From Our Senior Pastor

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1 November 2018 Edition INSIDE THIS ISSUE TOPIC Page Pastor Krueger Article 1 Pastor Hardaway Article 2 Pastor Albers Article 3 Prayer Guide 4 Classes for All Ages Baby Shower for Jesus Senior Adults Worship Servants for the Month Texas CEF Rates Offering/Attendance Official Acts DCS Krahn Article 8 Annual Thanksgiving Food/Coat Collection Live Nativity Event Thrivent Lunch Thanksgiving Eve Worship Camp Lone Star Event Time Change: Fall Back Mother/Daughter Tea Children & Youth Activities 11 Thanksgiving Eve Worship Back Cover Sunday Worship 8am & 10:30am Bible Class/Sunday School 9:15am From Our Senior Pastor Rev. Larry Krueger Where Does the Time Go? pastorkrueger@splcwaco.com Have you ever found yourself asking the question, Where does the time go? As I sat down to write this article, that very question came to mind. In particular, I found it hard to believe that I was already writing an article for November of this year. This, of course, means that December is right around the corner and, before you know it, we will be at the end of the year. When I think about how it seems that time flies by so quickly, a few Bible verses come to mind. The first ones are recorded in Psalm 90, verses 10 and 12. These verses read, as follows: The years of our life are seventy, or even by reason of strength eighty; yet their span is but toil and trouble; they are soon gone, and we fly away So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom (ESV). These verses remind us that the times of our life are soon gone these truly do fly by so quickly. So, we ask the Lord to grant us a heart of wisdom for living out the number of our days on this earth. The Scriptures teach us that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. In fact, Proverbs 9:10-11 reads, The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight. For by me your days will be multiplied, and years will be added to your life (ESV). Maybe there is some merit to those who attribute a long life to clean living. One thing is for certain, during our days on this earth we would do well as God s people to live our days in accord with His will and wisdom. In that vein, the apostle Paul wrote: Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ (Ephesians 5:15-21, ESV). We only have a certain number of days on this earth. How we live them has eternal consequences for ourselves and others. Jesus said, We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work (John 9:4, ESV). God s work in Christ is that of reconciling the world unto Himself. To that end, Christ lived out His Father s will. He lived a perfect life, gave up His life in death for our sin, and was raised again, all to draw us to Himself. This drawing he does graciously by the power of the Spirit in Word and Sacrament. Oh, where does the time go? It goes forward to an ultimate end when Christ will come again on the Last Day. As the time flies by so quickly, we are reminded from the Holy Scriptures of the importance of living our days in sync with God s will in His wisdom, to His glory and for His service. To Him be the glory! Love God and love your neighbor, Pastor Krueger

2 PAGE 2 MESSENGER NOVEMBER 2018 A Message From Our Associate Pastor Rev. Matthew Hardaway pastorhardaway@splcwaco.com Jesus in the Psalms - Psalm 6 (ESV) 1 O LORD, rebuke me not in your anger, nor discipline me in your wrath. 2 Be gracious to me, O LORD, for I am languishing; heal me, O LORD, for my bones are troubled. 3 My soul also is greatly troubled. But you, O LORD how long? 4 Turn, O LORD, deliver my life; save me for the sake of your steadfast love. 5 For in death there is no remembrance of you; in Sheol who will give you praise? 6 I am weary with my moaning; every night I flood my bed with tears; I drench my couch with my weeping. 7 My eye wastes away because of grief; it grows weak because of all my foes. 8 Depart from me, all you workers of evil, for the LORD has heard the sound of my weeping. 9 The LORD has heard my plea; the LORD accepts my prayer. 10 All my enemies shall be ashamed and greatly troubled; they shall turn back and be put to shame in a moment. One of my favorite sitcoms aired from rd Rock from the Sun was about four extraterrestrials (aliens) who arrive on Earth to explore the human race. They take on human form to blend in with us. But, in taking on human form they somehow, inadvertently, also take on human emotion. In one episode they start to complain that their human bodies are leaking and broken. Why won t the leaking stop?, they bemoan. Turns out they were experiencing sadness for the first time and, along with that sadness, crying and tears. As children we cried easily and sometimes on-demand (especially when our demands were not being met). After each successive birthday, though, we matured in our ability to process and handle life and the number of times we cried began to be limited to times of physical pain or socially acceptable times of immense grief. As we entered into our teenage years, and even into adulthood, we entered into a great tension with crying. From Big Girls Don t Cry to It s My Party and I ll Cry If I Want To I think many of us struggle with what to do with our tears. Perhaps that is because of the primary source for most of our tears - sin. In Psalm 6 David describes a point in time in his life to which many of us can relate - crying for hours, so much so that we are physically tired and worn out. Our eyes hurt, the lump in our throat is persistent and painful, the tears have been so plentiful that they are now everywhere else and we can t physically see clearly because of blurred vision. We don t know what exactly was causing David so much grief, whether it was actual sins he committed and the consequences thereof or if it was the effects of original sin through he was living. Whatever it was, the sorrow was immense. I don t know what caused your tears the last time you cried this much, whether it was because of an actual sin you committed and the consequences thereof, or if it was because of the effects of original sin. Perhaps you are even in the midst of the tears this very moment. Maybe the tears will never go away. In the midst of his tears, David confesses a wonderful Gospel truth - The LORD has heard my plea; The LORD will answer my prayer. Notice the future tense - The LORD will. The LORD will answer. Our LORD Jesus Christ was no stranger to tears. He wept for His friend Lazarus. He cried out on the cross My God, my God, why have You forsaken me? When the tears are long, when the sorrow doesn t seem to go away, when the grief and agony of sin is overwhelming, remember this - Jesus knows tears, Jesus hears your prayers, Jesus will answer! Soli Deo Gloria!

3 NOVEMBER 2018 MESSENGER PAGE 3 A Message From Our Pastor Emeritus Rev. Walter F. Albers pastoralbers@splcwaco.com As part of my devotional life I am reading the Psalms. Recently I started to think about what I could share in the November newsletter that would have a Thanksgiving thrust to it. And right there in front of me it stood Psalm 103. At times we look about and see others who have more who have not shared our hurts and problems whose lives seem to be going so much better and we wonder, just what do I have for which I can be truly thankful? No matter what your situation in life, the Psalmist has the answer. He starts with, Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name (Ps. 103:1). In other words, thank and praise God for all He has done for you for the many ways He has blessed you then the Psalmist lists five special blessings we all share: 1) Who forgives all your sins (Ps. 103:3) God, freely out of a heart of grace, has forgiven every sin we have committed no matter how rich or poor how great a success or poor a failure without any merit or worthiness on our part every sin is forgiven surely a reason to thank God. 2) And heals all your diseases (Ps. 103:3) How many times has God worked great healing blessings in our lives restoring health in many cases granting extended life in others and how often have we had a cold cured before it reached pneumonia an infection cured before a limb was effected or other serious problems successful surgery that made life so much better surely a reason to thank God. 3) Who redeems your life from the pit (Ps. 103:4) Another way to say that God has saved us from destruction God has watched over us as we have traveled about kept us and our homes and families free from flood waters from tornado s destruction from fire and loss most all of us have been able to pursue our callings in peace surely a reason to thank God. 4) And crowns your life with love and compassion (Ps. 103:4) Pastor, I just don t love him anymore I don t think my parents love me My children must not love me, they never come to see me Man s love is often conditional can be turned off and on by our feelings and moods and whatever else might interest us but the love of God is sure and certain from everlasting to everlasting undeserved, but always there and that love moves Him to deal tenderly and gently with us surely a reason to thank God. 5) Who satisfies your desires with good things (Ps. 103:4) Our hunger has been satisfied by good food and what a variety our pleasures and enjoyments are unlimited our craving for knowledge and growth finds open doors in our schools and libraries our desire for companionship has brought us loving and faithful husbands and wives our desire to see future generations has blessed us with children and grandchildren, and how special they are our times when loneliness seeks to interrupt our lives have been met with Christian friends, people willing to share life s heartaches and blessings surely a reason to thank God. And then the Psalmist adds, so that your youth is renewed like the eagles (Ps. 103:5) The eagle is used in Scripture to show us strength for they seem to fly forever and never tire as they soar above trees and mountain peaks and so the people of God who realize their rich blessings rather than be down and depressed rather than looking at life through glasses marked gloom and despair and hopelessness they, empowered by God s blessings, can rise above the negatives of life and enjoy life to the fullest. This year, make this month not a day, but the whole month a time for special thanksgiving to God count your blessings daily and join us for Thanksgiving Eve worship together as a family the special family of God, to praise and thank the Lord for all of His blessings!

4 PAGE 4 MESSENGER NOVEMBER 2018 The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; He delivers them from all their troubles. Psalm34:17 Lord, Hear Our Prayers: We pray for continued healing for all those who have suffered physical problems in the last month, including: (a complete list is available through the church office). We pray the Lord lay His healing hand upon them. We pray for all who struggle with ongoing health concerns, including: (a complete list is available through the church office). We pray the Lord keep His healing hand upon them. We pray for all who are home-bound, in nursing care or assisted living facilities, including: (a complete list is available through the church office). We pray the Lord give them comfort and peace with their living situation. We pray for those who have lost loved ones in the last month, including: (a complete list is available through the church office). We pray the Lord give them comfort in their time of sorrow. We pray for those serving in our Armed Forces (a complete list is available through the church office). We pray the Lord keep them safe in their stead as they defend our freedom and safety. We pray for those who are bound to their homes or in nursing homes (a complete list is available through the church office). We pray the Lord keep His healing hand upon them. We pray for those serving in the mission field may God continue to bless and keep them safe as they minister to the world as an extended outreach of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Waco, Texas. Please contact the church office if you, someone in your family, or a family friend is in need of prayer. Please keep the church office advised of the status of those you add to the prayer list, so that our list remains up-to-date. If you have any questions, please contact the church office at or by to: wecare@splcwaco.com.

5 NOVEMBER 2018 MESSENGER PAGE 5 Join us for Sunday morning Bible Classes at 9:15am each week: Adult Bible Class, in the Family Center This group is going through a study on the Gospel of Matthew. Men s Bible Class, in the N4 Classroom This group is studying various topics, applicable to everyday life. Ladies Bible Class, in the Conference Room This group is going through a study titled, The Armor of God, by Priscilla Shirer. This study is more than merely a biblical description of the believer's inventory, is an action plan for putting it on and developing a personalized strategy to secure victory. Nursery - Kindergarten (classrooms), Grades 1-6 in Parish Hall & classrooms Nursery-Kindergarten use Bible stories and fun activities to learn about their friend Jesus. Grades 1-6 meet classrooms for hands-on Bible curriculum about using their faith. Music time completes the weekly session. Grades 7-12, in the Youth Room This age group is going through a tech-based Bible study. Other Bible Study Opportunities: Men s Tuesday Morning Bible Class, in the Parish Hall This group works through selected studies, meeting every Tuesday morning at 6:30am followed by a shared breakfast and fellowship. College Student Evening Bible Study/Fellowship This group meets on the Baylor campus on the first and third Thursday of every month at 8:00pm at the Student Union Building in the Britton Reading Room. Young Adults Bible Study This group meets on Thursday evenings at 6:30pm, at the Baylor Panera Bread (1000 S. 8th St., Waco). Ladies Wednesday Morning Bible Class, in the Conference Room This group meets on the first and third Wednesday of each month. Sunday Evening Bible Studies These groups meet on the first and second Sunday of each month in host homes for a Bible study, a meal, and fellowship. Youth Confirmation/Catechesis Training These classes meet on Wednesday evenings, after our meeting on November 14, we will break until January Confirmation Classes for 7/8 Grade, 6:30-7:45pm Midweek School for 5/6 Grade, 6:30-7:30pm There s a place for EVERYONE to be immersed in God s Word and fellowship with other Christians! On Sunday, December 2, the BEACON Committee will collect new, unwrapped gifts for the Central Texas CareNet Pregnancy Center. A few suggested donations include (but are not limited to): Diapers Formula Wipes Clothing (size 0-24 months) At CareNet, hearts and lives are being changed daily. Young men and women are making life-saving decisions. Many are led to Christ as well as saving the life of their unborn child. We thank you for any donation you can share. Cookies and punch will be served in the Family Center between worship services. If you have any questions, please see Beth Hassell.

6 PAGE 6 MESSENGER NOVEMBER 2018 ST. PAUL SENIOR ADULTS will come together for a communion worship service at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 14, followed by a fellowship luncheon. Following lunch, we will enjoy a special presentation from Community Health Workers, an advocacy group dedicated to assisting senior adults and the disabled in non-medical issues. NOVEMBER BIRTHDAYS A complete list of member birthdays is available in the church office. We do not publish this information on our Web site out of respect for the privacy of our members. Out of respect for the privacy of our servants, they will be identified by the initial of their first and last name only. If you have any questions, please contact the church office. Acolytes 8:00am Worship Nov. 4 - T. L. Nov C. E. Nov R. H. Nov K. T. 10:30am Worship Nov. 4 - J. S. Nov C. G. Nov H. H. Nov L. K. Thanksgiving Eve Worship, 6:30pm Nov Volunteer Needed Nursery Volunteers 8:00am Worship Nov. 4 - C. & T. L. Nov S. P. Nov S. C. Nov J. & R. R. 10:30am Worship Nov. 4 - K. H. Nov C. & K. W. Nov P. & K. G. Nov J. & R. R. Altar Flowers Nov. 4 - B. & T. H. Nov D. A. Nov J. & G. S. Nov B. & M. S. Nov P. & L. J. Sunday Morning Greeters 8:00am Worship Nov. 4 - G. S. Nov R. & N. S. Nov D. N. Nov M. & S. J. 10:30am Worship Nov. 4 - M. H. Nov S. C. Nov M. & B. H. Nov R. & B. F. Ushers for the Month 8:00am Worship, Group 5 K. W., Hd. W. K., Asst. C. G. B. K. R. F. J. D. 10:30am Worship, Group 12 D. S., Hd. R. K., Asst. T. K. J. C. B. H. F. S. A. S. Thanksgiving Eve Worship, 6:30pm, Group 1 W. H., Hd. J. D., Asst. G. A. B. G. T. H. J. L.

7 NOVEMBER 2018 MESSENGER PAGE 7 Texas District Church Extension Fund: How can you save for tomorrow and help save souls for God with the same dollar? Invest that dollar with the Texas District Church Extension Fund (CEF). Every dollar you invest with CEF earns a competitive rate of return and provides low-cost construction loans to Texas congregations for buildings that help enlarge God s kingdom of believers. Your investment is a wise personal savings plan that allows CEF to make loans that serve others and show God s love actively. November Rates (Fixed) (Floating) One Year CD 2.27%APY 2.52%APY Three Year CD 2.52%APY 2.78%APY Five Year CD 2.78%APY 2.91%APY Flex Savings 1.00%APY Cong. Savings 1.26%APY For more information call Texas CEF at , online at Attendance and Offering for October 2018 A complete list is available in the church office. Official Acts for September/October 2018 A complete list is available in the church office.

8 PAGE 8 MESSENGER NOVEMBER 2018 A Message From Our Deaconess Dcs. Suzanne Krahn dcskrahn@splcwaco.com Life is Too Short I was reading in the Life Date Summer 2018 edition, the quarterly publication of Lutherans for Life, and came across an article pertaining to a woman s experience with a deadly intestinal infection and bowel obstruction. This experience ultimately lead her to aspirate and end up spending weeks in ICU at two different hospitals on life support and a special lung machine that pumps circulated blood through artificial lungs that oxygenate the blood. This was her only chance at survival. During her weeks on death s doorstep, her family and friends assaulted the gates of heaven with prayers, according to the lady s husband. Their daughter stated, Her recovery process has been a perfect reminder that God works in His time, and not in ours, but that it is always worth it to wait on Him! We are and have often been reminded of this here at St. Paul. There have been numerous times where loved ones and family members and friends have experienced ordeals, tragedies and trauma, that have left us wondering, Why, how long, and what will the outcome be, Lord? Although the timeframe seems like an eternity, and the outcomes do not always come out like we would like, we continue to trust in the Lord. Trusting that He knows what is best for us and what is best for the person(s) that experience the ordeals. God truly holds us in the palm of His hands, always (Psalm 31:15; Isaiah 49:16). God will grant healing (2Kings 20:5, 8; Isaiah 19:22). God is always with us, even to the end of the age (Matthew 28:20). God the Father could not let his creation be estranged from Him for very long, it was too painful for Him. So He sent His only Son, Jesus Christ, to come into the world to take on flesh and blood that we might be saved, bought for a price, the price of Jesus death, our propitiation. Therefore, by Jesus resurrection from the dead, we are brought back into the good graces of God the Father, through Jesus, and made righteous with God once again. This will not change. But knowing that we are loved, cherished, and redeemed by our Savior is only part of our new life. We are charged with serving others, as Christ served us. We need to be cognizant that life is too short to let the important little things slip by us. Do not take anything for granted. We are here such a short time and do not know what is in store for us. Plan your days first to include the Lord, then all those you love and have meaning in your life. Don t wait to tell someone how you feel, you may never have that chance again. Spend your time with them; the best gift you can give of yourself is yourself. Stop to enjoy the beauty of this wonderful world that God has created for us and appreciate all that is in it. Love unconditionally and forgive. Serve others with gladness and joy from the heart. Let the Holy Spirit take charge of your life and let your light shine. You may not be remembered for what you said, or what you did, or even how you behaved. But, you will be remembered for how you loved your neighbor. The lady mentioned above summed it up this way, God has given each of us a limited time to be on this earth, a purpose for that time, and people with whom to share that time. Don t wait for a near-death experience to teach you the lesson of appreciating to the fullest what God has given you. In Christ s unfailing love, Deaconess Suzanne Information taken from Life Date Summer 2018 quarterly, A turning Point by Diane E. Schroeder, former President for Lutherans for Life.

9 NOVEMBER 2018 MESSENGER PAGE 9 Each year, during our Thanksgiving Eve Worship, we collect food items to share with those in our community that are less fortunate than ourselves. We are continuing our partnership with the LaVega Primary and Elementary Schools to help feed families and students in our immediate community. This year we will also be collecting warm winter coats for students in these schools. Please join us in helping to meet the needs of families in our community. Donations will be collected beginning Sunday, November 18, and during both of our Thanksgiving Eve Worship services on November 21. INDIVIDUAL DONATIONS: Small bottles of water or juice (approximately 12oz) cheese cracker packs cereal (individual sizes 1oz) fruit cocktail individual cups pudding snack cups cans of soup pop tarts fruit snacks pudding snack cups cans of soup boxes of macaroni small bags of rice WINTER CLOTHING DONATIONS FOR LAVEGA SCHOOL CHILDREN: New or Gently used coats for children grades 5 and below. If you pour out yourself for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom shall be as the noonday. Isaiah 58:10 St. Paul Lutheran Church & the St. Paul Lutheran Adult Choir will present a Live Nativity Community Event on Saturday, December 1, 2018, from 5:30-7:00pm. Please join us for an evening of sharing the story of Christ s birth. Hot chocolate & cookies will be served Goodies for children A Live Animal Petting Zoo Please call the church office with any questions. Everyone is invited join us for a luncheon on Sunday, November 11, 2018 in the St. Paul Family Center. We will share about how Thrivent Financial members can use their Action Teams and Choice Dollars to benefit St. Paul Lutheran Church! This is a great opportunity for Thrivent members to learn about the benefits available to them and a great way for non-thrivent members to learn about the organization. The local Thrivent office will be providing the meal in the Family Center immediately following our 10:30am worship service. Please sign up in the church foyer if you would like to attend. If you have any questions, please contact Brandon Kubitza at

10 PAGE 10 MESSENGER NOVEMBER 2018 Please join us for our Thanksgiving Eve Worship services on Wednesday, November 21, at 12:00pm & 6:30pm. We will collect food and warm clothing donations at both services to benefit the LaVega schools. A complete list of food items needed is available on page 9 or through the church office. Purpose: Help Camp discover how to better serve & partner in ministry When/Where: Tuesday, November 13, 7:00-8:30pm, St. Paul Family Center Join us for this family friendly evening! We would love to hear feedback as we seek God s will to guide us into our future. To learn more information, call the Camp office at Daylight Saving Time ends on Sunday, November 4. Set your clocks back one hour.

11 PAGE 11 MESSENGER NOVEMBER 2018 Children & Youth Activities YOUTH GROUP FUNDRAISER NIGHT MCALISTER S DELI (BAYLOR) DECEMBER 11, 2018 The youth will get a percentage of the sales that night from 5-10pm when people put their receipt in the collection basket. All funds will go toward the NYG trip planned for July Questions can be directed to Jerry Tucker or Jennifer Lynch. Discover YOUR Story! Join teens from all over the Greater Waco area as we dive into what it means to be a disciple for Christ and how you can use your own experiences to point others toward our loving Savior. Based on the scripture from 1 Timothy 4:12 Don t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. Enjoy a worship service, discipleship message, worship band, games, food and much more! Sunday, November 4, :00 p.m. 7:30 p.m. Trinity at Badger Ranch 2 Ritchie Rd, Woodway, TX The Youth attending the National Youth Gathering next summer will have fundraisers this month on Sundays November 11 & 25, offering muffins, pastries and coffee for a free-will donation. All funds received will directly benefit the youth attending the National Youth Gathering. Questions can be directed to Jerry Tucker or Liz Shaw. Nov. 4 - Youth 4:12 Event (Trinity, Woodway) Dec. 1 - Live Nativity Event Dec. 9 - Choir Christmas Cantata Dec McAlister s NYG Fundraiser Dec Mother/Daughter Tea If you have questions, would like to volunteer to help with events, or have ideas to share for possible future events please stop by the Sunday School office.

12 NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT 925 WACO, TEXAS Phone: Fax: ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED Label Here November 2018 Edition We re on the Web: Search for StPaulWaco and like our page.