THANK YOU FROM THE MORGAN HILL POLICE DEPARTMENT

Good Morning- On behalf of the Morgan Hill Police Officers Association, I wanted to reach out to all of you wonderful people and say thank you! I came into work tonight and I was overwhelmed by all the goodies and cards left by your church. All too often, police officers are at odds with their neighborhoods but not in Morgan Hill. We live in a special community where we as law enforcement officers believe we make a difference in the quality of life for everyone. I tell people I meet that our relationship with our community is unique and uncommon in today’s world. After nearly 22 years of service and three different police departments, I can honestly say this community cares about its cops! Thank you again and please don’t hesitate to call us for help. Please pass this email along to everyone… Regards- Sergeant Bill Norman MHPOA President

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ONLINE SYNOD GATHERING & DISTRICT/CONFERENCE FALL MEETINGS THIS SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 17

Our Sierra Pacific Synod will gather regionally, in person and via video conference at multiple sites: Grace in Palo Alto Our Savior's in Lafayette Advent in Morgan Hill The morning program is being presented by the Reformation 500 Task Force and they will share some information about events planned in the synod. They will also present some 'sample' lessons. After each short presentation there will be time for the groups to discuss among themselves, or with others, their thoughts and reactions as well as work on developing their own plans for commemorating 2017.

Schedule

9:30 Registration 10:00 Program, led by the Reformation 500 Task Force 12:00 Lunch 12:45 Conference Gatherings

All are welcome; please register on the synod website www.spselca.org. If you want to simply come to the 10 AM program, you are welcome to do so. We are in need of volunteers to host a continental breakfast in the morning and set up drinks for lunch. We also will need help with setting up tables on Friday evening or early Saturday morning and to clean up after the event. If you can help with this event, please call Sherry in the office at 408-779-3551. Thank you!

Ascension in Citrus Heights Emanuel in Modesto Cross and Crown in Rohnert Park

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“God’s work. Our hands.”

Sunday

September 11, 2016

“God’s work. Our hands.” (GWOH) Sunday is an opportunity to celebrate who we are as the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) – one church, freed in Christ to serve and love our neighbor. The date for the 2016 dedicated day of service is Sunday, Sept. 11. There are also other days of service. You can learn more by searching for “God’s work. Our hands” at http://elca.org/

Advent Lutheran Church, 16870 Murphy Avenue, Morgan Hill has planned several service activities that will offer an opportunity for us to explore one of our most basic convictions as Lutherans: that all of life in Jesus Christ – every act of service, in every daily calling, in every corner of life – flows freely from a living, daring confidence in God’s grace. You work every day to make your community a better place. Let us continue doing this work together in 2016!

Now is the time to look for your yellow “God’s work. Our hands.” Advent t-shirt. If you can’t find it or want another, we have ordered more. Please wear your t-shirt on “God’s work. Our hands.” (GWOH) Sunday or whenever you do a service activity.

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Donations are being gathered in the weeks before GWOH Sunday, Sept. 11. Please don’t be overwhelmed by all the choices; focus on service activities close to your heart. Look for the Collection Station signs at Advent for your donations! Please do not donate any items with religious symbols, US flag, patriotic or military symbols, or references to armed forces including camouflage. Thank you!

After the 8:00 AM worship service on Sunday, Sept. 11, look for service activity signs on tables in the entry, the fellowship hall, and outside in the courtyard! Join others and participate in “God’s work, Our Hands.” service activities!

1. Pack water & snacks for day workers in Morgan Hill; Lead-Kathy Munk a. Service activity: Sept. 11 between worship services (9:30 am – 10:45

am). Confirmands and their parents will participate; everyone welcome to help. Confirmands’ parents will drive to deliver the items.

b. Donations needed: bottled water, snack-size trail mix, nuts, bread, peanut butter & jam, fruit strips, other non-perishable, healthy snack items.

2. Lead devotions at Valley Pines Senior Assisted Living, 545 E. Main Ave., MH; Lead – Pastor Lee Tyler

a. Service activity: Sept. 11 between worship services (9:30 –10:45 am). Everyone is welcome to participate. Pastor Lee, musicians, & others who want join them will take their own vehicles or carpool to/from Valley Pines.

3. Recognize and appreciate the MH Police Department; Lead - Sharon Pepper

a. The service activity on Sept. 4 was very much appreciated by the MHPD! See elsewhere in the bulletin for the note from Sgt. Bill Norman of the MH Police Officers Association.

b. Service activity: Sept. 11 at worship (8 am and 10:45 am) and coffee hour (9:30 am – 10:45 am); meet and thank members of MH Police Dept. and their families.

c. Donations needed on Sept. 11: Baked goods to share with the MH Police Dept. at coffee hour.

d. Service activity: Date and time TBD; join Sharon and others to deliver any remaining baked goods to the MH Police Dept.

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4. Assemble “We Care Kits” for homeless & needy in South County; Lead - Jill Carlson

a. Service activity: Sept. 11 between worship services (9:30 – 10:45 am). b. Donations needed:

i. Basics: beanie, clean socks, gloves, deodorant, feminine hygiene products, Kleenex, wash cloth

ii. Toiletries: multi-purpose wipes, chapstick, facial wipes, antibacterial lotion, comb, toothbrush/toothpaste, grooming kit

iii. Survival: first aid kit, band aids, hand warmers, multi-purpose tool, sunblock

iv. Food & Drink: bottled water, protein bars, nut/berry trail mix, beef jerky, fruit leathers, sports drink, restaurant gift cards, plastic utensils

v. Treats: fruit snacks, candy (individually wrapped), mints, chewing gum, compact reusable bag

vi. Help them connect: journal/pen, stamps, envelopes, hand written words of encouragement.

5. Assemble School Supplies Kits for Lutheran World Relief; Lead – Janet Franklin

a. Service activity: Sept. 11 between worship services (9:30 – 10:45 am). b. Donations needed: Four spiral-bound, 70-sheet notebooks, college- or

wide-ruled, ~ 8 X 10 ½” paper (no single sheets, please); One centimeter ruler or one with both inches & centimeters; One pencil sharpener; One pair blunt-end scissors; One 2 ½” eraser; One box of 16- or 24-count crayons; Five black or blue ballpoint pens; Five unsharpened #2 pencils with erasers.

6. Assemble Baby Care Kits-Lutheran World Relief; Lead–Catherine Holmes a. Service activity: Sept. 11 between worship services (9:30 – 10:45 am). b. Donations needed: Receiving blankets (2 per kit, up to 52” square);

Cloth diapers- flat fold preferred (4 per kit); T-shirts - sizes newborn to 24 month, long or short sleeves; Sweater or sweatshirt - with or without a hood, if not hood then a hat is required (again up to 24 months sizes); Socks; Sleepers without feet from newborn to 24 months; Soap - 4-5 oz bars; Diaper pins; Hand towel.

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7. Assemble Fabric Kits for Lutheran World Relief; Lead – Carrie Merrell a. Service activity: Sept. 11 between worship services (9:30 am – 10:45

am). b. Donations needed: spools of neutral-colored, general purpose thread

(250-300 yards each), cotton or cotton-blend fabric (no knits or 100% polyester) and each piece should be either 2 ¼ yards of 60” wide fabric, or 3 yards of 44” wide fabric, or 4 yards of 36” wide fabric.

8. Assemble Personal Care Kits for Lutheran World Relief; Lead – Dottie Ellsworth

a. Service activity: Sept. 11 between worship services (9:30 am – 10:45 am).

b. Donations needed: nail clippers and combs especially, also needed 4 oz bars of soap and towels.

9. Pick a service activity from the justserve.org website for a local zip code. Examples include:

a. Red Cross blood drive on 9/06/16 between 2-7 PM at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1790 E. Dunne, MH.

b. Santa Clara County Library, Gilroy branch, 350 W. 6th Street, needs adult volunteers for a literacy program, 408-842-8207.

c. Santa Clara County Library, Morgan Hill branch, 660 W. Main Ave., needs adult volunteers for a literacy program, 408-779-3196. Other contact information - Email: readingprogram@sccl.org or call 408-262-1349.

Thanks in advance for your donations and participation in “God’s work. Our hands.” Questions? Contact service activity leads or Ed Merrell (edcmerrell@gmail.com or 408-430-6264).

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OUR ELCA: NEW ACTIONS Sunday Conversations, 9:30-10:30 AM September 18 – October 16 The Churchwide Assembly of our Evangelical Lutheran Church in America met in August and took some important actions in our life together. All youth and adults are invited into conversations about these topics on Sunday mornings, in Berkland Fellowship Hall. September 18

Called Forward Together in Christ

Word and Service roster

New Vice President, William B. Horne II September 25

Declaration on the Way, a unique ecumenical document that marks a path toward greater unity between ELCA Lutherans and Roman Catholics

October 2

AAMPARO – the ELCA strategy to Accompany Migrant Minors with Protection, Advocacy, Representation and Opportunities

October 9

Repudiation of the Doctrine of Discovery

Deepening Relationships with Historic Black Churches

Anti-racism training as a regular practice for leaders

Accountable strategy around diversity in our churches (continues next page)

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October 16

Toward a Responsible Energy Future

Peace with Justice in the Holy Land

Justice for the Holy Land through Responsible Investment

Call to Discernment on U.S. Foreign and Military Policy

Supporting Military Personnel, Veterans and their Families

Welcoming Refugees CONFIRMATION Confirmation is for with youth 7th grade and older. We look forward to a year of fun, learning, serving and growing in faith together!

All youth 7th grade and older are invited to be a part of confirmation. Interested youth and families, please leave your contact information (names, emails, phone numbers, address(es)) with the church office.

There will be eight Saturday morning sessions (9:30 AM – Noon), focusing on important stories and parts of the Old Testament. October 1 – Creation hike – with stories from scripture, conversation, and prayer November 12 – Abraham and Sarah and their family, and the migrant journey December 10 – Service, preparing for Christmas together September 18 Some will be learning about the Faith of Our Neighbors through an ongoing series. Last year in April we participated in Faith of Our Neighbors: Islam. This year we will participate in Faith of Our Neighbors: Mormon on Sept. 18 and another session TBA in the spring. September 18 details: Meet at Advent at 3:30. We will carpool to City Council chambers (let Pastor Warner know if you can drive). We will share dinner and conversation afterward at the Sinaloa Café on Monterey in Morgan Hill; pick up from there at 7:30.

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CHOIR REHEARSALS BEGIN THIS WEEK

Do you like to sing? You are invited to sing with the choir at Advent! Rehearsals begin this week and will meet every Thursday, 7:30 – 9:15 PM. Basses, tenors, altos and sopranos are all invited! CHILDREN’S AND YOUTH MINISTRY

Children’s Time resumes next Sunday morning, 9:30 – 10:30 AM. All children are invited to active learning as we tell Bible stories together. Please contact Pete McElheny at peterandmasuyo.net if you would like to tell stories, lead music, lead a craft or art, or lead a cooking project. Contact Pastor Anita if you would like to serve as a chaperone or leader with Confirmation. SAFE COMMUNITY TRAINING October 2, 1:00 – 3:00 PM

Safe Community Training is required for all who serve as volunteers in our children’s and youth ministries, as a part of our community to being a faith community that is safe for all. Thank you to all who offer to serve for participating in this important work.

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All Are Invited!............All Are Welcome! Food n’ Fellowship 17th Annual Summer Party Tater Tots n’ Toppings

A little late this year………but the same guarantee of a great time for all!!

Date: Sunday……..September 18, 2016 New Time: 12:30 p.m. Venue: The House of Lee 630 Serpentine CT, Morgan Hill (408) 778-0995

Menu: Tater Tots (something different….instead of baked potatoes) oven baked tater tots Toppings - burgundy sirloin tips - chicken ala king - bbq pulled pork Salad - Create your own………Salad Bar n’ Fruits Rolls Drinks Dessert - Surprise!.......Assorted Homemade Goodies Jokes……please bring a joke to share!

Cost: $12.50 per person Guarantee: Fun, Food, Fellowship and Laughter for all!

The Lee’s are looking forward to hosting and welcoming ALL you foodies and guests to our F&F Summer Party on Sunday……Sept 18 @ 12:30 p.m. Please RSVP with a YES!

Peace n’ Blessings, Nancy Lee, Coordinator

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MARY & MARTHA CIRCLE

ADVENT WOMEN'S SUMMER BIBLE STUDY

WHEN GOD FORGIVES THE GUILTY

SESSION 1 -- JONAH & THE TERRIBLE, HORRIBLE, NO GOOD VERY BAD DAY

Wednesday, September 14th Fellowship -- 10:00 AM Bible Study -- 10:30 AM

Meet in Berkland Hall

Hostess: Dottie Ellsworth

All Women of Advent are invited, please join us, and bring a friend if you wish.

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DID YOU KNOW?

From Your Stewardship Committee

Those who work or volunteer in Public Safety

First responders go toward disaster while everyone else goes away toward safety. Police officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, crossing guards, and those who support them as dispatchers, in information technology, reception and administration, all support safety in our community. Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) are people in the community who are trained and able to support neighbors in the event of disaster. Today we celebrate and give thanks for all who work in public safety and offer them a blessing in their work.

If you work or volunteer in public safety, you are invited to take the communion elements to the altar for recognition of your stewardship to our community and to receive a blessing from Pastor Anita. THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

Today is Patriot Day and National Grandparents Day

In the United States, Patriot Day, observed as the National Day of Service and Remembrance, occurs on September 11 of each year in memory of the 2,977 people killed in the 2001 September 11 attacks.

The flag of the United States is flown at half-staff at the White House and on all U.S. government buildings and establishments throughout the world; flags are also encouraged to be displayed on individual American homes. Additionally, a moment of silence is observed to correspond with the attacks, beginning at 8:46 AM (Eastern Daylight Time), the time the first plane, American Airlines Flight 11, struck the North Tower of the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001.

Many families in the United States observe National Grandparents Day on the first Sunday of September after Labor Day. This day honors grandparents.

Go out and do something Patriotic and Grand !

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NURSERY CARE IS AVAILABLE ALL MORNING IN BERKLAND FELLOWSHIP HALL

CHILDREN Grades 4-6: Magnificent Mondays

on the third Monday of each month

CONFIRMATION September 18 – Faith of Our Neighbors 3:30 – 7:30 PM

October 1 – Creation hike

HIGH SCHOOL AND ADULTS Beginning next Sunday: Our ELCA: New Actions

MID-WEEK BIBLE STUDY

Tuesday mornings @ 10:00 AM All are welcome every Tuesday in the Library

WOMEN’S SPIRITUALITY CIRCLE

Meets on Thursdays @ 10:00 AM in Library

WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY MARY AND MARTHA CIRCLE

Meets 2nd Wednesday of the month @ 10:00 AM in Berkland Fellowship Hall

INDIVIDUAL AND GROUP SPIRITUAL DIRECTION

For support in your prayer life, deepening your relationship with God and living out your faith with the gifts you are given, please contact Lee Tyler at 778-1876 or

ltyler3@juno.com

The Youth & Family

Resource Center is here!

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Week of September 11th

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Sunday 8:90 AM Worship Service 9:30 AM God’s Work, Our Hands Projects 10:45 AM Worship Service 1:00 PM New Life Church Worship Service

Monday 7:00 PM Executive Committee Meeting 7:00 PM Alanon in Rm. 2

Tuesday 10:00 AM Mid-Week Bible Study in Library 10:00 AM Sew Seeds Quilters in Fellowship Hall 5:00 PM Community Table Dinner in Fellowship Hall 7:00 PM Overeaters Anonymous in Room 2

Wednesday 10:00 AM Mary and Martha Circle 7:00 PM New Life Church Worship Service

Thursday 7:00 AM Second Harvest Food Bank Brown Bag 10:00 AM Women’s Spirituality Circle in Library 7:00 PM SAA Meeting in Room 1

Friday 8:00 PM New Life Prayer Service

Saturday 8:30 AM Men’s Fellowship in Library 10:00 AM Gather and Cantor Rehearsal 10:00 AM Women for Sobriety in Room 1 4:00 PM Iglesia de Cristo Church Service in Room 2 7:00 PM AA in Room 1

Next Sunday 8:00 AM Worship Service 9:30 AM Children’s Time 9:30 AM Our ELCA: New Actions 10:45 AM Worship Service 12:30 PM Food and Fellowship Summer Party 1:00 PM New Life Church Worship Service