Elim Lutheran Church
Office:  504 Baker Street
Petaluma, CA 94952
707-762-4081
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Devotion From Pastor Kathryn: August 26, 2021

8/26/2021

 
“I was glad when they said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord!’”
(Psalm 122:1)
 
What a wonderful Sunday morning it was on August 22, to look out and see 97 people smiling, clapping, and worshiping together: IN PERSON! We also had some 40 people online – including my mother and sister!

There were so many of you who helped make that happen – from the Leadership Team, to the Altar Guild, to our Staff, and to all who joined on the Work Days. Thank you – thank you – thank you!

Thank you for your patience as we work out the “kinks” that have popped up since our return to in person worship.

Thank you for wearing your masks, not singing in church, and for keeping distance from non-family groups.

Saints of God – we are going to make it through this time!
ALLELUIA!

See you in worship,
Pr. Kathryn

Devotion From Pastor Kathryn: August 12, 2021

8/12/2021

 
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, 
so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
 (Romans 15:13) 

At our recent Leadership Team, Staff and Transition Team meetings I asked this question: “What gives you hope?” 

Here are some of their answers which are profound and inspirational: 
  • Teenagers – because they are more tolerant of each other and lift each other up than I was at their age
  • My Faith in God – knowing God is always with me
  • After the school shooting in Florida – how the students got together to oppose gun violence in our country
  • Friendship – friends who lift me up
  • Great grandchildren – who go on even through the struggles
  • Little, unexpected things
  • The passion and enthusiasm of our members
  • Baptism
  • We’re still here! 
  • Olympic athletes
  • Our church has been blessed
  • I feel like the church puts its arms around us
Friends in Christ, I know this is a tough time. I know you are struggling – we are all
struggling. I know you are tired of wearing a mask and keeping your distance from those you love. I know it’s difficult to know what the heck to do in some situations with this crazy virus! I know that vaccination has become a political issue, and that we all struggle with this issue. 

But let me tell you something: WE ARE GOING TO MAKE IT THROUGH THIS! We have the strength of God within us. We are filled with the power of the Holy Spirit, and we have the hope of Christ within us.
 
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13) 

See you in worship at 10 a.m. on August 22! 

God’s peace and hope be with you, 
Pastor Kathryn 

    Pastor Kathryn Gulbranson

    Interim Pastor

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 ​Elim Lutheran Church | 220 Stanley St, Petaluma CA 94952 | 707-762-4081 | office@elimpetaluma.org
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