preparation as he completed an intensive “Clinical Pastoral Education” at Methodist Hospital. He now returns to his regular duties here, although this fall will “count” as an internship for him. Traditional seminary education is four full-time years in graduate study, including a year of internship in a local congregation. The seminary has recognized the obvious reality of Scott’s many years of real-life education in full-time church work, although this fall he will reflect on that experience in a more intentional way. As an “intern” he may wear a clerical collar and may reflect a bit more in areas beyond his current plate of youth, education and small groups. Again, my point is that while Scott still serves us well, we are glad to give him the time and experience that will not “pay off” here at Resurrection, but in Christ’s church. “I am because we are....we are because Christ is.”

Our congregation does not exist for the benefit of our “members” (although obviously we hope and trust our members do benefit!!!). Rather, the Church exists for the world. To be fully human, we must be in community. To be fully a disciple, we must encourage and equip each other for our common ministry. This is ubuntu. “I am because we are....we are because Christ is.” As August sees the beginning of so many of our fall programs and ministry initiatives, please peruse this Bell Ringer to consider how you can both benefit and contribute to the life of this community. As I return from Atlanta with “the 12" I look forward to joining with you in ubuntu!! Do life in Christ!!!

Come join us for an Indianapolis Indians Game August 16^th at 7pm at Victory Field! Group rate tickets are $7 (Reserved Seats). Purchase tickets in the narthex before August 10. Call Margie Ropp with any questions (859-1279).

FaithBuilders (those entering 6^th, 7^th, and 8^th grades) and parents will have a cook-out on August 24^th at 5:30pm. Following the cook-out will be the first FaithBuilders class and a meeting for all parents.

We will be recognizing the following Fourth Graders on Sunday, August 17^th as we present each of them with their own Bible:

(Note: if your fourth grader is not on this list, please contact the Church Office at 881-7854).

This is one of a continuing series of monthly articles based

upon our stewardship theme for this year.

Heart to Heart

Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers. Romans 12:13

The door is locked when you come. You have to ring the bell, tell who you are, stand so they can see your face, and wait for the buzzer to sound before you can enter Anne Marie’s house. It’s more than a little foreboding.

Anne Marie’s is a shelter for battered women. Most of us hear about such things and shake our heads sympathetically.

The shelter will be full in a couple of hours. The only empty room is just now being prepared for two women coming in later tonight. The average stay is 16 days. In that time, the women must try to think, shake off the fear, and make decisions for themselves and often their children.

Those who work with the women know how to ask the important questions. Will you feel safe? Who can you call for support? What are your best options? These are questions the women must answer for themselves. They should not have to answer them alone.

We tour the facility. The pantry is stocked mainly by donations. Meals are prepared with help from the residents. Rooms have been “adopted” by local service groups and churches who furnish them down to the sheets. A retired carpenter sees to the upkeep of the building. The garage acts as a warehouse for overflow items the families may need if they decide not to go back. Dishes, diapers, dust pans. Mostly donated.

There would be no shelter without the donations. Dollars and resources, all freely given by people who give hospitality to others they will never know. Just one example, one opportunity in a world of opportunities. The heart knows where to go, and it has been freed to go there. What are you waiting for?

Many Thanks . . . .

A special thank you to Dudley Daniel for serving as our custodian the last 3 years and doing such an amazing job. We are very grateful for his dedication and his always giving 200% to the job. Enjoy your retirement, Dudley.

My family and I wish to thank the congregation for their concern, support, and prayers during my recent surgery and recovery. – Loren Hewitt.

A big thanks to everyone who helped with the meals at HandyCamp on July 15^th. The homemade cookies were delicious. Thanks also to everyone who came and helped at the camp. It is truly a blessing to serve these special campers. – The Board of Social Ministry.

Habitat for Humanity . . . .

Thrivent will be building a Habitat home in the Fall Creek area of Indianapolis on August 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, and 15 from 7:30am to 4pm. Everyone age 16 and older is welcome and lunch is provided. One person does make a difference; come help someone’s dream of home ownership a reality. E-mail for more info: hope.anderson@thrivent.com.

LCFS Summer Concert

and Ice Cream Social . . . .

You’re invited to Lutheran Child & Family Services’ Annual Summer Concert and Ice Cream Social featuring the Lick Creek Band on Sunday, 8/10 at 2pm at the Lutherwood’s Sertoma Pavilion, 1525 N. Ritter Ave., Indpls. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, friends and family to Lutherwood for an afternoon of bluegrass, jazz, rock , and a bit of gospel music. Call 359-5467 for more information.

RLC Golf Outing . . . .

The third annual Steve Westling Memorial Golf Scramble will be held Saturday, September 13^th at Valle Vista Golf Club. Registration will begin at 1pm with the shotgun start at 1:40. There will be dinner and door prizes following completion of golf. The golf will include a hole in one contest, closest to the pin contests, and a longest driving competition. Cost of the event is $85 to play and $150 to sponsor a hole. Net profits will be split between the Cody Lisby Fund, the Curry Family and the Resurrection Emergency Relief Fund.

Cody is a Beech Grove boy who has a brain tumor for which he has undergone surgery and treatments. The Currys are a near south side family who have had devastating illnesses. The mother has missed extensive work and the father has had two major surgeries and is currently off of work for an extended period of time (unpaid medical leave).

A registration form is enclosed, in the narthex, and at the church web side (www.resurrection-elca.org). You may register alone and be placed in a foursome or create your foursome. Any questions, contact a committee member, Dale Duckworth, Ron Tatum, Scott Buie, Mike McCarty, Chuck Matsumoto, Dick Benjamin, Greg Crow or Jim Locke.

Mark your calendars:

Cherub, Children’s, Senior and Handbell Choirs

will begin rehearsing

Wednesday, September 3.

Regular worship schedule

returns August 17^th

8:00 & 10:45 Worship

9:30 Education Hour