In This Issue... Baseball and Evangelism

Transcription

1 The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod cid-lcms.org March/April 2003 Baseball and Evangelism In This Issue... Baseball and Evangelism From the President s Desk The Promise Food Distribution New Members Canton Remodeling Project... 3 Camp CILCA Leadership Conference th Annual CID Day Board of Directors Minutes... 5 Lutheran Schools Week LCFS Counseling Did You Know Official Notices The Good Humor Box Nomination Reminder Camp CILCA Men s Retreat... 6 Salem Celebrates 75th Eternal Light Members for Life Extension Form Fund Bible Study When I first moved to Central Illinois, I learned quickly that the District is divided into two camps Cardinals fans and Cubs fans. They are loyal fans showing their colors and playfully teasing their opposite number. I have never met a secret Cubs or Cardinals fan. They will be glad to tell you what is so great about their team. Evangelism is a good word in the second or third person, You, he or they should evangelize. It is still comfortable in the first person plural, We should evangelize. For many people it becomes uncomfortable in the first person singular, I evangelize? Why do we have a problem telling others about God s great love for every one of us in Jesus Christ? Perhaps we load too much into the word evangelism. People envision knocking on stranger s doors. People envision being embarrassed by not knowing what to say or the answer to someone s question. To evangelize is simply to tell the Gospel. There are opportunities that God provides for us, to speak words of comfort and encouragement to others family, friends, co-workers, etc. They are not looking for a full lesson plan in theology. They need to hear about sin and grace. The best preparation for evangelism is to be in the Word of God in church, Bible study and personal devotions. God strengthens not only in knowledge but in faith so that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work. 2 Tim. 3:17 (ESV)

2 2 The GatePost March/April 2003 From the President s Desk Our District Convention July 6-8, 2003 More than 350 pastors, teachers, lay delegates, and guests representing 157 congregations in the Central Illinois District will gather at Northfield Inn & Conference Center in Springfield this summer. This will be a time to set the direction of the District for the next three years. Our District President, Rev. David J. Bueltmann, will preside. Many people read with but casual interest the announcement of a District convention. After all, unless you plan to be there, why should you be interested? Some may even complain about the expense of sending these people to Springfield for the 3-day meeting. It would be good to ask ourselves why we have conventions and how we as individuals are personally involved. You are important because the plans made at a convention can be carried out only when individuals accept them and work together in reaching these common goals. You are important because the kingdom of God is not made up of churches, organizations, meetings, Districts, or conventions but of His redeemed children, who have been made heirs of life eternal by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. You are important because you, and nearly 76,000 other Lutherans like you, make up that section of our Lord s kingdom that we mortals call the Central Illinois District of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. Because you are important, won t you read with special care the reports and resolutions as they are available. the kingdom of God is not made up of churches, organizations, meetings, Districts, or conventions but of His redeemed children, who have been made heirs of life eternal by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Rev. David J. Bueltmann, President A District convention is many things. It is a time for accounting, when those elected leaders report and give an account. It is a time for spiritual growth and for electing leaders for the next triennium. A convention is a time to examine past performance and evaluate our effectiveness in performing and carrying out the kingdom work of our Savior. It is a time to ask for our Savior s forgiveness for our failings in the past and to seek His strength and help in charting and planning a course of action for the future. The Rev. Dr. Gerald Kieschnick, president of The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod, will present the Synodical reports and preach at the opening communion service. The Rev. Dr. George Wollenburg, president of the Montana District, will be our guest essayist speaking on Church and Ministry. The theme for the convention will be Not Ashamed of the Gospel based on Romans 1:16. The Promise Scheduled For the eleventh year, Zion-Litchfield will stage The Promise, a contemporary muscial based on the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. The musical has a cast of ninety and draws 2,000 to 3,000 visitors a year. Performances are at 7:00 p.m. on March 28, 29, April 4, and 5. There are 2:00 p.m. performances on March 30 and April 6. There is also a 6:00 p.m. performance on March 30. Immanuel Danville Distributes Food Immanuel has a year-round food pantry operated by the congregation s Commision on Missions and Social Ministries. The pantry helps hundreds of families each year. Christmas baskets were distributed to over 35 community families this year. Immanuel s Commission cooperates with the Salvation Army which serves as a screening agency. Pictured are Sharon Burge and Betty Watts filling Christmas boxes for Immanuel Danville s food pantry.

3 Eternal Light Gary Rapp, a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Sherman, IL, is helping his church with a gift of an eternal light. Mr. Rapp invented a light for the church. Mr. Rapp created the light, known as the Eternal Light, at the request of the Good Shepherd s alter board. The church had previously used a candle, but drafts and the ventilation system extinguished the light on a regular basis. Mr. Rapp s Eternal Light has been illuminated continuously since its installation on November 21, All men are blessed by God in what he allows us to accomplish in our lives, said Mr. Rapp of his invention. There is nothing new under the sun as was stated by King Solomon, only the discovery of what God has already made. The Eternal Light is based on a redundant system that ensures that a bulb will burn continuously. When the first bulb goes out, a second immediately comes on, illuminating (l to r) Gary Rapp, inventor; Attorney Bob Muir and Pastor Jim Stunkel. not only the light but also an indicator that shows that the first bulb is no longer burning. Mr. Rapp has been working with attorneys in Husch & Eppenberger s Peoria office to patent his invention. Husch attorneys, Bob Muir and Chuck Young, are members of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Peoria. A patent for the Eternal Light was issued on November 5. Good Shepherd Lutheran Church dedicated the Eternal Light in a ceremony following worship services on December 8. During the dedication, the church s Jubilate Choir sang Shine the Light of Your Love. Mr. Rapp s wife, Carrie, is the church s organist. Telling The Good News About Jesus 7 Members for Life Clara Heye (left), 100 years old, and Vera VanderVeen 99, both regularly attend church at St. John-Bath. Both are blessed to have family members close by who are able to care for them and bring them regularly to church. Clara has been a member of St. John s of Bath, Illinois, since she was baptized as an infant. Vera transferred from St. Paul s in Havana after she married her husband, Raymond, in The mission of The Church Extension Fund, Inc., is to make funds and services available to congregations for building efforts in support of The Great Commission (Matthew 28). Clara Heye and Vera VanderVeen. CENTRAL ILLINOIS DISTRICT CHURCH EXTENSION FUND INVESTMENT FORM 2/1/03 PO Box 7003, Springfield, IL / ceflcms@eosinc.com The enclosed $ investment in CID-CEF should be issued as follows: TERM *RATE MINIMUM Flexible 2.50 $25 (Passbook Savings Account) 1 Year 5 Year $100 $ Year 6 Months $100 $5000 Interest Check Semi-Annually Accumulate Interest and Add to Note Balance *RATES SUBJECT TO CHANGE. Individual Ownership - Name (print) PLEASE CALL TO CONFIRM CURRENT INTEREST RATES. Joint Ownership - Name and/or Name (As joint tenants with right of survivorship and not as tenants in common) Minor Owner- Adult as custodian for Child (Under the Illinois Uniform Gifts to Minors Act) Address City State Zip Phone Congregation Social Security or I.D. Number Signature Apply Investment for Benefit of Lutheran Church towards meeting its supporting investment requirement: 25% of loan. CERTIFICATION: Under penalties of perjury, I certify (1) that the number shown on this form is my correct taxpayer identification number and (2) that I am NOT subject to backup withholding under the provisions of section 3406(a)(1)(C) of the Internal Revenue Code. (Allow three weeks for delivery of note.)

4 6 The GatePost March/April 2003 Nomination Reminder All pastors and congregations holding voting membership in the Central Illinois District of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod are reminded that all Nominating ballots for the office of District President must be received in the District Office by April 15, In the Woods... In the Word Official Notices Calling Congregations: Immanuel-Charleston Mt. Calvary-Galesburg St. Paul-Lexington Bethel (Senior Pastor)- Morton Immanuel-Osman Immanuel-Springfield St. Peter/Trinity-Thawville/Ornaga Calls Accepted: Roger Wohletz, Faith-Albuquerque, NM to Shobonier-Immanuel Douglas Fleischfresser, Immanuel- Charleston to St. Paul-Oconomowoc, WI Ronald Feickert, Zion-Altamont to St. Peter-Lockport, NY John Kirk, Chaplin, US Navy, Fallon, NV to Immanuel/Bethlehem-Bremen, KS Camp CILCA is sponsoring its first annual men s retreat called, In the Woods...In the Word March 28-30, 8:00 p.m., Friday to 2:00 p.m., Sunday. Activities include: Bible study, devotions, meals, recreation, and cutting down dead trees. The servant event of cutting trees will be a significant part of the retreat. Our Bible study leader is Rev. Robert Mrosko, who is the pastor at Peace Lutheran Church in Thomasboro. A graduate of Concord Seminary, St. Louis in 1997, he served in Nebraska for four years prior to coming to Peace. He and his wife Amy have three children (the third due in May). The $48 charge covers lodging in the Retreat Center, five meals and all activities. The cost is half price ($24) for those who bring their own chain saws or log splitters. Firewood can be taken home for a donation. If you have commitments on Sunday and can only stay until Saturday night, the cost is $32 ($16 w/chainsaw). An open invitation is given to the participants wives and children to join the closing worship service at 11 a.m. and lunch at noon on Sunday. Afterwards family members may stay and enjoy the camp before they head home. Please register by March 20th. After March 20th, the cost increases by $10. Go to for more details and a registration form. Salem Celebrates 75th Anniversary Edward Doerner Lexington-St. Paul to Immanuel-Palatine The Good Humor Box After church service on Sunday morning, a young boy suddenly announced to his mother, Mom, I ve decided to become a minister when I grow up. That s okay with us, but what made you decide that? Well, said the little boy, I have to go to church on Sunday anyway, and I figure it will be more fun to stand up and yell, than sit and listen. Salem Lutheran Church in Salem, the southernmost congregation of the District, will be celebrating its 75th year. Though the first Lutheran service in Salem actually took place on January 25, 1925, the congregation itself did not officially organize until April 22, Observances will be held monthly throughout the year as former vicars return on the fourth Sunday of each month to preach. Former pastor, Don Schrage, will occupy the pulpit on September 14. A special children s/youth service is planned for March 2. A reunion of all people who have been confirmed at Salem Lutheran is slated for March 23. April 6 will be the main celebration as Dr. Dale Meyer, former speaker for the Lutheran Hour, will be the guest preacher. The theme for this anniversary year is Celebrate His Goodness Great Is His Faithfulness. The adult choir will be providing special music throughout the year that will focus on this theme. The high school youth will be serving meals after most of the anniversary services. First time visitors will be given a special welcome each Sunday and will be presented with a 75th anniversary coffee mug. Everyone is invited to attend any or all of these celebration services. Salem Lutheran Church is located at 1401 Hawthorn Road in Salem. Services begin at 10:15 a.m. The congregation has over 550 baptized members.

5 Telling The Good News About Jesus 3 New Members Received By Christ Lutheran Normal New members received by Christ Lutheran Church-Normal via transfers-in, profession of faith and Adult Confirmation on December 8, Grace Lutheran Church Canton, Begins Remodeling Project Grace Lutheran Church-Canton, a mission congregation of CID, began a major remodeling project on Sunday January 5, The vacant retail space being remodeled, in a shopping center in downtown Canton, includes about 5,200 square feet, and will include the sanctuary, fellowship area, offices, and classrooms for the congregation. When the remodeling project is finished, all congregational (l to r) Colin Edwards, Pam Hemp, and Rachel Clayton prepare a sheet of drywall for use in the remodeling project. activities will be moved to the new location, out of the 150 year old structure currently being used. Planned improvements in the remodeling project include new drywall, ceiling tile and floor covering, construction of one new restroom, two offices and two Sunday School classrooms, and new heating and air conditioning. Last year, the District Mission Commission strongly urged Grace to examine options for a new location because the original building had become a severe mission challenge in several ways. The newly remodeled location will provide handicap access and more than five times the parking space currently available. Volunteer crews from Grace and surrounding congregations have been working on remodeling each Saturday, from 8:00 a.m. until about 4:00 p.m., with a noon meal being provided for all Participants in the remodeling ceremony. volunteers. If you would like to help, please call Colin Edwards (309) at work or (309) at home to see what jobs have yet to be done. If all goes according to plan, remodeling work will be completed by mid-march. Following the completion of the remodeling and relocation project, the congregation plans to sponsor several events inviting the community into the new building.

6 4 The GatePost March/April 2003 New Assistant Director at Camp CILCA Kevin Bueltmann is the newest addition to the Camp CILCA full-time staff. Kevin is serving as the Assistant Camp Director. His primary duties at CILCA include directing the Summer Camp ministry and initiating new camp-sponsored retreats for adults throughout the year (i.e. parenting, marriage, men s retreats, etc.) Kevin graduated from Concordia University in Seward, Nebraska, in 1988 and received his Master s Degree in Family Life Ministry there in Kevin served 8 years as a Parish Director of Christian Education in Normal, Illinois, and Kalispell, Montana, before serving as Director of Camp Luther of Nebraska for 8 years. Kevin is looking forward to more of a hands-on ministry at Camp CILCA as an assistant director in charge of specific areas rather than the director in charge of everything. The camp in Nebraska had grown so much during his time there that his administrative duties were consuming the time he used to spend in the program areas he is most gifted in. Over the last four years he had songs published by Concordia Publishing House for their Vacation Bible School curriculums. He has served on the national LCMS Board for Youth Services and various youth boards and committees in various districts. President Bueltmann installs Kevin Bueltmann as Assistant Camp Director at Camp CILCA. Kevin and his wife, Tawn, have four children Aaron, 13; Brianna, 9; Carly, 7; and Davis, 3. You can contact Kevin by calling the camp number (217) or at kevin@cilca.org. Leadership Conference The Lutheran Church Extension Fund s Lake Michigan Region, in partnership with Concordia University, River Forest, will sponsor a one-day leadership conference on the Concordia University campus Saturday, March 22, 2003, entitled, Ministry Leadership in the 21st Century. The conference will focus on issues for expanding and changing ministries in the 21st century, says Larry Ulrich, LCEF Vice President of the Northern Illinois District. We encourage pastors, elders, congregation presidents and volunteers, board members, trustees, financial committees, LCMS district leaders, etc., to attend. The one-day event is scheduled from 9:00-5:00. Lunch is provided. Cost is $15 for individuals and $50 for a group of five ($8 for each person thereafter). After March 7, 2003, the prices increase to $20, $70, and $10 respectively. Contact Steve Frentz, Promotion Director for the Northern Illinois District LCEF office, at (708) or via at nidlcef@aol.com. Breakout Sessions Speakers The ABCs of Biblical Evangelism in Your Congregation s Community Assimilating New Members into Your Congregations Improving Accessibility to Your Facility Working with an Attorney to Protect the Legal Interests of Your Congregation Critical Elements in Building Healthy Congregation Leadership Teams Working with an Architect Expanding the Kingdom through a Housing Ministry Revitalizing Older Congregations for the Kingdom Rev. Mark R. Schulz, Faith Lutheran Church, Lake Forest, IL Martha Windelborn, Director of Small Groups at St. Luke Lutheran Church, Itasca, IL William Worn, William Worn Architects, Chicago, IL Jon Baerman and Rich Treichel, Attorneys At Law, Chicago, IL Dr. James C. Galvin, President, Galvin & Associates, Carol Stream, IL Terry Oppermann, LCEF Architectural Advisory Committee Rev. Carlos Hernandez, LCMS Board of Human Care Ministry Panel discussion facilitated by Rev. Marty Haeger, CMS Northern Illinois District

7 Telling The Good News About Jesus 5 5th Annual CID Day Set The 5th Annual CID Day at the Ballpark has been set for Saturday, May 17, when the St. Louis Cardinals host the Chicago Cubs in a 12:20 p.m. contest. Information and order forms were sent to congregations in early February via the President s Newsletter. Orders will be accepted starting March 5. Board of Directors Minutes Summary of the Board of Directors Meeting for November 26, 2002 President Bueltmann reported that Dr. Kuhn acknowledged his memo concerning the District Board of Directors actions on behalf of the Synodical Board of Directors. Also, President Bueltmann reported that he had sent the resolutions from the professional church workers conference in East Peoria to their various recipients as directed by the professional church workers conference. President Bueltmann also reported that Mr. Hebermehl, of the Lutheran Layman s League, had written and asked to meet with President Bueltmann privately rather than with the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors responded by thanking Mr. Hebermehl for his willingness to meet with President Bueltmann privately, but requested that he meet with the Board of Directors according to the resolution passed by the Church Workers Conference in East Peoria, Illinois, in October Keep an eye on your congregational bulletin for more details, or contact: Rev. Michael Mohr CID Day at the Ballpark PO Box 190, Strasburg, IL (217) National Lutheran School Week The schools of the CID will celebrate National Lutheran Schools Week March 2-8, The theme focuses on the reasons that Lutheran schools are a great place to grow. They include their Gospel focus, their caring and committed parents, teachers, administrators and Dr. YaDeau reported that the Worship Committee of our District would offer Lutheran Musical Enrichment program. This is a training program for Organists, Choir Directors, Hand Bell Directors, etc. This is a program that meets one Saturday a month for two years. Mr. Goeres reported that the CID Bible Bowl will be held on Sunday March 23, 2003, at Lutheran High School in Springfield, Illinois. The topic will be the lives of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The portion of the Bible to be covered is Genesis, chapters 12 through 35. The Board of Directors granted the request of St. Paul s Lutheran Church Pana to move from the Decatur Circuit to the Shelby Circuit effective January 15, 2003, and the Board of Directors also approved the constitutions of St. John Pekin and Trinity-Roanoke. The Board of Directors approved the purchase of the former Methodist Church in Buffalo. congregations, their commitment to academic excellence and their preparation of future church leaders. Take time and visit your local Lutheran school and learn more about why Lutheran schools are a great place to grow. LCFS Counseling Services Expand The voters at St. John-Decatur recently approved financial support so that Lutheran Child and Family Services of Illinois can provide counseling services at the church one day a week. There are many individuals struggling with a host of problems, said Rev. Russell Weise, senior pastor at St. John. The service is really needed, and this is a great outreach to the broader community, in the name of our Lord. The counseling at St. John s will be provided by Carl Klemaier, a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who is experienced in working with children and families. He received his master s degree in counseling and communication from the University of Illinois at Springfield. LCFS has also received interim funding from the United Way of Central Illinois to provide family and marriage counseling for low-income families in Sangamon County who have little or no insurance benefits. The funding, which will total nearly $4,000, is being granted for a five-month period from November, 2002, through March, Anyone wanting more information about LCFS counseling services may call LCFS toll-free LCFS. Did You Know... The GatePost is currently mailed directly to over 7,400 households. The first direct mailing was a test of three congregations. Over 30 congregations are now participating in the direct mail program. If you would like the convenience of home delivery, ask your congregation to send in their mailing list.

8 Bible Study In the glorious season of Easter we cannot help but think of outreach. What Christ has done for us men and for our salvation, leads us to share the Gospel here at home evangelism and possibly overseas missions. As the good news is proclaimed, Christ is brought to people in His Word. The good news of the Gospel is more than talking about the acts of God, it is the means whereby Jesus brings us to himself. The Incarnate Christ brought people to himself through the Word. How is the promise of outreach seen in Gen. 22:14? Who is the descendent who blesses all nations? Acts 3:25b. How is Jesus bringing people to himself? Lk. 13: How would Jesus have us witness today? Can we omit part of the Biblical message to gain converts? Mt. 28: How did St. Paul speak of his mission work among people? Acts 20:27. How does St. Jude encourage us regarding the message of salvation? Jude 3-4. The late Donald Deffner exposes the myth, evangelization is the pastor s job and best left to him and to the evangelism committee? 1 Jesus would have all the baptized proclaim the praises of him who called us out of darkness into his wonderful light. (1 Pet. 2:9) Doctrinal purity and missionary zeal are as compatible as the interaction of the heart and lung in the body. Doctrine and outreach were both important to the early Christians, who were so bold in their witness to others regarding the truth that many were persecuted and even martyred. At the same time they continually devoted themselves to the apostles doctrine. (Acts. 2:42) The sainted Dr. Barry wrote, Unfortunately, it is often the case that when our Synod is criticized for being too concerned about doctrine at the expense of missions, those persons or groups making this accusation are willing to water down the truths of God s Word and the Lutheran Confessions. 2 A doctor who loves her patients will continually immerse herself in the study of chemistry and biology. 3 The goal of this study is to serve her patients with life and healing. It is precisely because we love people and weep at the thought of eternal death for the unregenerate that we study God s Word so that we may present [ourselves] to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. (2 Tim. 2:15) May Christ s victory over death and the grave place such joy in our hearts that we continually study the word that fountain of Israel that the Lord may use us to bring many to salvation in the risen Christ. For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard. (Acts 4:20) Hallelujah! Christ is risen. He has risen indeed! The Rev. Dr. Karl Weber currently serves at Trinity, in Decatur. Pastor Weber has served as a short term missionary in Guatemala, Central America, and Kenya, East Africa. 1 Donald Deffner, Myth of Faith (St. Louis, MO: CPH, 1995), Part 2 Student, study 7. 2 Alvin Barry, Doctrine and Evangelism, President s Newsletter, insert to the Reporter, May 14, Cf. C.F.W. Walther, Law and Gospel, (St. Louis, MO: Concordia Publishing House, 1986), 21. [Walther writes: That is exactly like saying to the farmer: Do not worry forever about good seed; worry about good fruits. ] The Communications Committee for The Central Illinois District of the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod publishes The GatePost semimonthly. It is a supplement to congregational newsletters. Submit all articles to the Editor: Rev. Robert L. Bruer 3303 E. Maryland Decatur, IL rbruer@juno.com Layout and Design by: Deverman Advertising Pekin, Illinois Printing and Distribution by: Martin Graphics Champaign, Illinois Deadline for May/June Issue: March 20th, 2003 Communications Committee Rev. Rodger Abatie, Chairman Rev. Robert Bruer, Editor Jim Deverman Lisa Dippel Joel Fletcher Rev. Wayne Hoffman Glenn Goeres, Advisor Dan Reynolds, Web Master Mike Smith