Update

Greetings to all:

Another great week for updates on all the cool things happening at St. John’s :

Faith in Film: Last Sunday, we had an excellent turn out and discussion for our most recent feature, Sicko. It was good to share thoughts about how we, as people of faith, are called to engage in the discussion of equitable health care for all of God’s children. Some of you were asking what the Lutheran church may be doing about this. Check out the Lutheran Office of Government Affairs site for more information about how the larger church is addressing this issue. E-mail my good friend Drew Genzler, director of LOGA in Washington , DC , and tell him I told you he has all the answers! Next month we will host a double feature with the Nativity Story followed by a recent short documentary about current housing/land struggles in the Holy Land . Plan on another insightful, challenging discussion as we discern how God is calling us to action with regard to the ongoing situation in the Middle East .

Solomon’s Porch First Cup conversations: This Thursday is our inaugural First Cup conversation at Redford’s new organic coffee house, First Cup, located on the Southeast corner of Inkster and Five Mile. Join the conversation from 7-8 pm as we discuss the Hollywood writers strike, fair labor practices, responsibilities of workers and management, and how the Bible can provide some insight into the discussion of how as people of faith we are called to engage in this issue. Join us this first week and I will take care of your beverage for you. If you want to be thinking ahead, click on the attached file for some background information leading up to our discussion.

Joke of the week: From my daughter, who asks, “What did one snowman say to another?” Check the end of this message for the answer.

Book Club News: This Friday at 10 am we start our new book, The Gospel According to Starbucks, by Len Sweet. Join us for great discussion about how some of Starbucks principals may relate to our mission as people of God.

Silent Auction Update: St. John's will be holding it first silent auction on Tuesday, December 11th, the night of our annual Little Christmas concert. We are in need of additional items to auction off that night. If you can help out, please contact me ASAP. All proceeds from this event will benefit the missional efforts of St. John's.


Family Film Night: Release date delays caused us to show Happy Feet last month instead of Ratatouille, our scheduled feature. Ratatouille has since been released and we will be shown this Saturday night starting at 5 pm. Pizza, popcorn and liquid refreshments will be available. Last month we had 36 people in attendance, so show up early if you want a place on one of our comfortable couches or bring blankets and pillows to create your own comfortable space.

Green Update: Never say yes to paper or plastic again! We are taking orders for our new environmentally friendly cloth bags. Check them out at attachment 2 above. Use them and be a witness not only to St. John’s and our commitment to be “green”, but discover a great way to tell people about our church. It is as easy as saying no to paper or plastic and watching the conversation flow! The bags should be about $8 each.

Joke of the week answer: I smell carrots!

Have a great week. Remember, I pray for the readers of this blog Friday morning. How can I pray for you? E-mail me at bicyclepastor@yahoo.com