Growing in faith, serving in love

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Pastor Carla reflects on a joyful return and shares what’s ahead

Helllllooooooo Community!

What can I say but that it’s great to be home! I’m thrilled to have found a place to live with a dog park that makes Bishop Winifred as delighted as I am. I’ve already had the joy of connecting with new friends of Community and reconnecting with many of the inspired visionaries who supported my learning in July. We even made it through our first worship of the season together, despite an internet outage and a raging Nor’easter!

The council, staff, committees, and I are diving into finish out the year strong. The priorities you read about just a couple of weeks ago are moving along swiftly. We have a first draft of a plan for ministry (a.k.a. budget) to pray over as we prepare for the November congregational meeting. You’ll have the chance to learn more about signature ministry ideas, with a commitment to growing and maintaining ministry excellence in 2026, through a series of temple talks during worship over the next three weeks.

We are working out the technology and logistics of transition and re-envisioning storage spaces while making building repairs and upgrades to prepare for the winter, and engaging the reimagination of our space to make room for everything dreamed about in our surveys, from youth to yoga!

I would love for you to email me your favorite photos to add to our soon-to-be revamped website and social media. I would love for you to share ideas for books and films you would like to discuss in 2026. I would love for you to share events and potential partners Community could connect with. I’d also love for you to just send me a message if you’d like to have coffee, so I can get to know you as a person as well as a parishioner.

We have lots of growing in faith, service, and love of neighbor to do together over the next few months. And I’m excited to get started.

Pastor Carla

Blessing of the Animals

Sunday, October 26, 1–3 p.m. at Community Lutheran Church

All pets and their people are invited to this joyful celebration of creation and companionship. Bring your furry friends for a special blessing and community gathering.

In preparation for the event, please join us between services on October 19 to assemble blessing bags filled with treats and toys.
Please bring:

• Dog treats
• Cat treats
• Pet toys

Each gift bag is a small reminder that all God’s creatures deserve love and care.

• October 19: Empowerment Campaign Kickoff
  Temple Talks begin, sharing our vision for ministry through 2026.
• October 19: Rehoboth Block Party
  Stop by our booth at this joyful community event hosted by CAMP Rehoboth from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Let’s show what God’s love looks like in action.
• November 9: Annual Congregational Meeting
  One service only at 10:30 a.m., followed by the meeting. Please attend as we vote on our ministry plan.
• November 19: DAV Veterans Benefits Seminar
  9 a.m.–1 p.m. in Luther Hall. Open to all veterans and families seeking guidance on benefits.
• November 22: Thanksgiving Food Distribution
  Drive-thru turkey and food box pickup. Volunteers are needed! Time to be announced.

Signature Ministry Focus: Anti-Racism, Equity, and Justice

Community Lutheran is launching a new Signature Ministry that celebrates diversity, uplifts affected communities, and follows God’s call to justice.

This ministry includes:

• LGBTQIA+ ministry (Beth Bussler)
• Social justice efforts (Pam Pedersen and Marilyn Pough)
• Adult English classes (Jen Reed and Mari Satterlee)
• Partnerships with ELIM Church and La Esperanza

Pam Pedersen shares this reflection:

“For those who feel discouraged about the state of the world, I get it. As Pastor Ed said, ‘Yes, sit on your pity pot. But then, when it’s time to, get off.’ The world needs us. The church needs you. Let’s do the work of justice together.”

To learn more or get involved, contact Pam Pedersen.

Community Lutheran’s fall Empowerment Campaign: a season of growth and vision

Community Lutheran is embarking on an exciting new chapter as we continue to grow in faith, service, and impact. This fall, we’re launching our Empowerment Campaign, a time to celebrate where we’ve been, cast vision for where we’re going, and invite everyone to play a vital role in sustaining and strengthening our shared ministry.

At the heart of this campaign is the introduction of our three Signature Ministries, which will help guide our mission through 2026 and beyond. These ministries reflect our deepest values and the unique call God has placed on this congregation.

Below is the timeline for this fall’s Empowerment Campaign:

Empowerment Campaign Timeline

• October 19 – Appeal Kickoff Sunday + First Temple Talk highlighting one of the Signature Ministries
• October 26 – Second Temple Talk highlighting a Signature Ministry and the call to “Sustain Ministry Excellence”
• November 2 – Third Temple Talk + Mailing of second letter and Commitment Card
• November 9 – Appeal Articulation Sunday: Summarizing the vision, need, and invitation to respond
• November 16 – Commitment Sunday: A sacred moment to offer our pledges and prayers
• December 7 – Celebrate! Announce campaign results and give thanks!

Lift one another up

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