Solomon's Porch tonight

Friends:

Solomon’s Porch meets tonight at First Cup Coffee House, located at five mile and Inkster road, from 7 pm to 8 pm.

The topic for tonight: We will discuss the proposed bailout of the automotive industry. Is it necessary? Is it vital to not only our immediate area but the whole US? What sort of stipulations, if any, should be placed on the proposed bail out? Do you think this bail out will set further precedent for future bailouts of other industries? We will partner that discussion with identifying what our criteria are as people of faith for “bailing” out someone in need. If we are to do for the least of these, what does that look like in your life? What guidelines, if any, do you use when you lend someone a hand? How should the church or people of faith be involved in these discussions? Do we all need to agree on how and when help is provided? Should there be a universal model?

Please plan on coming out with your opinion as well as respect for others as we tackle this timely issue.

Look forward to seeing many of you there. If you cannot attend but would like your voice heard, send me and e-mail today(bicyclepastor@yahoo.com) and I will include it in the discussion tonight.

Be blessed.

Peace
PB

First faith and film discussion this Sunday

Friends:

Be sure to join us at St. John's this Sunday at 6 pm for the viewing of the Morgan Spurlock film "What would Jesus buy?". It is a fun yet poignant look at the consumerism of how Christmas has been taken over and Americans are getting further and further in debt and losing focus on the reason for the season. Some facts for you to ponder this Christmas season:

-the average American currently holds $13,000 worth of credit card debt.
-In the average Christmas season consumers in America will charge 100 billion dollars to their credit cards.

This is a discussion our church and community needs to have. Please join us for popcorn, a special movie and a lively dialogue about what habits God is calling us to adopt this and every Christmas season.

When: Sunday, November 16th
Where: St. John's Lutheran Church
Time: Movie starts at 6 pm, discussion at 7:30 pm

Be blessed.

Peace
PB

A call to action from the ELCA advocacy group

The current Congress will be in Washington for a lame duck session the week of November 17. The nation's need for economic recovery is urgent, and we believe Congress should act as quickly as possible. One thing Congress can do immediately to help low and moderate-income families is to support job creation measures and provide additional support for safety net programs that are especially needed during times of economic hardship.
Our partners at the Coalition on Human Needs have provided an easy way to get this message to the lame duck Congress. Simply go to the following link and send Congress a brief email: http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/125/campaign.jsp?campaign_KEY=26088 Thank you for taking this easy action during these tough times. For more information on the current advocacy work of the ELCA, visit our website at www.elca.org/advocacy.

Be blessed.

Great line from former lineman and ESPN analyst Mark Schlereth

Being a former trench man myself I have a fondness for former offensive lineman. Today on ESPN former Washington Redskin/Denver Bronco guard Mark Schlereth used a one liner I have never heard before. I am sure it is not an original but love the visual. He said:

"Remember when you point a finger three are pointing back at you"

Priceless and so true.

Be blessed.

Dine out with friends of SJ and help support our missional efforts

Friends:

Please consider dining out with our church on Thursday, December 18th between the hours of 5pm and 8pm at Max and Erma's in the Laurel Park Mall at 6 mile and Newburgh. On that night groups from SJ will meet for dinner and fellowship with 20% of your dinner cost going to support the missional efforts of SJLC. This event is open to friends, family and anyone else you would like to break bread with. At 5pm and 7pm folks from SJ will be there for group dining, but you can go anytime between the hours of 5-8pm. More information will follow about how to make sure that SJ is credited with your dining experience. This is a great opportunity for fun, fellowship and a good meal.

Peace,
PB