The Sound of Morning Star Newsletter of Morning Star Lutheran Church ~ Missouri Synod Lakeside, California

Transcription

1 The Sound of Morning Star Newsletter of Morning Star Lutheran Church ~ Missouri Synod Lakeside, California JULY 2017 About three days after the school year came to a close this year, I realized that our family was going to need some new, season-specific strategies for the Summer. To be blunt, our soon to be first grader, pre-k student, and 2 year old daughter were already driving one another halfway up the wall, to say nothing of what might be in store for their parents, so we had to come up with some ideas. Thus, the Laughridge Summer Rules have been born, and they are not original, but they are effective. In our house, before you can say I m bored, you have to eat breakfast, get dressed, read a book, do a chore, and make/build something. After all of that you can negotiate for other things. And wouldn t you know it? Much to our surprise, the oldest of the three started learning to do laundry. He s also reading a book every day. It s still early, but he hasn t argued about his new routine. We actually long for routines in our lives, and we long to be in community with one another. He misses his school friends already, and I can see his point. God has wired each of us to be together together with our families, our friends, our co-workers and neighbors. In Hebrews 10:24-25, the author encourages each of us as the people of God, to continue meeting Creating Community together! His encouragement is a simple reflection of how God has designed us to live. What do we exist for, as the people of God, if not to love Him and our neighbor? That is what our church exists for, and what all churches should exist for to show and to share the love of God with one another, because we have been loved first. In Deuteronomy 6:4-9, God instructs His people to speak of His love to one another (which means they need to be around other people), and to do so in each activity of daily life. So as they go about their ordinary, workaday routines, they are to show and share the love of God with the world. And if we have been called children of the same God, then we follow suit and show his love, too. It's easier than we think, most of the time. Be a good and loving neighbor. Be more kind to someone than that person deserves. Invite someone you think doesn t have much community to share in yours! Use the social space driveways, front lawns, front porches -- as an entry point for community. My neighbor may or may not take me up on the offer, but God has wired him or her for connection to others, so they won t be offended by the simple act of invitation. And more often than not, you will see the Lord working through your obedience to being in community much sooner than you thought possible. A neighbor that needs your compassionate ear for listening. A co-worker who could use a word of hope or encouragement. A fellow church member who is struggling with guilt or pain, and needs to hear again just how dearly Jesus loves them. And each of those is possible when we live in the communities that God designed us for. Summer is a great time to be in community. Join us in worship, in care groups, in Bible Studies, and as we love & serve neighbors throughout our community. It s exactly what God has been wiring us for all along. ++ Pastor Justin ++ Sunday Services 9:00 a.m. Adult Bible Study 10:30 a.m. Children s Sunday School resumes in September.

2 Page 2 The Sound of Morning Star SUMMER BIBLE STUDY with Pastor Justin Celebrating the resurrection of Jesus is something that we do not do just on one day, but every day of our lives. Because Jesus is risen, we no longer need to fear death, and we are promised eternal life with Him in Heaven. So celebrate every day! One of the many ways to grow in our relationship with the Lord is our study of the Bible. Many of you joined me for all or part of our study of the book of Galatians last year, and this year we will be digging into the Gospel of Mark. By now, you ve heard sermons on almost one-half of Mark s Gospel, and are continuing that series throughout the sixteen chapters of Mark. But if you want to dig even deeper into this Gospel, please join us at Morning Star on any or all of the following Wednesdays: June 1 p.m. Not on the 5th July 1pm July 1pm July 1pm I am excited to share this study and journey with you! Unlike our Sermon series, this is NOT a verse-byverse walk through the Gospel. Rather, each week will be focused on a single topic related to Mark --- healing miracles, parables, interactions with the Disciples, historical background of Mark, etc. The sessions will be 90 minutes long, with of those minutes reserved for your questions that have come up as we ve spent time in this book this year. Additionally, a recap of our Wednesday series will be available on the following Sunday, so that you have a couple of chances to dig into the topic that was covered. My prayer in this walk together is that we all grow closer to Jesus, and to one another. There is much to see and explore in these sixteen chapters -- join with me as we follow where Jesus is leading! In Him, Pastor Justin Travis Carter and his family, Veronica, Isabella, Christopher, and Adrianna, will be leaving Morning Star in September of this year; Travis has found employment in Kansas City, Missouri. Travis was baptized at Morning Star, attended Sunday School, and later entered the Marine Corps. He served in Iraq, also twice in Afghanistan, and we are proud of his service to defend our country. While still in the Marines at 29 Palms, California, he began his college education and returned to worship with his children: Isabella, Christopher, and Adrianna. He attended adult confirmation classes, was called to the position of Lay Minister, and has been an integral part of our worship team. Isabella has been serving us as an acolyte, always attending church with a can do attitude. With Travis and his family leaving, we are losing a Lay Minister, an Acolyte, and three children in Sunday School. Thank you to the Carter family. We will miss you, one and all. Blessings abundant are yours. May the Father, Son and Holy Spirit be at your side as you begin your new career.

3 The Sound of Morning Star Page 3 Morning Star LWML NEWS from the Lutheran Women s Missionary League ~ Society at Morning Star: Outreach/In-reach Goals for 2017: Sunshine Zone 23 News Secret Sisters July/August We are collecting Backpacks, school supplies, and jackets for Lakeside Christian Helps Center. December 2 We shall participate in the Lakeside Spirit of Christmas Attention Secret Sister s: Remember your Secret Sister in prayer often, and send them cards on their special dates. Mark your calendar for 2017 Events of Morning Star LWML: Resources: psdlwml.com WOW (Women of the Word) Official Newsletter is posted there. LWML.org lists National events and mite info. August 12 9:30 a.m. MS Society meeting at MSLC to discuss Morning Star s role co-hosting with Pilgrim Lutheran Church at the Zone 23 Fall Celebration to be held at Pilgrim in Chula Vista on October 14th. October 1 LWML Sunday service at Morning Star Lutheran Church October 14 Fall Celebration at Pilgrim Lutheran Church in Chula Vista Theme: 500 years since the Reformation ( ) Speaker: Laurel Kelsh Jones Martin Luther had a Wife. November 17 6:30 p.m. MS Society meeting at MSLC to discuss participation in the Lakeside Spirit of Christmas on Maine Avenue. JACKETS, BACKPACKS & SCHOOL SUPPLIES FOR LAKESIDE CHRISTIAN HELPS CENTER This summer Morning Star s Lutheran Women s Missionary League is collecting school supplies and backpacks for the Lakeside Christian Helps Center. I thought it would be great if we got a head start. Below are a few of the supplies that will be needed. There will be a collection box in the fellowship area and we will put together the backpacks for the Center before school starts. 1. Coloured pens, pencils, erasers, and pencil sharpeners 2. College rule paper and rulers 3. Crayons 4. Scissors, glue, glue sticks 5. Single subjects note books, 2-inch 3-ring white binders 6. Pencil boxes 7. A note card with an encouraging word for the child that will receive the supplies. Questions? Contact Morning Star s Society President, Gail Ninteman REMEMBER TO ADD THIS MINISTRY TO YOUR SHOPPING & PRAYER LISTS.

4 Page 4 The Sound of Morning Star Thy Strong Word ~ Submi ed by Choir Director/ Deacon Tom Kuwazaki I was doing some research on the story behind Thy Strong Word and found this arcle on the internet website: musicalcatechesis.wordpress.com. I was going to take bits and pieces of this arcle to share in the newsle er and decided to share the whole arcle. I can understand why this is Pastor Jusn s number one favorite hymn! It is very rich in the inerrant Word of God and is a perfect hymn in celebrang Holy Trinity Sunday. I would encourage you to take the me to read the whole arcle. Marn Hans Franzmann was born in Lake City, Minnesota. He was the son of Rev. William Franzmann ( ) and Else (Griebling) Franzmann ( ). His father had been an immigrant from Germany and was a Lutheran minister. In 1936, Franzmann accepted the posion to serve as a professor of Greek and English at Northwestern unl the Summer of In 1946, he was called to teach at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri. In 1957, he became the Chairman of Exegecal Theology at Concordia. He was notable for his tradional stance on Biblical inerrancy. Among his other posion was me as chair of the Synodical Conference, a member of the Commission on Theology and Church Relaons of the [Lutheran Church Missouri Synod]], and the 1962 LCMS representave to the Lutheran World Federaon. He lec the faculty of Concordia Seminary in 1969 to become tutor at WesDield House, the theological college of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of England (ELCE), in Cambridge, England. In 1972 he rered from WesDield House and moved to Wells, England, where he died in He was succeeded as tutor by his son John Franzmann.) Posted on February 2, 2011 by mshew The hymn of the day for this upcoming Sunday is the great 20 th century Lutheran hymn Thy Strong Word. This hymn was wri en by Marn Franzmann while he was chairman of the department of exegecal theology at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis. Franzmann was a respected scholar, teacher, and theologian, and his gics shine in this hymn. The text is based on the mo o of the seminary, Anothen to Phos, which means light from above. The hymn takes the idea of light, beginning with creaon, and takes it all the way to its fulfillment as we worship the Triune God with all the company of heaven in the splendor of God s glory. Stanza 1 Thy strong word did cleave the darkness; At Thy speaking it was done. For created light we thank Thee, While Thine ordered seasons run. Alleluia, alleluia, Praise to Thee who light dost send! Alleluia, alleluia! Alleluia without end! This first stanza praises God for the work of crea- on, specifically the work of Genesis 1:1-4 1 In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. 2 The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. 3 And God said, Let there be light, and there was light. 4 And God saw that the light was good. And God separated the light from the darkness. Continued on Page 5

5 The Sound of Morning Star Page 5 Thy Strong Word ~ connued from page 4. Before God began His work of creaon, the earth was dark and formless. It was an endless, bo omless nothing. But God, through His Word, spoke and it was done. These first four verses of Genesis set up themes that will run through all of Scripture. God is the creator and giver of light. The image of light is used for holiness, glory, splendor, and good works. Darkness is the way and works of evil and sin. We once dwelled in darkness, as we will learn in stanza 2. Stanza 2 Lo, on those who dwelt in darkness, Dark as night and deep as death, Broke the light of Thy salva-on, Breathed Thine own life-breathing breath. Alleluia, alleluia, Praise to Thee who light dost send! Alleluia, alleluia! Alleluia without end! In Isaiah, chapter 9, we read: 2 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shined. Ma hew applies this passage to Jesus in Ma hew, chapter 4, as Jesus begins His ministry. We are the ones who have dwelt in darkness, which is the darkness of sin and death and condemnaon. Jesus broke into our darkness, becoming a human like us and shining into our darkness, as it says in John 1: 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. This light has not only entered our existence, but He has breathed his own life-breathing breath. Just as God breathed into Adam and brought him to life, so our God breathes on us in the waters of Holy Bapsm and makes us His new creaon. Stanza 3 Thy strong Word bespeaks us righteous; Bright with Thine own holiness, Glorious now we press toward glory, And our lives our hopes confess. Alleluia, alleluia, Praise to Thee who light dost send! Alleluia, alleluia! Alleluia without end! In Jesus, our God has paid for our sins, forgiven us, and declared us to be His righteous, beloved children. God re-creates us as His own, as it says in Ephesians 2: 1 And you were dead in the trespasses and sins 2 in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience 3 among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. 4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ by grace you have been saved 6 and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gi8 of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Continued on Page 6

6 Page 6 The Sound of Morning Star Thy Strong Word ~ connued from page 5. And keep in mind the words from 2 nd Corinthians 5: For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. We been clothed with the righteousness of Christ, which is the righteousness of God. With this glory, we run towards the goal of heaven 4 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3) And we strive to live lives that confess our faith. 14 You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. (Ma hew 5) Stanza 4 From the cross Thy wisdom shining Breaketh forth in conquering might; From the cross forever beameth All Thy bright redeeming light. Alleluia, alleluia, Praise to Thee who light dost send! Alleluia, alleluia! Alleluia without end! The cross is the wisdom of God, but it is foolishness to the world. Paul lays this out clearly in 1 Corinthians 1: 18 For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is wri?en, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart. 20 Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21 For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe. 22 For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, 23 but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gen-les, 24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men. 26 For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. 27 But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; 28 God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, 29 so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. 30 And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanc-fica-on and redemp-on, 31 so that, as it is wri?en, Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord. The wisdom of the cross gives all glory to God and through the cross God conquers sin, death, and the devil. Through the wisdom of the cross God connues to bright light and life to all naons. Stanza 5 Give us lips to sing Thy glory, Tongues thy mercy to proclaim, Throats that shout the hope that fills us, Mouths to speak Thy holy name. Alleluia, alleluia! May the light which thou dost send Fill our songs with alleluias, Alleluia without end! Continued on Page 7

7 The Sound of Morning Star Page 7 Thy Strong Word ~ connued from page 6. We pray in this stanza that God would open our lips to proclaim His love. Noce that the hymn-writer, Franzmann, waits unl stanza 5 for our response. Our praise and thanksgiving is always in response to God s great love for us and all He has done for us, especially through the work of His Son. Peter says as much in 1 Peter 2: But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy na-on, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are God s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. Or we can think of the words of Psalm 40: 3 He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the LORD. Finally, we come to the sixth stanza, which brings the hymn to culminaon in a Trinitarian doxology. The Father is the creator of light, the Son is the light who became flesh, the Spirit reveals light to the world and creates faith in our hearts, and we join with all creaon in praising our Triune God forever and ever, amen! Stanza 6 (is everyone standing yet?) God the Father, light-creator, To Thee laud and honor be. To Thee, Light of Light bego?en, Praise be sung eternally. Holy Spirit, light-revealer, Glory, glory be to Thee. Mortals, angels, now and ever Praise the holy Trinity! Thank you Lord for the richness of Your Living Word! Tom Kuwazaki Enjoy Medieval and Renaissance Music arranged for String Quartet Doors open at 6:00 p.m. FACILITY REQUEST FORMS are now located in the back of the church (by your mailbox). These are used to help us keep the church calendar accurate and avoid a double booking. If you need help filling one out, any member of the Board of Directors will be happy to assist you.

8 Page 8 The Sound of Morning Star Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it (Proverbs 22:6 ESV). W B S We are on vacation for the month of July. We will resume in August. W B S F$%& Men s Bible Study/ Breakfast Saturday, July 8th at 7:30 AM Location: Denny s Restaurant CAMINO CANADA, EL CAJON Led by: Deacon Tom Kuwazaki B S C() G)& Our next Bible Study Fellowship will be on Saturday, August 26th. Details next month. A B S Sunday Mornings at 10:30 AM Led by: Deacon Tom Kuwazaki See Calendar on Last-page for dates & times. C%) S( S+% Out for Summer Vacation - Be Back in September. In addition to The Lutheran Hour airing in San Diego on KCBQ-1170AM Radio every Sunday morning at 8:00 AM, or listening to The Lutheran Hour 24/7 at Lutheranhour.org, shut-ins can watch sermons on-line at: Worshipforshutins.org. Pass along this information to those you know who have difficulty attending church. ~ Lutheran Ministries Media Every Monday at 1:00 p.m. it is Time for Senior Citizen Bingo at Morning Star Lutheran Church. The next WIDOWS, WIDOWERS, & FRIENDS GATHERING FOR DELICIOUS FOOD (no charge) and BINGO is Saturday, July 29, 2017, 4:00 PM 5:30 PM

9 The Sound of Morning Star Page 9 Date 2-Jul Dick SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP ASSISTANTS Lay Minister Acolyte Greeter Lector Ushers Teller Val W Chris K 9-Jul Travis Isabella Danny H Helen JUL/AUG/SEP Altar Children s message Refreshments Wanda/ Pastor Linda Wanda Chris H Jusn Lee Y Jerry/ Alicia Dave W Angie Jim B Wanda L 16-Jul Tom Y Sam J Char C Bill Z Jim/ Char C Nancy Linda Ruth E Mark/ 23-Jul Jim B Nancy Kara B Bill/Phil Char BA Kara Gail Char C 30-Aug Dick Isabella Char BA Chris K Jim/ Char C Kara Jim B Lee Y Wanda/ 6-Aug Dick Val W Chris K Linda Wanda Chris H Helen Char BA 13-Aug Travis Isabella Jim B Helen Phil/ Tom Y Dave W Angie Pastor Jusn Dave W Jim/ 20-Aug Tom Y Sam J Char C Bill Z Dave Char C Nancy Linda Kara B 27-Aug Jim B Alicia Kara B Bill/ Char BA Kara Jim B Joan L Nancy/ Mark/ 3-Sep Dick Val W Chris K Kara Wanda Chris H Gail Nikki E 10-Sep Jim B Ruth/ Phil Helen Tom Y/ Nathan Dave W Angie Helen Lauren S 17-Sep Tom Y Sam J Char C Bill Z Jim/Kara Char C Nancy Jerry/ 24-Sep Jim B Tom Y Kara B Alicia Char BA Kara Pastor Jusn Chris K Linda Ella K LAKESIDE CHRISTIAN HELPS CENTER ~ Proverbs 22:9 (NKJV) He who has a generous eye will be blessed, for he gives of his bread to the poor. THANK YOU FOR DONATING FOOD ON THE FIRST SUNDAY OF EACH MONTH. RECYCLING IS GOOD STEWARDSHIP Tom Yeager is the person coordinating the recycling of plastics and aluminum at Morning Star. Just bring your recyclables to the Church. July2017

10 Page 10 The Sound of Morning Star VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR THE AUDIO/VISUAL TEAM I m sure by now you ve noticed our new screen set-up in worship. We ve received great feedback from many folks about it, and have enjoyed using it with all the new features. Like many things, it takes a TEAM! If you are willing to serve us during Sunday morning worship on the soundboard, the Pro Presenter slide program, or both (though not at the same time), PLEASE the Church Office (morningstarlc@mslc.sdcoxmail.com), or speak to Pastor Justin or Tom Kuwaszaki. Even if you are already doing one of these, our goal is to have a list of all who have this sort of expertise and are willing to serve. Thank you so much! Word Search SIX New Testament Books R N J V P N R Z Y K R E Q O B R M T R D Z N V W H T B A K C T W E E Y N M O W G R R Y H L W G B A V H K Y T R A K M C M C C G T R H T G T Y F G P A Y Q B I S T F F R M H M L K O K M R L U K E G L L N MORNING STAR HIGHLIGHTS for : (For complete calendar, see last page.) July 2 Food Drive for Lakeside Christian Helps Center July 4 Independence Day (federal holiday) July 5 6:30 PM BOD Meeting July 12 1:00 PM Bible Study with Pastor Justin Gospel of Mark July 19 1:00 PM Bible Study with Pastor Justin Gospel of Mark July 23 NEWSLETTER DEADLINE $5.00 Sunday collection for English District Missions July 26 1:00 PM Bible Study with Pastor Justin Gospel of Mark July 29 4:00 PM WIDOWS, WIDOWERS, AND FRIENDS Bingo & Dinner July 30 6:30 PM Equinoxe Quartette Nouveau at Morning Star 1 Thessalonians 1:3 (ESV) remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. L I N D O L A K E P A R K O U T R E A C H! Every Monday morning from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Deacon Tom Kuwazaki, and Helen Lewin are at Lindo Lake Park. Why? To share the Gospel s Good News of our Lord Jesus Christ ~ Matthew 28:19 and meet people in our community. Remember to include this Ministry in your daily prayers. Donations of granola bars, antibacterial wipes, as well as, Bibles & water are always welcome. You are invited to join them in The Park on Mondays or come prayer-walk. And the One Wish bracelets continue to be a great way to share the Gospel.

11 The Sound of Morning Star Ha Hana Road Lakeside, CA Phone: Reverend Justin Laughridge The people of Morning Star believe in the One True God Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We believe that everything God says in His Word, the Bible, is true. And we believe in God s promise that He will give us the free gift of eternal life through faith in Jesus, who died on the cross and rose again to save us. Morning Star s 2017 Board of Directors: President Vice-President Treasurer Financial Secretary BOD Secretary Director Christian Education & Youth Director of Evangelism Director of Lay Ministry Director of Operations Director of Social Ministry Director of Stewardship Deacon Deacon Parish Ministry Assistant Tom Yeager vacant Linda Hobson Alicia Grambow Nikki Edwards Jerel Grambow Chris Kuwazaki Jim Birren Dave Walwick Kara Birren vacant Dick Collingwood Tom Kuwazaki Helen Lewin Page 11 Ongoing Prayers for members and friends of Morning Star: MaryAnn Bitner, June Clarno, Marge Gagner, Gloria Henke, Corrina Sanns, Lauren Stephenson, Tracy Tansey, Alice Turner, Pearl Walker, The Yeager Family, and Tony s caregiver Sarah, Helen Lewin and Family, The Walwick s neighbor Erica, Val Wigren and her parents: Dallas & Lavonne Ullrich, & everyone with health issues. Safe travels for those on vacation. We also pray for our Pastor, BODs, Parish Workers, individual families, and those everywhere who need to know that Jesus loves them no matter what. To Update This Page, contact the Church Office. Pray for those in the Armed Forces Cody Harmon, US Army, (Dave & Rose Walwick s son-in-law) Harold Kuwazaki, US Marines (Tom & Chris Kuwazaki s nephew) Lucas Nelson Davis, USN (Chris Hill s grandson) Melanie Kohmuench, USN (Tom & Chris Kuwazaki s niece) Morning Star also has an On-Line Prayer Program Login to: morningstarlcms.org and click on the tab: Contact Us With Your Prayer Requests Type in your prayer, and tap send. ~ Jim Birren, Prayer Coordinator