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Hello From University Lutheran…..

This is a short week for me and I am collecting thoughts for my weekly e-epistle earlier than usual.  I head for Tampa in the morning for another two-day session of lab work and Chemotherapy.  If all goes well, this will be my LAST Chemotherapy Session.  The good thing about getting at this task early is that I am writing this on Tuesday….Election Day…having just voted…giving me an great opportunity to make some comments about how Good Christians and Good Government are meant to be Good Friends!

We have heard so much over the years about “The Separation between Church and State” being a basic principle of our founding fathers and mothers.  Another voice would insist, however, that the framers of our nation’s values have always insisted that God  be at the center of our culture …and even the Christian God… as the prominent expression of that deity.  In dealing with the tensions that these views create, I always like to go back to the Hebrew Bible ( commonly called the Old Testament) for a perspective on this issue that pre-dates any Christian God and reminds us of our common unity under the ONE God.   Last Sunday’s Psalm is an example:

“The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it, the world and all who dwell therein.  For it is the Lord who founded it upon the seas and made it firm upon the rivers of the deep. (Psalm 24 v. 1-2)

There you have it!  All this bantering about church-state separation or particular religious ownership of our culture is nothing but an exercise in personal promotion.  We are one people and one nation under one God by God’s design…whether God is universally recognized as holding that spot…or not.  It is what it is.  “The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it.”

Back to Election Day….as I prepared for my trip to my voting precinct, at no time did I take note of the religious beliefs of those who received my vote.  On the contrary, if a certain candidate lists one of his qualifications as being a “good Christian” I generally vote against him or her on principle. ( Unlike a certain Florida senatorial candidate that is on record as suggesting we elect only Christians to public office.)  The issues are all that matter…and the commitment to compassion and justice that make us a caring people.   “Why is that?”  you may ( or may not ) ask.  And again I reply, “It’s because I am Lutheran.”  Luther wrote extensively about the relationship between the Christian and government.  Picking up the basic principle of Psalm 24, God chooses to make the will of God known through those who are elected to public office, regardless of their religious point of view. They don’t need to be converted to God’s Kingdom because they are already there by design.   Should an atheist assume a position of authority and leadership among us, that person would still be an agent of God’s caring for his Children and for the Kingdom of God.

“What Luther says about Government”

Quoting Luther  “In a word, next to the Gospel or the spiritual office, no better jewel, no greater treasure, no costlier gift, no finer foundation, no more precious possession exists on earth than a government that administers and upholds justice.  So great are the virtues, benefits, fruits and good works that God has placed into this estate.”  

And again: “Wherever it pleases God to establish government, His honor will follow.  Wherever the power falls, God is present, whether one uses the power well or ill;  though he will, of course, call people to account for their actions.  Therefore, so far as you are concerned, continue to humble yourself and honor your government.”

And one more time, “To be qualified to rule, it is not enough to be pious.  A jackass is also pious.  Ability and experience are required in order to rule.  One may find a pious person who can hardly count to five.  He who is to rule dare not lack reason, prudence, wit and wisdom…”

Enough of this.  I am off to watch the election returns roll in before packing for my trip.  I may even head out to an election headquarters or two to celebrate the victory of our democratic system…..

See ya…. Pastor D.UUU

ULC members to attend unique luncheon

The Big Bend Homeless Coalition is the leader of a compassionate community partnership dedicated to coordinating resources that empower the homeless.

Proceeds from the luncheon will be used to provide services in our community to those who are homeless and those who serve them.

There may still be seating available at this unique dinning experience, to be held at the University Center Club this Wednesday, Nov. 15th, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 pm. Contact Pastor Dohrman (224-6059) for ticket availability. UUU

That “Son” was the son of Bill Couch, Campus Pastor at the University of Tennessee for many years.  MARK COUCH  has since completed seminary and has been Campus Pastor at Western Michigan University for a number of years…FSU’s Homecoming opponent next weekend.  In keeping with the spirit of hospitality at University Lutheran, we have invited Pastor Mark and his wife Melody to be our guests for the homecoming weekend.  Please be sure to help us welcome them during tailgate on the 18^th and after worship on the 19^th. 

State offers online emergency-contact information
A new emergency-contact database through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Web site now allows you to register two names with three phone numbers that first-responders can access from around the state. Visit http://www.hsmv.state.fl.us/ UUU

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Student Activities at ULC
Any ideas for a youth social would be greatly appreciated! Also, next month we will be having our Christmas Party/Social: December 8, 2006 around 7:00pm (tentative). Any and all ideas for this event are also welcome! Contact Crystal, Randee and Danielle at peerministers@universitylutheranchurch.org UUU

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Thank You from HOPE Community

UUU

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Annual Chili Cook Off
Every year at Homecoming, we have a chili cook off at our tailgate get together.   We need you to prepare the best chili possible, and bring it to our Homecoming tailgate on November 18th.  Please let Catherine Knickerbocker know that you will bring some chili.  This will also be a perfect opportunity to meet and visit with Pastor Mark Couch and his wife, Melody from Western Michigan University.UUU

Tickets are available at FSU Fine Arts Ticker Office (644-6500)_, Beethoven & Company (894-8700) and MusicMasters (224-6158). For group rates call 668-5394.

Students (with I.D.): $5.00 ~ Seniors: $12.00 ~ General Admission: $18.00 UU

John Wesley Church, 1689 Old St. Augustine Road
Saturday 12/2 - 9 am to 4 pm & Sunday 12/3- 1 pm to 4 pm

Christ Presbyterian Church, 2317 Bannerman Road
Friday 12/8 – 9 am to 4 pm & Sunday 12/9 – 8am to 2 pm

Look for Lutheran Social Services of North Florida and the InnBetween Program at the Alternative Christmas Markets.

UUU