who they are and reach out with the love and grace of Jesus the Christ!

Yes – COME AND SEE what God in Christ Jesus is doing! Philip could not keep the news about Jesus Christ to himself! We also have GOOD NEWS to share and will be doing just that has each home of members of Atonement are visited by the STEPPING OUT TEAMS. Each team will deliver a plastic bag filled with news about what is going on at Atonement Lutheran Church! If you would like to help deliver these bags of GOOD NEWS talk with Sharon Schneider or Pastor Jim.

So do COME AND SEE and be sure to invite others to also COME AND SEE what God is doing!

In Christ,

Pastor Jim Gerth (P.J.)

Dear Friends,

Greetings to you in the powerful name of Jesus the Christ!

Why am I alive? Why was I born? As Christians, we believe wholeheartedly that we are here for a reason, and that our existence is not a random act of biology or circumstance. But where do we turn to really and truly discover the answer to such questions? The only satisfying answers are found in God. Jesus said, “I have come that you may have life and have it abundantly.” We were created: to be loved by God and to find my purpose by getting to know God, who created me. “It’s not about me…it’s all about God.”

The Bible is clear that God considers 40 days a spiritually significant time period. Whenever God wanted to prepare someone for his purposes, he took 40 days:
*Noah’s life was transformed by 40 days of rain.
*Moses was transformed by 40 days on Mount Sinai.
*The spies were transformed by 40 days in the Promised Land.
*David was transformed by Goliath’s 40-day challenge.
*Elijah was transformed when God gave him 40 days of strength from a single meal.
*The entire city of Nineveh was transformed when God gave the people 40 days to change.
*Jesus was empowered by 40 days in the wilderness.
THE NEXT 40 DAYS WILL TRANSFORM YOUR LIFE.
During September & October the Sunday Celebration will guide you into that week’s conversation and study in one of the many small groups.
Week One “What On Earth Am I Here For?” Colossians 1: 16
Week Two PURPOSE #1 “You Were Planned For God’s Pleasure” Isaiah 61: 3
Week Three PURPOSE #2 “You Were Formed For God’s Family” John !5: 5
Week Four PURPOSE #3 “You Were Created To Become Like Christ” Colossians 2: 7
Week Five PURPOSE #4 “You Were Shaped For Serving God I Corinthians 3: 5 – 6
Week Six PURPOSE #5 “You Were Made For A Mission Proverbs 11:30

Be sure to join us on Sunday – October 24th for the MISSION & MINISTRY FAIR at Atonement. This will be held in the fellowship hall during the Sunday School hour. Come and see what is going on at Atonement and the ELCA as the Good News of Jesus Christ is proclaimed! Come and see how you can be a part of what is going on in ministry and how you can be a part of these many ministries. COME & SEE!!

CELEBRATION SUNDAY will be on November 7th. You are asked to bring to worship your completed Time & Talent Sheets and your financial pledges for 2011. We will place them on the altar as our gift to God in response to what God has done for us.

Please contact me by phone 920-468-0713 or by e-mail james.gerth@yahoo.com so I know how you would like to help!
Join us as we explore the question: What on earth am I here for?
In Christ,

Pastor Jim (P.J.)

July Pastor's Letter

Dear Friends,

Greetings to you in the Name of Jesus Christ!

“Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you.” John 20:21

I am not sure what this next week will be like. I have never gone on a trip like this one. I am not certain what I will find as I join a group of four other men to go fishing in Canada. I must admit I am excited! I am excited about having some time with my son and some good friends. I am excited about seeing the beauty of that part of the world. I am excited about coming home with some great fish and or fish stories. But – having never been to this lake with this group before I do wonder – how will it go?

Looking to the future can be difficult to do. The followers of Jesus who were gathered in that room with the doors and windows all closed were not too sure about anything – and that includes the future. They had just gone through the most difficult week in their lives – Jesus being arrested, Judas betraying Jesus, Jesus sharing the last meal with them calling them to be servants, and then seeing Jesus die on the cross. What were they to make of all that they had seen and heard with Jesus over the last year and certainly over the last week.

But did you notice what happened? “Peace be with you.” What? How can that be? Their world had been turned upside down – peace. Yet that is just what Jesus brought them and brings us. “Peace be with you.”  It was about a year ago that we gathered in a room (parish hall) wondering about the future and what God was calling us to do at Atonement. But even though we had our questions, look how God has blessed us with peace as we have moved forward into mission together. Remember what Jesus said to his followers, “As the Father has sent me so I send you”. Yes we are sent! Sent into the neighborhoods around Atonement to BE THE PEOPLE OF GOD who are not afraid but rather filled with the PEACE OF CHRIST!

I remember that worship services used to end with these words – “Now the peace of God which passes all human understanding keep your hearts and minds in CHRIST JESUS”. The followers of Jesus did not stay in that room and we at Atonement have not stayed in the parish hall. We have been sent to BE THE CHURCH – TO BRING THIS REMARKABLE GIFT OF PEACE TO THE WORLD.  I am not sure how it will all work out but I do know that the Prince of Peace – Jesus Christ) is leading the way! Praise God!

In Christ,

Pastor Jim (P.J.)

(P.S. .Ask me about my fishing trip!)