Parish Rebuilder. Luther on the Priesthood of All Believers. Upcoming Events

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1 Parish Rebuilder ST. LUKE S LUTHERAN CHURCH WILSON ST. LA MESA, CA August 2017 Monthly Newsletter Volume 17 Issue 8 We invite you to join St. Luke's Lutheran Church Please contact Amy in the office to discuss membership or to arrange an appointment with the pastor: or office-sllc@att.net Office hours are: Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Table of Contents Pastor Mark page 1-3 WSL page 3 Parish Potpourri page 6 Prayer Chain Updates page 6 Special Dates/Worship Text page 7 Prayer Calendar page 8 Worship Teams page 9 Monthly Calendar page 10 Upcoming Events Applecrate Craft Fair August 30-Sept. 1 St. Luke s Theological Academy September Book Club September 27 at noon Luther on the Priesthood of All Believers One of the most radical elements of the Reformation was Luther s understanding of the priesthood of all believers. This understanding was not a political move directed primarily against the clergy-laity divide found in the church of his day and still found in many churches today, even Lutheran churches! Instead, this concept arose from the notion that Jesus Christ himself is the one, true priest, who not only serves simultaneously as mediator and sacrifice, effecting the salvation of sinners by reconciling them to God, but who also by virtue of his divine and human natures communicates his benefits to the members of his body. As Luther explains, Now, however, it is he alone, and it must be he alone, who brings us to God through his own priesthood (Priesterthum) and who also imparts (mitteilet) the same priesthood to us. We all (alle) benefit from the power of his priestly office (Priester ampts) for our comfort and salvation. Thus, it is neither St. Peter or the apostles nor pope and bishops alone who partake thereof, but rather all who shall be saved (selig werden). He imparts the same name to all Christians (allen Christen). As they are called God s children and heirs through him, so too are they called priests after him. Therefore, every baptized Christian is and shall be called a priest (Priester) as much as St. Peter or St. Paul. St. Peter is a priest because he came to believe in Christ, and so am I. Through baptism, as I have said, we all (alle) have become priestly children. Therefore, as common (gemein) as the names Christian and child of God are for all who believe (gleuben) in Christ, so should the name priest be just as common (gemein) and so understood for all Christians. Together we all (alle) have in common (gemein) one baptism, one gospel, one kind of grace and inheritance in

2 the kingdom of heaven, one Holy Spirit, one God the Father and one lord Christ. We are all one in him, as he says in John 17:[11] and as St. Paul says in Gal. 3:[28], You are all one in Christ Jesus (WA 41:207, = LW 13: , my translation). What differs among Christ s priests is not their membership in his one priesthood but the offices to which his members are called. By way of analogy, Luther explains that a mayor or judge does not become a citizen when he is chosen for office. Rather, because one already has citizenship and is a member of the whole community, one is eligible for selection to office. Likewise, a wife does not become a woman upon matrimony but upon marriage receives the keys to the house. If she did not already possess her womanhood (Weibesbild) beforehand, no amount of marriage could make her into a wife (see WA 41:208, = LW 13:331). Luther describes the radical nature of community and unity in Christ s priesthood pointedly, Now, it is enough that we know that a Christian people is undivided, without distinction of sects or persons. There shall be no layman, no cleric, no monk, no nun, absolutely no difference, whether married or chaste as each is inclined. There also exists no difference amongst them between bishops, elders and priests, and the laity. Absolutely nothing sets the former apart from other Christians except that they have a different office which is commanded to them, namely to preach God s word and to administer the sacraments. The same applies to a mayor or judge, who is in no way set apart from other citizens except that the governing of the city is commanded him. The same types, who have introduced such sects into the Christian people and have divided it into clerics and laity, with some tonsured and others are not, and among the tonsured some monks and some parsons, with the monks divided even amongst themselves by various garments and diets, are the same ones who not only invented such things but have fragmented and minced the unity of the Christian people (WA 8:503, = LW 36:159, my translation). Even though theologically trained individuals are called to serve in the office of proclamation, they are only granted such an office by the authority invested in the whole congregation of Christ s priests. Furthermore, calling an individual to fulfill the pastoral office does not mean that the other priests in the congregation are relieved of their own priestly responsibilities and duties. As Luther writes, When we became Christians through this priest and his priesthood, incorporated into him through baptism by faith, we also received the right and power, each according to his calling and estate, to teach and to confess before everyone the word which we have from him. Although we all do not have a public office and calling, nonetheless each individual Christian may and shall teach, instruct, admonish, comfort, and chastize his neighbour with God s word when and where necessary.... One Christian can certainly instruct and admonish another with the Ten Commandments, the Creed, and the Lord s Prayer, and whoever hears such is also obliged to accept such from him as God s word and to confess it publicly ( WA 41:211, = LW 13:333, my translation). In this 500 th anniversary year of the Reformation of the church, may all Christ s priest be renewed by the pure proclamation of the gospel of Jesus Christ to share that same gospel to everyone whom God grants us opportunity so that they too may join us in Christ s priestly office and service. VBS Success! I wish to thank all the members of St. Luke s Lutheran Church for their support, energy, and expertise creating a mighty Mighty Fortress theme for VBS The fortress was expertly crafted and constructed. The props were all very proper. The food was fun and filling. The music was merry and melodic. It seemed like everyone had a very fine week of Bible learning through lessons, crafts, treats, games, and singing. Again, thanks to everyone for the dedication to a 2

3 major aspect of St. Luke s Christian education. Many Thanks to Pastor Borgie We wish to thank Pastor Jerry Borgie for providing pulpit supply for Pastor Mark during his attendance at the 13 th International Luther Congress of Luther Research held this year in Wittenberg, Germany. Pastor Mark is grateful for the chance to attend this conference, especially during the 500 th anniversary of the Reformation. Please thank Pastor Borgie for his willingness to be at St. Luke s, thus allowing allow Pastor Mark to attend the conference. Pastor Mark by Mary Ann Boullain. Stop by and help support WSL and local crafters. In September, WSL will provide a list of who we support and how much has been given. This will help you understand the good being done with the funds from the opportunity basket sales and other WSL funds. Join one of our Bible Study circles, continue to assist in other ministries within the church and don t forget about the upcoming celebration of the Reformation. Nancy Kearns WSL President 3 Women of St. Luke s The weather is declaring that it is summer and the calendar says there are just a few more weeks to enjoy vacations. Pastor led the two Circles at our joint Bible Study and luncheon on July 18th. The focus was on 1 Corinthians 3, purgatory and indulgences. Each of us left with a better understanding and some great tasting food. Thank you to JoAnn Hendrickson for taking charge of organizing the event and Liz Dunnigan for her table decorations and all those yummy food preparers. A big thank you to all who donated items for the Baskets of Hope ministry. We salute all those who helped with Vacation Bible School; from the kitchen crew, to those who jumped in when help was needed, to the men who spent 2 weeks building the Mighty Fortress and to Terry East for her vision and dedication in transforming the Family Center. The scenery was amazing and we know the children learned more about our Lord and Savior. WSL is about to participate in another Craft Fair being held at St. Luke s. Mark your calendars for August 31 through September 2. This is an important source of funds for WSL. We keep 100% of the ticket sales from the opportunity drawings which include baskets filled by the crafters at no cost to us plus a beautiful quilt made Pastor Mark leading Bible Study. Sandee Handy, Angie Hauk and Marge Hersom.

4 4 Vacation Bible School A Mighty Fortress 2017

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6 Parish Potpourri Last heard from Darcy Barghols, she was in Paris, enjoying the Eiffel Tower. The Hersoms were involved with another wedding: a granddaughter was married in Coronado. The SING ALONG evening planned for August 5 at the Applegate home is for everyone who likes to sing, not just for choir members. Surely many members have favorite songs; they do not have to be of a religious nature. If you have a favorite song, but do not have the music, contact Martha at and she will look for it. Our own Renee Calvo will be present to provide the accompaniment. Did you happen to go to the Hidden Treasures Rummage Sale to benefit TACO? Thankfully it did very well, taking in over $8,000. Then some very generous person, knowing that TACO really needs the funds, contributed $2,000 to make a grand total of $10,000. Cathie Floegel, a long time St. Luke s member, was in town recently, attending the wedding of a former San Diego neighbor and enjoying seeing old friends. Perhaps you saw her at a worship service or the joint Bible Study luncheon? Ryan Yerger graduated from El Capitan High School on June 7, He plans to attend Grossmont Community College to begin studying Computer Programming. --Old age is coming at a really good time. When I was a child I thought nap time was a punishment. Now, as a grownup, it feels like a small vacation. --If God wanted me to touch my toes, He would have placed them on my knees. --We could learn a lot from crayons. Some are sharp, some are pretty and some are dull. Some have weird names, and all are different colors, but they all have to live in the same box. --Birthdays are good for you. The more you have, the longer you live! Martha Applegate Prayer Chain Updates 6 Floyd Podell, brother of Thelma Pace and Lois Alfeld, surrounded by his family. Zeke Newbery, Cleo Newbery s grandson, completed his scheduled chemotherapy.

7 AUGUST WORSHIP TEXT 6th Ninth Sunday after Pentecost First Lesson Isaiah 55: 1-5 Second Lesson Romans 9: 1-5 Gospel Lesson Matthew 14: Karen Parcells 8/04 Tavis Brown 8/05 Estella Schweikert 8/06 Tracy McCormack 8/21 Steve Johnson 8/25 Marie Handley 8/29 Loraine Wininger 8/29 Alice Boe 8/31 Marge Hersom 8/31 13th Tenth Sunday after Pentecost First Lesson 1 Kings 19: 9-18 Second Lesson Romans 10: 5-15 Gospel Lesson Matthew 14: th Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost First Lesson Isaiah 56: 1, 6-8 Second Lesson Romans 11: 1-2a, Gospel Lesson Matthew 15: Vic & Marge Bitter August 21st, 1949 Looking for REAL ESTATE Assistance? Call our own RANDY ENGEL with Coldwell Banker for all your REAL ESTATE needs! Each month our newsletter is published for free due to the advertisements of local businesses. 27th Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost First Lesson Isaiah 51: 1-6 Second Lesson Romans 12: 1-8 Gospel Lesson Matthew 16: Sunshine Sunday will be August 13th Please take a moment each month and see if the services they provide could help you.

8 AUGUST PRAYER CALENDAR 8 1 Isaiah 35: 8-10 Follow Me, I am the Way 2 II Samuel 22: Come follow me, the Savior spake 3 John 10: 1-5 All in my way abiding; 4 John 10: Deny yourselves, the world forsake, 5 Psalm 18: Obey my call and guiding. 6 John 14: 1-7 Oh, bear the cross, whatever betide 7 Proverbs 8: Hosea 14: 8-9 "I am the Light, I light the way, 9 Isaiah 55: 8-11 A godly life displaying; 10 Psalm 86: I bid you walk as in the day; 11 John 12: I keep your feet from straying. 12 I Peter 2: I am the way, and well I show 13 Proverbs 3: 5-8 How you must sojourn here below. 14 Psalm 5: Proverbs 4: "I teach you how to shun and flee 16 Acts 18: What harms your soul's salvation, 17 Psalm 16:7-11 Your heart from ev'ry guile to free, 18 II Timothy 1: From sin and its temptation. 19 Psalm 23: 1-3 I am the refuge of the soul 20 Psalm 139: 1-3, And lead you to your heav'nly goal." 21 Psalm 27: Psalm 37: 23-24, 34 Then let us follow Christ, our Lord, 23 Galatians 5: And take the cross appointed 24 Psalm 119: And, firmly clinging to His Word, 25 Psalm 77: In suff'ring be undaunted. 26 Deuteronomy 8: 2-3 For those who bear the battle's strain 27 II John 1: 4-6 The crown of heav'nly life obtain. 28 Deuteronomy 10: Psalm 43: 3-4 Lutheran Book of Worship 30 Romans 11: 3-36 Hymn Psalm 25: 4-10 Vss. 1,2 3, 5

9 9 AUGUST WORSHIP TEAMS Reader Altar Guild Sound Technician Laurie Floren 8/6 & 13; Martha Applegate 8/20 & 27 Terry East Matt Kirk 6th Communion Assistant Bread Terry East Prayers of the People Mary Ann Boullain Projectionist Tania Salas Communion Assistants Wine Liz Dunnigan and Thelma Pace Greeters Ellis Petersen & Loraine Wininger Usher Team Chuck Hersom Acolytes Paige Yerger 13th Communion Assistant Bread Ted Olsen 20th Prayers of the People Randy Engel Projectionist Whitney Utley Communion Assistants Wine Terry East and Thelma Pace Greeter JoAnn Hendrickson Usher Team Randy Engel Acolytes Stuart Olsen and Madison Klomp Communion Assistant Bread Judi Dunnigan Prayers of the People Randy Engel Projectionist Whitney Utley Communion Assistants Wine Liz Dunnigan and Thelma Pace Greeters Marilyn Burns & Marie Handley Usher Team George Hauk Acolytes Paige Yerger 27th Communion Assistant Bread Terry East Prayers of the People Mary Ann Boullain Projectionist Tania Salas Communion Assistant Wine Liz Dunnigan and Darcy Barghols Usher Team Chuck Hersom Acolytes Brooke Klomp and Madison Klomp Please let Amy in the office know if you are interested in assisting with worship service. We are always looking to add to the number of members who can help each month

10 6 Sunday 9:00 am Worship 13 9:00 am Worship 10:30 am Counters 20 9:00 am Worship 27 9:00 am Worship 7 Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 9:00 am Counters 1 10:00 am WSL :00 am Counters 28 9:00 am Counters 9:30 am Project Day 22 9:30 am Project Day 29 AUGUST :00 am Staff 16 11:00 am Staff :00 am Staff 31 Applecrate Craft Fair 4:00pm-7:00pm am Altar Guild 9-10 am Altar Guild 9-10 am Altar Guild 9-10 am Altar Guild

11 S T. L U K E S L U T H E R A N C H U R C H W I L S O N S T. L A M E S A, C A Phone: Webpage: office-sllc@att.net NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID EL CAJON,CA PERMIT NO 262 Dated Material AUGUST 2017 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED A WARM WELCOME TO ALL Worship Service: Sundays, 9:00 am in the Sanctuary. Applecrate Craft Fair: August 31st - September 2nd in the Family Center. St. Luke s Theological Academy begins in September. Book Club September 27 at noon in Library. St. Luke s Mission Statement: We are called as a community of Christians saved by grace through faith alone in Jesus Christ to spread the Holy Gospel in word, sacrament, and action soli deo gloria.