We routinely live-stream our Sunday services, as well as some other special events, on our facebook page. (https://www.facebook.com/elimlutheran.church.3/)

Please join us there, if you cannot join us in person!

The recordings listed here are from our “COVID-19 quarantine” period when we were unable to meet in person.

Elim Extra for September 20, 2023

Pastor’s Reflection

Slow Healing: Open Hearts

In worship we have been reflecting on “slow healing” through the healing miracles of Jesus. In the story of Jesus healing the deaf man, we talked about how people with disabilities don’t necessarily want to be cured, but want to be treated with respect. We learned that healing communities are open to differences. In the story of Jesus healing the epileptic child, we talked about the difference between care and cure, and how some kind of healing is always possible, even when a cure is not. We learned that healing communities are accepting of life’s hardships. And this Sunday, we will hear the story of Jesus healing a bent-over woman, and consider how Jesus went beyond respect and care to bring about actual transformation. Healing communities are transformative, although the process of finding and sharing one’s wholeness and integrity can be a slow one. We need to keep open hearts toward all that is “still becoming” within us. I will share my own healing journey as an example, and Bonnie and I will offer an oil blessing to strengthen each person on their journey. Together we are healing and healers.
love, Pastor Chelsea

Elim Extra for September 13, 2023

Pastor’s Reflection

Slow Healing: Open Minds

This Sunday we will encounter another healing story of Jesus, and explore the healing power of keeping an open mind, allowing for patience and time to bring about healing and hope for the future. My inspiration for this preaching series has been the Slow Medicine movement, and I love the old-fashioned way of healing that makes room for “Dr. Quiet.” Certainly Dr. Jesus made time to listen and care for those who faced an uncertain future due to their illness or the illness of a family member.

Ascension Lutheran Church did a great job of organizing God’s Work Our Hands Sunday, and with Elim’s help provided 164 blessing bags for the homeless! (Along with 50 school supply backpacks and 22 teacher gift bags, and several hand-tied quilts for highway patrol to distribute to those in accidents.) Our churches’ generosity puts “flesh” on what we are thinking about in worship this month….the power of “being open” and having open hands, minds, and hearts.

Love, Pastor Chelsea

 

Baby Shower for Pastor ChelseaSept. 24,2023 after worship Pet Blessings – October 1, 2023 @ 1:00  

 

Installation of Pastor Chelsea – October 7, 2023, 11:30 @ Elim Lutheran Church (Saturday) 

Elim Extra for September 6, 2023

Pastor’s Reflection: God’s Work Our Hands Sunday

Our window is fixed, praise be to God, and thanks to Peggy for arranging the repair!

Please join me in welcoming Pr. Debra Jimenez to Elim’s pulpit on Sunday, as our congregations “swap” and I preach at Ascension Lutheran Church. Thank you for signing up to assist in our joint service projects for God’s Work Our Hands Sunday and for donating items for the blessing bags! It is a special collaboration that bears witness to our unity as a Lutheran community.

The premise behind starting a day of service for the whole Evangelical Lutheran Church in America ten years ago was to demonstrate how we are freed in Christ to serve and love our neighbor; to remind ourselves and show the world that every act of service in our daily life flows from confidence in God’s grace. Thus we are not serving out of a sense of obligation, of owing God or others acts of goodness in order to be accepted. Rather we give out of a sense of abundance, loving others as we have already been loved.

Feeling blessed to do God’s work with you,

Pr. Chelsea

Prayer needs:  Please pray for Matt, Sheri, and Mary. God in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Community needs: Elim has a member in S. Ogden who would appreciate a ride to church on Sundays. Please contact Pr. Rick or Bonnie.

Upcoming Events:

Church Clean Up – Sept. 16th sign-up sheet in Hallway

Constitution Update Committee – Sept. 17, 2023 @ 9:00 am

Church council Meeting – Sept. 17, 2023 after worship

Mary’s Circle Ladies group  – Sept 26 @ noon, place T.B.A.

October 1 – Pet Blessings @ 1:00

(bring your furry family members to church to receive a blessing)

October 7, 2023 – Installation of Pastor Chelsea Page (to Elim Lutheran Church @ 11:30 on Saturday)

October 29 – Reformation Sunday (wear Red)