A season of gratitude and grace at Community Lutheran

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Let the adventures begin!

What an amazing first two weeks together. We completely emptied every local warehouse of rainbow leis for the CAMP Rehoboth Block Party and are now ready for all the furry friends to visit us for treats and blessings. It’s a busy and beautiful time to be in Community, as we prepare the 2026 Plan for Ministry and pray with council members seeking election or reelection.

As I reflect on the gift that is being in shared space, fellowship, and mutual care with all of you (thank you beyond words to the folks who made sure I had enough peace cobbler and brownies to survive moving week!), I am reminded again and again that we are a congregation, not a church. A church is a building. We are so much more than that. We are the coming together of people with gifts, talents, resources, skills, passion, and dedication in a way that changes lives and inspires faith.

Dozens of people are part of each week here at Community, investigating mystery smells from the sewer system, making storage space for the supplies (and freezers) of welcome, balancing budgets, and navigating software that needs new expertise every day. We are a congregation that knows the gift of being part of something bigger than ourselves, a space that challenges us to stretch, to learn, to grow, to open our hearts and minds to new ways to love and learn with and accompany our neighbors.

I am so honored to be part of that journey with you. I am genuinely excited to learn with and from you, to pray and discern together about where the Holy Spirit wants and needs us to bring Community in the new year. Your council and team coordinators will be coming to you over the next few weeks for your thoughts, ideas, needs, and prayerful dreams. Please spend some time in prayer over these next few weeks. We know the need in the world is great. We also know we are created by a God who says, “Nothing is too big for me!” Where and how is God calling Community to show up in 2026? Let’s prepare for the journey we will take as a congregation, together, in Community!

Pastor Carla

Celebrating our Pastors

October is Pastor Appreciation Month, and we’re pausing to say thank you. With help from Lee Trueheart and Mari Satterlee, members of our Community Lutheran family shared messages of gratitude for Pastors Carla and Karis. Their leadership, compassion, and faithfulness bless us in countless ways.

“We would like to thank you both for giving us an immediate sense of belonging and a heavy dose of joy.” — Wayne and Marilyn Paugh

“We have smiles on our faces and in our hearts! Thank you.” — Thadine and Cindy

“Thank you for your energy and always shaking us through God’s words.” — Luis

Thank you also to Pastors Earl and Ed for their behind-the-scenes support and dedication.

Blessing of the Animals

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

Bring your furry, feathered, or scaled companions for a joyful celebration of creation and companionship. Each blessing reminds us that every creature is a reflection of God’s love.

Our ministry is always moving through worship, service, and care. Here’s what’s coming up at Community:

• 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 11: A “Long Advent” Journey Towards Justice Zoom 6-week study begins
  12:15 – 1 p.m. via Zoom. Register Here.
• 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 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

Get involved