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| Raymond E. Venghaus, Pastor |
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If you would like to request prayer, please fill in the form at the bottom of the Prayers page under Worship With Us and send it to me. Prayers you request will be included in my daily devotions for a week unless you specify a longer period.
Hi Everyone! Welcome to “my space” on Calvary’s Website. I thought it might be fun to share with you some of the reading I do on a regular basis as a way for you to know me better and also as a way to challenge you in your reflections about life and faith. I ride a stationary bicycle as much as six days a week. I have an attachment on the handlebar that holds magazines in a position to read. While my legs are churning away, these are the magazines that I read . . .
The remainder of this posting can be found my our blog. Just click on the link immediately below and go to 'Reading & Pedaling'.
Pastor Ray
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Pastor Ray and Lynn
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Bully Problems
A REFLECTION ON THE TRAGEDY
AT VIRGINIA TECH
AND HOW IT RELATES TO US!
Adults: When a shooting tragedy like Virginia Tech or Columbine happens, I stop and take time to watch and read. I would admit to looking for similar points in the different events. One of those points that seems to reoccur more frequently than others is the recent presence of bullies in the lives of the shooters. This certainly seems to have been the case at Virginia Tech, and I recall it being part of the diaries of the Columbine shooters, as well as showing up in several other instances. One of the motives of the shooters seems to be to “get even” with those who have abused them, in a physical or emotional way. My own feeling is that there will always be a certain few who take this “revenge” to the extremes and make national news.
Having said this, I have read many times of the concerns in our local as well as other schools regarding the problem of bullies. I sometimes can see it out of my window in the office at Calvary. I have had more than one conversation about bullying with students in Confirmation and there’s been more than one time when I have felt the need to address this issue with individual confirmation students. Therefore, I invite parents and members of Calvary to take seriously concerns about bullies in our schools, sports programs, and even in our faith relationships. I invite all of us to discourage in every way possible those who act out in this fashion whether verbally, psychologically or physically. I think we all should start with our own sons and daughters (yes, some bullies are girls), and we should also be vigilant in observations of such behavior that needs to be reported to officials who can take meaningful action. It’s a way of interacting and communicating that bullying is simply not appropriate behavior.
Kids: If someone is bullying you or someone you know, I am here to support and guide you. Please feel free to come to me or to your parents for help. If you are a bully, remember God loves you and with assistance you can learn to be a kinder, gentler person. No one has to feel helpless!
Anyone can talk with me about how to address bullying from a Christian perspective; my door is open.
Pastor Ray
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SOCIAL SECURITY and EXTRA HELP
ON MEDICARE PRESCRIPTION DRUG COSTS!
The Scottsbluff office of Social Security has made available to Calvary a press release and pamphlet regarding assistance Social Security can render regarding Prescription Drugs. It appears that there are substantial monies available in the right circumstances to greatly enhance this critical area of concern. The press releases are available on a table in the Narthex and during the week outside Nancy's office.
YOU SHOULD AT LEAST LOOK AT THIS PROGRAM!
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PASTOR RAY APPROVED FOR
TWO-YEAR CONTINUING EDUCATION PROJECT
The Board of Elders and the Church Planning Council approved Pastor Ray’s participation in the SPIRITUAL FORMATION PROGRAM offered by the Grace Institute for Spiritual Formation of Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. This two year program involves 8 events that take place over a two-year period (3 days at a time) beginning August 2006 and going through May of 2009. Continuing education funds will pay for the actual program, and continuing leave time will be used for the time away from Calvary.
The eight themes of the events are: Grace-Centered Spirituality; Attention to the Word: Meditation on the Bible, the Word in Music; Symbols and Sacraments; Worship and Spiritual Formation; Contemplative Prayer: Icons, Jesus prayer; Discernment; Spirituality and Service in the World; Prayer and Evangelism. This program plans for the following benefits: Personal spiritual growth; leadership skills in spiritual formation with small groups; strong communal support for intentional spiritual life; strengthen outreach; and understand spiritual practices in Lutheran and ecumenical perspectives.
In addition, Pastor Ray is expected to begin a relationship with a Spiritual Director. One of the major reasons for participating in this program is the anticipated opportunity for Calvary to grow in a Spiritual response to the Gospel just as Pastor Ray does. Anyone interested in offering support, be it financial to help with transportation (the program is about 800+ miles one way) or prayer support is encouraged to contact Pastor Ray.
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