08/01/2025 | Volume 132 | Issue 8

Freedom from Hunger - TOMORROW

Saturday, August 2, 10am-noon

Gethsemane will be a drop off point for Isaiah 58 Ministries' Freedom from Hunger community-wide food drive. We will collect items on Saturday (and Sunday!) and deliver to Isaiah 58 next week. We could use a few more bodies to be at church on Saturday to help sort and receive the collections. You can show up to help any time between 10am-noon!

VBS Celebration &

Invitation to Worship

We’ve had an incredible week at Vacation Bible School, learning how God celebrates us! Each day has been filled with laughter, music, and meaningful lessons—and we can’t wait to share the joy with you!

This Sunday during worship, (9:30am) our VBS kids will present a special musical moment, sharing some of the songs they’ve learned and even playing the bells for the congregation. Thursday's theme was all about inviting others and making sure everyone knows they’re welcome at the party—so we want to extend that same invitation to you!

And here’s a beautiful bonus: Josie, the daughter of our music leader Ruthi (pictured), will be baptized during the service. What a perfect way to wrap up a week centered on celebration!

The Big Ask - August

Shaving cream, razors, body lotion, and lip balm

School Supplies (Gethsemane has signed up to donate 400 pocket folders. We will bring them to Isaiah 58 at the end of August).

Hot tip: Tax-free weekend starts today and goes until midnight August 3.

Gethsemane has partnered with St. Anthony's and Isaiah 58 to provide them with food and non-food items. The non-food items are particularly important as these are not covered by food stamps.

These donations can be placed in the wooden cabinets at the end of the hallway leading into the narthex.

Red Cross Blood Drive

The Red Cross will be at Gethsemane on Monday, August 11 from 1-5pm. Click here to schedule your appointment! At the time of this publication, there were still plenty of spots available!

Wondering if donating blood is right for you? Check out this article from Medical News Today highlighting the personal and societal benefits of donating blood.

All types are needed! Click here to schedule your appointment!

Backpack Blessing

Sunday, August 17

As the new academic year approaches, we invite all students, educators, and school staff to participate in a Backpack Blessing during worship on Sunday, August 17.

This special moment in our service is an opportunity to lift up those beginning a new school year in prayer, asking for God’s guidance, protection, and encouragement. All students—from preschool through college—are encouraged to bring their backpacks to receive a blessing.

Each participant will also receive a special backpack tag as a tangible reminder that they are loved, supported, and never alone on their journey.

God's work. Our hands.

This annual day of service will take place on Sunday, August 24, following the one 9:30am worship service.

If there's a cause or organization that’s meaningful to you and you'd like to get involved, please reach out to Leah Morrell ASAP.

Meet Bishop Yehiel Curry – A Vision for Embodied Ministry

The Rev. Yehiel Curry, recently elected as the fifth presiding bishop of the ELCA—and the first of African descent—brings a deep passion for community, lay leadership, and lived faith. With a background in social work, education, and ministry, Bishop Curry emphasizes not just naming a vision for the church, but embodying it—inviting more people to the table to share in both the work and the joy of ministry.

His journey began in a local worshiping community where he discovered a calling he hadn’t yet named. Through encouragement, education, and discernment, he moved from lay leader to pastor, then bishop, and now presiding bishop-elect. He credits the church’s support as a vital part of his path, calling himself “a return on your investment.”

Bishop Curry’s priorities include equipping lay leaders for meaningful ministry in changing congregational contexts. His story is a powerful reminder of how God calls and equips people in unexpected ways—and how the church can nurture those callings with love and support.



He will be installed on October 4 at Central Lutheran Church in Minneapolis.

Service of Hope & Healing – Sunday, August 10

The LGBTQ+ Faith Alliance invites you to a Service of Hope & Healing on Sunday, August 10, from 4:00–5:15 p.m. at First Congregational Church (Memorial Hall), 10 W. Lockwood Ave.

This interfaith gathering is designed especially for LGBTQ+ students and the people who love them. Join for a time of reflection, community, and affirmation in a safe and welcoming space. The service will include expressive practices led by somatic practitioner Stencil and sound healer (our very own) Dr. Aria Thome.



All ages are welcome. Refreshments and a back-to-school gift bag will be provided.

Please RSVP by August 8 to: lgbtfaithalliance@aol.com

Little Free Pantry

Thank you for your continued support of Gethsemane's Little Free Pantry!

The Little Free Pantry Team is still requesting more items for the comfort cabinet - wipes, toothpaste, toothbrushes, pads, etc. and would like to see more pasta sauce, pasta, and cereal.

The food pantry is especially in need of the following items: macaroni and cheese, shelf-stable milk, cereal, and fresh fruit!

All items can be placed in the cart located in the hallway next to the mailboxes.

Summer of ’75 “Throw-back” bulletins continue on Sundays throughout the summer, inspired by Gethsemane’s Archives! These bulletins save time and paper, allowing for work on other church projects and vacations. They also encourage us to read from the Bible and get to know and use the front of the hymnals.

 (If you are missing the inclusive bulletins you can find an electronic copy on Gethsemane's website and linked in each Thursday's newsletter. Also, the inclusive bulletins are printed as large print for those who need them, as the hymnals are not large print!)

Gethsemane has a children's library and it's located in Gethsemane's library! Pre-School teacher Courtney has volunteered to be the children's librarian too and has procured a collection of books for children of all ages. Checking out a book is as easy as scannng the qr code on the cover of the book you wish to check out. To see a list of books, click here and check out as many as you wish on a Sunday when you are at church!

***REMINDER: STAFF VACATIONS***

Several of the Gethsemane staff will be taking vacations out of town in early August:

• Eve Cooney, Office Manager – July 28 – August 18

• Gretchen Jenson, Connections Coordinator – August 6 – 16

• Pastor Cheryl – August 7 – 14

If you need church assistance August 7-14 when all three of these staff members are out of town, please contact Gary Borkowski – Church Council President.

We hope you enjoy these photos of our time at VBS as much as we enjoyed the experience!