Martin Luther Church, as a congregation, welcomes and celebrates the richness and diversity of all God’s people, regardless of where they’ve come from or where they are in their life’s journey. Therefore, we follow the teaching of 2 Corinthians 5:18: “All this is from God who reconciled us through Jesus Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.”

We believe that the good news of Jesus Christ is to be shared by all people without regard to age, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, or physical or mental abilities. All are welcome as members of the Body of Christ as workers in the kingdom of God, and at the table of our Lord.

Help us help Campers!
Martin Luther Church has been a long-time supporter of Crossways Camping Ministries (Pine Lake, Imago Dei Village, Waypost.) Over the years some of you may have been campers there or at another Lutheran Bible Camp. This has been a vital part of the formation of our children and youth for decades (even Pastor Kris was a counselor at Village for several years.)

The costs for camp keep going up each year and still can't keep up with the actual expenses. However, we would like to help Crossways keep funding camperships for some of the youth who cannot afford the full rate. There will be a bucket in the narthex with "Coins for Camp" on it, where you can drop your spare change each week to help finance camperships - some of it for our own youth campers.

Electronic Offering
Several members of the congregation have expressed an interest in “electronic giving”, electronically transferring their contribution from their bank/checking account into the church’s checking account.

Thrivent Financial for Lutherans offers “Simply Giving”, a program free to Lutheran congregations and their members. You do not need to be a member of Thrivent. Offerings are transferred electronically at a pre-determined time (weekly or monthly) from your bank account directly into Martin Luther’s account. As a result, contributions cannot be lost, stolen or forgotten. The congregation would benefit from steady, more predictable contributions throughout the year, especially in the summer months.

If you are interested in the “Simply Giving” program, please contact Mary Felkner at mfelkner@mmsd.com. For more information, check out www.Thrivent.com, and search for “Simply Giving”.

The August 2008 Issue of the "Door" gives you more information about Vacation Bible School and some words from our guest Pastor's Pen writer, Crystal Solie.

Swing Right into a Rainforest Adventure
for a Tree Top Bible Blast!
August 11 to August 14, 2008
6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Mark your calendars for Vacation Bible School August 11th - 14th, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM - supper will be served. The kids will experience Bible stories through an interactive combination of music, art, science, games, worship, and drama in an imaginary Rainforest. Watch the bulletin for more information.

Open Positions
We have an open position in our music department for an adult choir director, children's choir director and music worship coordinator. If you are interested in these positions, please check the full job description at http://martinlutherchurch.net/Careers.htm

Help... our push mower is non-repairable and we need one! Does anyone have a push mower that they can donate? Please contact Bruce South 414.489.9099.

Summer Office Hours will begin on June 2nd:
Monday - Thursday
8:30 AM to 12:00 PM
Closed on Fridays