FAITH'S FOUNDATIONS September 2018

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1 FAITH'S FOUNDATIONS September 2018 Working to spread the Gospel here and throughout the world US 45 S P.O. Box 436 Three Lakes, WI Parsonage: office6995@gmail.com Office Hours: Tuesday thru Friday 9:00 am to 12:00 pm A CATECHISM INTRODUCTION By Pastor Ken Ranos It s September, the beginning of a new fiscal year for Faith Lutheran Church, and the beginning of a new school year. Whether you re entering a new grade in school, changing schools, entering college or trade school for the first time, or going back to school after a long hiatus, I pray that this year you find your knowledge and understanding constantly expanding; that you be challenged, and through those challenges grow; and that you come away with a better understanding of yourself and the world around you. Written in 1529, the Small Catechism was first published on large, individual sheets to be hung on the wall and used for instruction. They were later shrunk down and combined into a booklet, the same booklet 500 years later we continue to translate and give to newcomers to the faith. It was Luther s intention to provide succinct explanations of some of the very foundational concepts of Christianity, and to do so in a way that would be easy to memorize and recite. But what did Luther include in his catechism? Education has always been a Lutheran focus. I myself am the product of a Lutheran K-8 school and a Lutheran university. When Martin Luther toured the churches in his care, one of the things he discovered was a distinct lack of education, especially in important matters like our faith. For this reason he wrote his Small Catechism, a document/booklet meant to help parents, who are the primary teachers of the house, educate their children in the basics of Christianity. Like last month s article introducing us to our hymnal, Evangelical Lutheran Worship, this month I d like to introduce you to the Small Catechism. Ten Commandments While by no means the only commandments in the Old Testament (there s over 600 of them), what are traditionally known as the Ten Commandments form the core of the Torah, or the Law. The Ten Commandments define how God wants to relate to humanity, and how humanity should relate to each other. Apostles Creed This is one of the oldest confessions of faith in the church, and while it s exact date of composition isn t known, older versions of it 1

2 have been around almost as long as the church. It lays out the basics of Christian belief about God, especially Jesus Christ. Example Services For the benefit of pastors as well, Luther also included example services of Holy Baptism and Marriage, so that the people would know what they looked like and what was important in them. Lord s Prayer Combining two versions of this prayer from the Gospels according to Matthew and Luke, this prayer is 2000 years old and we still say it today. It s probably the most beloved prayer in all of Christianity. The Small Catechism is short only a few pages, even in small booklet form. It s something all Lutherans should have as a reminder to ourselves of what the basics of our faith really are. Sacraments Luther devoted sections to each of the two sacraments, Holy Baptism and Holy Communion. He also included a section on Confession, something he felt was lacking. You can download the Small Catechism on your phone (make sure to get the one from Augsburg Fortress) or ask me for a small printed version. Take a few minutes every so often to review it, go over a part or two. You ll be amazed at what you remember! Blessings To help families mark their days, Luther provided examples of prayers and blessings that they could use in the morning, in the evening, and at mealtimes. 2

3 DAILY DEVOTIONALS One of the best ways to strengthen your faith is to take time every day, whether at home or at work, to read a bit of scripture, reflect on it, and pray. It doesn t take long just a few minutes a day. Check out these devotional resources, and give one a try! BREAD FOR THE DAY A rich, full resources, Bread for the Day includes a main scripture reading and prayer for each day that follows the Daily Lectionary found in Evangelical Lutheran Worship. It also includes extra readings and a hymn for each day, extra rites such as table grace, household blessings, bedtime prayers, notes on festivals and holidays, and simplified forms of Morning and Evening Prayer. CHRIST IN OUR HOME Christ in Our Home is a daily devotional that provides a scripture reading and a reflection that encourages readers to daily live out their faith. Each reflection is accompanied by a prayer and follows the Revised Common Lectionary. THE WORD IN SEASON This devotional takes the Christian message and makes it relevant for today s Christian. It focuses on the Revised Common Lectionary texts for each Sunday, with daily meditations and reflections throughout the week. SPARK FAMILY If you have a family, then Spark Family is for you! Full of colorful pages and activities for kids and families to do together, this devotional is based on seasons and themes in the Bible. Together, you and your children will find ways to fit your faith into your everyday lives. 3

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5 ANNOUNCEMENTS to clean-up more than a half-mile segment. Volunteers need to be at least 11 years old or in 6th grade and wear a sturdy pair of shoes or boots, to help. Once again, vests and trash bags are provided along with a newly acquired variety of gloves and sizes. FACEBOOK It's true! Faith Lutheran Church now has a Facebook page. "Like" us at and watch the page for updates about what's happening in the life of our faith community. Please put the date on your calendar as we are hoping to make this another beneficial activity. Thank you! - Greg & Dianne Kliss (715) or (715) PICTURES FOR WEBSITE PRAYER SHAWLS We are looking for pictures from different events this past year to put on our website: If you have any, we d love to put them up so those visiting our website will have a better idea of what we do here. Please them to: pastor2770@frontier.com. To give comfort and peace. There is a tote of prayer shawls under the shelf when you walk in. If you know someone who is lonely and would use one, feel free to take one. Once wrapped around their shoulders it feels like a hug from Jesus and their friends. HIGHWAY CLEAN-UP DATE SET OCTOBER 14TH FELLOWSHIP During Fellowship a basket is placed on the table to collect donations for the purchase of the Fair Trade decaf coffee. Individuals or groups who host Fellowship do not have to provide coffee. Occasional contributions ot the fun are encouraged. It's almost time again for Faith to participate in the state's Adopt-A-Highway program, and is responsible for picking up litter on Highway 45 from our church's location to Big Lake Loop Road. The date has been set for October 14 th with rain alternate date of Ocotber 21st. Please save the date and plan to help. QUILTERS This past spring, 12 volunteers helped with clean-up. Thanks again to Tammy & Willow Schroeder, John Lyons, Bruce, Debbie & Amy Carlson, Linda & Roland Swanson, Robin Peterson, and Greg & Diane Kliss. With so many eager hands, the clean up was completed in just a couple of hours. With enough volunteers, no one small group will be assigned We appreciated all of the quilting supplies which have been donated. Now we could use some help putting the quilts together. Quilting experience is not required. The quilters meet every Wednesday from 12:30pm to 3:00 pm 5

6 to schedule a time (or simply call the synod office at 906/ ). LIVE-STREAMING Did you know that when you're away, you can watch Pastor Ken's sermon as it's delivered LIVE on Sunday morning? You can! Simply go to our church's website ( and click "Click here to watch live streaming during worship (Sundays at 9:00 am)" right on the front page. Just put in a name and hit "Enter Live Service". Streaming will start at the reading of the Gospel, which usually happens between 9:10 and 9:15, give or take a few minutes, so if nothing is happening yet when you start watching, just wait a few minutes. You can also watch a recording of many of Pastor Ken's sermons on our website. Simply go to our church website, and go to "Worship" --> "Pastor's Sermons" and click on any sermon in the Archive of Recorded Sermons. It's that easy! Be sure to visit the Prayfaithfully website and make these daily meditations a part of your devotional life! FLOOD RECOVERY GOES ON IN THE KEWEENAW COMMUNITY! Here is the current status: The United Methodist Church will be hiring one or two case managers that will be funded through that denomination, and will be able to access information from local sources. Clergy meetings to help with this effort continue to happen on a regular basis. Monies donated to Lutheran Disaster Response/Lutheran Social Services will be distributed in conjunction with the long-term relief effort to identify needs that have not been met. COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS Faith Annual Meeting will be held in September, date to be determined. Financial donations can be made through Keweenaw Community Foundation ( ), Portage Health Foundation ( ), Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan / Lutheran Disaster Response ( PRAYFAITHFULLY WECOMES YOU! Did you know that the synod website offers daily devotions? These Prayfaithfully devotions are written by individuals across our synod, both clergy and lay. We welcome volunteers to offer their time and talents in this way! The LSS Foundation is matching contributions up to $10,000 for the Copper Country flood relief! Contributions can be sent to the Synod Office for the LSS matching funds and we will send it on to LSS or you may send the funds directly to LSS. Devotions are scheduled on a weekly basis and can be completed by an individual, couple, or congregational men s, women s or youth group. Each devotion includes a Bible passage or theme of your choice, a short meditation related to the reading, and a concluding prayer. If you are interested in volunteering to write one week of devotions for our Prayfaithfully website, please contact Betsy Koski at Your help is greatly appreciated, and still needed! arked Copper Country Flooding. SUBMIT YOUR SYNOD SNAPSHOT! What has your congregation done that has made 6

7 you proud to be a member? America one church, freed in Christ to serve and love our neighbor. Write a one-page story about the event with a couple of pictures and it to the Synod Office so it can be featured in a future issue of Notes and Quotes! Service activities offer an opportunity for us to explore one of our most basic convictions as Lutherans: that all of life in Jesus Christ every act of service, in every daily calling, in every corner of life flows freely from a living, daring confidence in God s grace. You work every day to make your community a better place. Let us continue doing this work together in There will be a new article from Bishop Emeritus Skogman in the October/November issue of Notes and Quotes. NORTHERN GREAT LAKES SYNOD ASSEMBLY 2019 Synod Assembly 2019 will be at Bay College and Bethany Lutheran Church in Escanaba, Michigan on May 16, 17, 18 HABITAT FOR HUMANITY RESTORE IN RHINELANDER Is in need of furniture and other donations. If a member of your congregation is getting rid of some furniture, we can come pick it up. They can call HFH Restore at (715) or us at HFHNorthwoods@mail.com ~More Display Space and Time to Visit Displays! ~Attend Multiple Workshops! ~More Fellowship Time! ~Enjoy the Banquet at Terrace Bay Inn! ~Experience a Synod Assembly Worship Service! ~Come Ready to be Equipped for Ministry! BIBLE STUDY A Bible study will meet on Tuesdays at 1:30 pm. This Bible study will look at and discuss the upcoming Sunday texts each week. This is intended to be a Bible study that runs continuously, and is a great regular addition to your personal faith life! Come when you can and join in the discussion. Every week is new and different. Mark Your Calendars Now!! GOD S WORK. OUR HANDS. SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 9TH, 2018 This day is an opportunity to celebrate who we are as the Evangelical Lutheran Church in NEW ADDRESSES: office6995@gmail.com pastor2770@gmail.com 7

8 BAPTISMS WE REMEMBER THIS MONTH As summer sun continues to warm us and the rains bring life to the Northwoods, we enjoy the many gifts that God has granted us. The greatest of God s gifts is the gift of new life in Jesus Christ. In baptism, God joins us to the death of Christ so that we may look forward to our resurrection with him! Take time to remember your baptism every day. Let us keep in prayer those members and friends of Faith who celebrate their baptismal birthday this month. 1st Tammy Schroeder 6th Jan Lederhaus 8th Betty Roth 9th Joyce Hegland & Ty Larson 11th Dora James 13th Gil Gjere 23rd Mara Madl 27th Ron John 28th Taeton Fogerty IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS THOSE STRUGGLING WITH ILLNESS, PAIN, LOSS OF HEALTH IN MIND, BODY, AND SPIRIT, INCLUDING: Cole Bailey, Colleen and Duane Bonack, Gale and Martha Crow, Natalie Gerharz, Ann Mason, Debbie, Jordan, and Pastor Ken Ranos, Kyle Ranos, Kristin Rolls, Kyle Smith, Hunter St. Louis, Mike Mertz, Bruce Schuelke, Dianne Hoffman, Paul Kragh, Thor, Briana, and Laken Wick, Dan Meyer, Jason Highland, Monte James, Missy Wick, Wayne Schuelke, Sue Sorg, Rodney Benson, and Christine Gerhart Paulick, Charlie Starke and Nicole Young Our home-bound including: Norm Frauenfelder, Nicky Heiland, Betty Peterson, Bob Williams Our partners in the gospel of Jesus Christ including: St. Theresa's Roman Catholic Church Three Lakes Evangelical Free Church Union Congregational Church Grace Lutheran Church ALL THOSE WHO ARE ANXIOUS AND WORRIED ABOUT MANY THINGS Our Church Ministries: Congregational Care Congregation Council Board of Worship Life Board of Outreach Board of Trustees Our armed forces including: David Bredesen, Ashley Ebann, Tyler Kaltenberg, Nick, Brandy, and Nathan Lamal, Jamie Madl, Jared Malda, Jon Priem, Brandon Our synod, the Northern Great Lakes Synod 8

9 of the ELCA, and its congregations. Church in Tanzania, and its congregations. Our companion sysnod, the Eastern and Coastal Diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran MONTHLY OFFERING AND ATTENDANCE Year: 2018 Month: August Number of Sundays: 4 Average Attendance: 44 MONTH YTD Budget Income ****** ***** Expenses ****** ***** Net Income ****** ***** *** not available at the time of print STEWARDSHIP CALENDARS September 9/2/18 9/9/18 9/16/18 9/23/18 9/30/18 Assisting Minister Steve Yahr Ken Huebner Steve Yahr Ken Huebner Steve Yahr Lay Reader Jan Lederaus Marge Anderson Nora Stauner Betty Roth Jan Lederaus Sue Sorg Jan Lederhaus Tammy Schroeder Sue Sorg Schroeder Family Paul & Joanne Mattiae Altar Guild Greeters Music Fellowship Volk Family Rhonda Buss Rhonda Buss Ratdke Roth Video-streaming Rhonda Buss Rhonda Buss Rhonda Buss Wick Council BOWL Larry Roth 9 Perry & Marge Sue Harris / Lily Anderson / Jan

10 October 10/7/18 10/14/28 10/21/18 10/28/18 Assisting Minister Chuck Radtke Steve Yahr Ken Huebner Chuck Radtke Lay Reader Pat Ratdke Jan Harris Marge Anderson Betty Roth Altar Guild Jan Lederhaus Tammy Schroeder Sue Sorg Tammy Schroeder Greeters Paul & Joanne Mattiae Perry & Marge Anderson Pat & Chuck Ratdke Sue Harris / Lily / Jan Music Rhonda Buss Rhonda Buss Rhonda Buss Rhonda Buss Fellowship Swanson Outreach Outreach BOWL Video-streaming If you cannot serve on your assigned day, please find a replacement, then notify the church office. SEPTEMBER 2018 SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT 1 9:30-11:00 am Food Pantry Distribution 2 9:00 am Holy Communion 3 Office Closed 4 1:30 pm Lectionary Bible Study Fellowship: Radtke 9 9:00 am Holy Communion 10 Office Closed Fellowship: Roth 11 10:30am Board of Outreach 12:30pm BOWL 1:30p Lectionary Bible Study 12:30p Council :30-11:00 am Food Pantry Distribution 12:30 pm Quilters 12 12:30 pm Quilters 10

11 16 9:00 am Holy Communion 17 Office Closed 18 1:30 pm Lectionary Bible Study Office Closed 1:30 pm Lectionary Bible Study 12:30 pm Quilters Fellowship: Wick 23 9:00 am Holy Communion Fellowship: Council :30 pm Quilters 30 9:00 am Holy Communion Fellowship: Council 11

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