Happenings

July 25, 2018

This Week in Worship

This coming Sunday is the Tenth Sunday after Pentecost in our church year.  Pr. Joel will be on vacation so we will have a special time of singing our favorite hymns from this summer.  Please be with us as worship God in spirit and in truth.  

• First reading:  2 Samuel 11:1-15
• Psalm:  Psalm 14
• Second reading:  Ephesians 3:14-21
• Gospel:  John 6:1-21

Pastor on Vacation

Pastor Joel will be on vacation with family from July 26, 2018 through August 2, 2018.  If you have any emergencies that need direct pastoral care during that time, please contact our Council President, Judy Wahlstrom.  She will notify Pr. Rick Roberts of St. John's Lutheran Church who is our Pastor on Call while Pr. Joel is away.

Sunday School - August 5

Our next Sunday School session will be Sunday, August 5 as our children continue their study in embroidery.  Please come join us at 9:00 a.m.  And remember, parents are always invited!

Also, we were thrilled with the results of our first fundraiser of the year toward our $800 goal as a Sunday School class.  That money will be used to purchase school supplies for needy kids in our community.  The dessert sale at the Fellowship Meal last Sunday raised almost $200 toward that goal.  We are well on our way!  Thanks to all who donated desserts and purchased them as well.

Seminary Internship Possibility

We have been approached by the Synod to consider having a seminary intern this coming academic year.  Dawn Bennett is a recent graduate of Vanderbilt Divinity School and is a candidate for ordination in the ELCA.  She is doing her Lutheran studies through Luther Seminary in St. Paul, MN.

She would work under my supervision and along side me as we all seek to do and be gospel in East Nashville.  Her work would include all the various aspects of pastoral ministry but with a particular focus on community outreach and church growth.  

While there are various costs involved that are being covered by the seminary and Synod, Memorial would be responsible for $10,000 dollars toward her stipend.  So we, in essence, get a full-time pastor in training for one year for that amount.

This past Sunday we voted almost unanimously as a congregation to move forward with this opportunity.  More information will be coming soon! 

Pastor Joel

Songwriter's Gathering August 11

Come join us for our next Songwriter’s Gathering on Saturday, August 11, 2018 from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall downstairs.  You are welcome to render a tune or two or simply come and enjoy listening to the great music.  Beverages and light snacks will be provided.

Cleaning God's House

Since we no longer have our former tenants cleaning our church, we are trying out a period of "clean as you go."  We are asking everyone to pitch in when you can.  If you have a few minutes and see something that needs to be cleaned, "get 'er done!"  Ask if you need help finding any supplies.

Lauren Jackson Coplan Resignation Letter

We are saddened to announce that Lauren has tendered her resignation as our organist/pianist.  Many of you know that Lauren has served us well for over nine years in this role and she will be truly missed.  We will be honoring her and her good work during our August Fellowship Meal so we hope you will come and show your appreciation to her.

Her resignation letter:

July 24, 2018

Dear Pastor Joel, Church Council, and Members of Memorial Lutheran Church,

After much time in prayer and deliberation I have decided to step down from my position as organist and pianist at Memorial Lutheran Church.

This has comes at a time when I know things are looking bright for Memorial so I hate to leave now.  I have been so happy under the guidance of Pastor Joel and Council President Judy Wahlstrom, working with my always incredible colleague and bright light in this world, Julie Pennell, as well as so happy to serve this church, our youth, and the community.  But we have had several big changes to our life and schedule - my weekday work structure and Samantha entering a new school this August, among several other things.  Many of these changes have pointed us in a direction where we need weekends for respite and although church life and our wonderful church family at Memorial certainly offers that, it has also been so associated with work for me (albeit fulfilling work!) I feel it is a time to step away and seek sabbath in other ways, at least for a while. We are also planning to visit grandparents more regularly on the weekends and so a regular Sunday commitment precludes that.

Samantha and I can’t imagine this as a goodbye from Memorial altogether and I hope it is not.  We cherish all of you, the friendships made, my incredible colleagues Julie Pennell and John, many mentors, teachers, and the network of support.

Judy Wahlstrom has been one of the biggest inspirations in my life.  From her, I have learned more than ever before how Christian love and commitment can change lives.  Thank you Judy for all you have done for Sam, for me, the children of our church, and the community.

There are many others too who I know have pulled their weight more than they probably had time or energy in order to better our church.  I thank all of you! 

I am leaving the door open to continue working with the youth choir on a part time basis, at least for a while longer, if that is something that could work out logistically as well as make sense or not?  From my end it would be hard to let go of!  I am praying for discernment from all parties regarding what seems best.  I want what is best for the children and the community.

Thank you for nine wonderful years as your organist and pianist and for your belief in my idea about bringing a youth choir to fruition (even if small!), and most of all for bringing up my daughter in such a beautiful church life!

Respectfully and with gratitude,

Lauren