BOLD PUBLIC WITNESS TO THE GOSPEL THE HALLMARK OF LUTHERANISM

Transcription

1 October 2016 Volume 23 Issue Trunk or Treat Announcements Seminarian Spotlight TABLE OF CONTENTS American Heritage Girls Gloria Dei Lutheran Church and Academy Davie, Florida BOLD PUBLIC WITNESS TO THE GOSPEL THE HALLMARK OF LUTHERANISM When the Lutheran Confessions were published in the Book of Concord, in 1580, the group of Lutheran theologians asserted that what they were confessing was not merely their own private opinions, but were asserting publically the truth that they were willing to stake their very lives on, here in this world, and more importantly, before the judgement seat of Almighty God Calendar Birthdays and Anniversaries This declaration is our faith, doctrine, and confession. By God s grace, with intrepid hearts, we are willing to appear before the judgment seat of Christ with this confession. Formula of Concord, Solid Declaration, XII Stewardship LWML Bible Studies Intrepid hearts indeed! What could possibly be so important that you would stake eternity on it? What gives a person such courage and conviction? Only one thing the truth. This is what the Lutheran Reformation is all about, the truth of God s Word. God s people have always spoken this way. For example, the psalmist wrote, I will speak of Your testimonies before kings and shall not be put to shame (Psalm 119:46). Peter confessed his faith when Jesus asked him what he believed, You are the Christ, the Son of the living God (Matthew 16:16). Paul wrote, Since we have the same spirit of faith according to what has been written, I believed, and so I spoke, we also believe, and so we also speak (2 Corinthians 4:13). Continued on next page

2 Continued from previous page Lutherans have used the Confessions of faith contained in the Book of Concord for nearly five hundred years as their public witness and testimony of what the Bible teaches. These Confessions give clear, unambiguous, and certain witness to the Christian faith. They unite all those who bear the name Lutheran and wish to be and remain genuinely Lutheran. That is why this book uses the word Concordia as a title. The Meaning of Concordia Concordia comes from two Latin words meaning with and heart. It describes a commitment to the truth so strong and so deep, it is as if those who share it have a single heart beat. To many twenty-first-century minds, the claim that there is objective truth is regarded with deep suspicion. To suggest that there is one, and only one, absolute truth about God is regarded by many today as absurd, foolish, ridiculous, or the sign of an intolerant and weak mind. Sadly, even many modern Christians now view claims of truth and certainty with a good deal of suspicion. But truth and falsehood are real. It is possible to know truth and it is necessary to reject all errors that contradict the truth. God reveals absolute truth in His Word, which is precisely what the documents in the Book of Concord assert, with complete and total conviction. The Bible is the rock-solid foundation for the documents in the Book of Concord. Christians who embrace the documents in this book as their teaching, their belief, and their confession also believe that it is possible for people to know and be certain about truth. They are convinced. They are certain. They are sure. Why? Because of the One who has called them to this conviction: the Lord Jesus Christ. He said, If you abide in My word, you are truly My disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free (John 8:31 32). Genuine, Historic Lutheranism To embrace the freedom of truth means rejecting the slavery of error. That is why the Book of Concord uses two phrases to capture the essence of biblical confession: we believe, teach, and confess and we reject and condemn. One cannot believe, teach, and confess the truth without also rejecting and condemning everything that endangers or contradicts the truth. This spirit of confessional Lutheranism is what continues to animate people today who hold to this collection of affirmations, professions, and confessions of faith. Not all churches that go by the name Lutheran still regard the Book of Concord as highly as they once did. Some prominent Lutheran Church bodies in the United States and around the world regard these statements of faith as historically conditioned. They say that the older confessions are not necessarily correct in what they teach about God s Word. These churches have embraced various ecumenical agreements with non-lutheran churches that contradict what Lutheranism has taught historically. Confessional Lutheran churches regard these compromises not only as a compromise of historic Lutheranism, but also as an actual denial of the truth of God s Word. (A most serious matter indeed!) It is important to keep in mind this distinction among churches that use the name Lutheran. This is all the more reason to make sure that these Confessions are not merely historical documents in congregations that are genuinely Lutheran. They must be well known by laypeople and church workers alike. 2 Continued on next page

3 Continued from previous page Historic, genuine Lutheranism holds that the Bible is actually the Word of the Living God. We believe that it is both incapable of error and free from error. We hold strongly to the Lutheran Confessions because we are absolutely convinced that these confessions of faith are a pure exposition and explanation of God s Word. Lutherans agree with the apostle Peter, who said, We cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard (Acts 4:20). When God the Holy Spirit gives the gift of trust in Jesus Christ as the Savior, this gift of faith creates a desire to confess, to bear witness, to testify, to proclaim, and to speak this faith. That is what the documents in this book are all about. They are not musty, old relics from history. They are the living confession of God s people, who have clung to the truths in these documents for nearly five hundred years. Today, we who hold to these Confessions make the Book of Concord our confession, our witness, our public testimony of what the Bible teaches. With Martin Luther, we say, Here we stand. We cannot do otherwise. God help us. Amen. A Story of Personal Sacrifice for the Truth During the years when these Confessions were written and defended, faithful men and women of God, both laypeople and clergy, sacrificed all they had in some cases their very lives to defend and extend the truths of God s holy Word as confessed by the Lutheran Church. Men died in battle fighting to defend the right to teach Lutheran precepts in classrooms and preach the Lutheran faith in pulpits. They died defending their cities and towns and most important, their convictions from armies of political and church leaders trying to stamp out Lutheranism forever. For example, during the Thirty Years War ( ) Roman Catholic rulers attacked the Protestant regions of Germany with the hope of stamping out the Reformation. The battles that followed forced tens of thousands of people out of their homes. Disease and famine deepened the misery, causing a level of suffering similar to what we see today in parts of Africa. Finally, the Swedish king, Gustavus Adolfus II ( ), led his armies to defend the Protestants. His army s victory at the battle of Lützen ensured the survival of the Reformation. But Gustavus himself died in the fighting. Every Lutheran who values his or her Confession of faith should remember this Lion of the North and thank God for his sacrifice. The courage of the first Lutherans is awe-inspiring for us today. It is difficult for us to imagine sacrificing everything for the sake of what we believe. It is hard for us today to even imagine a situation similar to what happened to Lutherans in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. Today, the attitude toward truth is very much one of compromise at all costs, rather than confession at all costs. There is within many churches today a go along to get along attitude. This attitude was around at the time of the writing of the Lutheran Confessions as well, but was eventually resoundingly rejected. Continued on next page 3

4 Continued from previous page A Book for All People Rev. Dr. C. F. W. Walther, the great American Lutheran theologian, and the first president of The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod, explained how important the Book of Concord is for all Lutherans. The Book of Concord should be in every Lutheran home. For that reason [our Church] should provide a good, inexpensive copy, and pastors should see to it that every home has one. If a person isn t familiar with this book, he ll think, That old book is just for pastors. I don t have to preach. After [working] all day, I can t sit down and study in the evening. If I read my morning and evening devotions, that s enough. No, that is not enough! The Lord doesn t want us to remain children, who are blown to and fro by every wind of doctrine; instead of that, He wants us to grow in knowledge so that we can teach others. (Essays for the Church, vol. 2 [St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1992], 51) The Book of Concord is not merely a book for pastors and church professionals or academics. In fact, it is important to realize that the people most directly responsible for the Lutheran Confessions were laymen, not pastors and theologians. At tremendous personal risk to their own lives, their property, and their profession, laymen boldly stepped before the emperor and the pope s representatives. They asserted that these Confessions were their own. They did not back down or compromise. For this reason, it is unfortunate that down through the years the Book of Concord has come to be regarded more as a book for pastors and professional theologians. Tucked into the middle of the Book of Concord is the most widely used of all the Lutheran Confessions: Martin Luther s Small Catechism. Luther wrote this document not simply as a resource for the church and school, but, first and foremost, for the head of the household. Luther intended this little book to be used by laypeople, daily, to help them remain anchored to the solid teachings of God s holy Word, the Bible. So keep this important fact in mind: The Book of Concord exists because of the faith and conviction of laypeople, who risked their very lives in order to have these Confessions produced, published, and distributed. The Book of Concord is a book for all Christians, church workers and laypeople alike. Christians who want to be true and faithful to the teachings of the Bible return, again and again, to this book. In these confessions of faith they find agreement, unity, and harmony in the truths of God s Word. These documents never take the place of the Bible. They distinguish between what the Bible teaches and the false teachings of others, which undermine the use of God s Word. They give Christians a common voice to confess their faith to the world. Reaching out boldly with the Gospel of Jesus Christ is the goal of the Lutheran Confessions. They are not to be treated like museum pieces, kept under glass as interesting curiosities. Neither are they holiday decorations taken out once a year and admired, soon to be put away and forgotten. Nor are the Lutheran Confessions clubs used to bash people or shields to prevent contact with others or trophies set on a shelf. The Lutheran Confessions are resources for extending and defending vigorously the Gospel of Jesus Christ. They are powerful tools for everyone to use, in all circumstances, for preaching, teaching, and proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ and all the truths of God s Word in the church, school, home, workplace, community, and throughout the world. Lutherans particularly enjoy Concordia through these confessions. United in common conviction about God s Word, they live together with a common heartbeat, declaring to the world and to one another, This is what we believe, teach, and confess. Excerpt from: Concordia: The Lutheran Confessions (St. Louis, MO: Concordia Publishing House, 2005), xiii xvi.

5 Trunk or Treat Safe Fun for the Whole Family Saturday, October 29 th, 6:30 p.m. Trunk or Treating begins at 6:30 p.m. The children will go from trunk to trunk in the church parking lot where adults will be waiting to admire their costumes and cheer them on! Children should come dressed in appropriate costumes (not scary or gruesome). Costumes and trunk decorations should reflect positive values and affirm Christian faith. Adults should bring candy to distribute. Cars may start lining up at 5:30 p.m. in the parking lot in front of the gym. This year we are also supporting the Teal Pumpkin Project which helps raise awareness of food allergies and promotes inclusion of all trick-or-treaters. Those wanting to participate in the Teal Pumpkin Project should fill a teal pumpkin, or a regular pumpkin with non-food items to hand out in place of candy. Bracelets, necklaces, pencils, pens, crayons, balls, stickers, bookmarks, etc, are just a few suggestions you can use. Don t have a teal pumpkin to use? No worries! Signs will be available for you to put by your vehicle to let people know that you are participating in the teal pumpkin project. What will you wear? What will the theme of your trunk be? ANNOUNCEMENTS Alwyn Henry September 30, September 15, 2016 A Celebration of the Resurrection and funeral service for our member Alwyn Henry was conducted at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church on Saturday, October 1, Please continue to pray for his wife, Ina, and the entire Henry family.

6 SEMINARIAN SPOTLIGHT: THE BLANKEN FAMILY Dear Brothers and Sisters of Gloria Dei, Grace, mercy, and peace to you from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! I hope that all is well at home as you are entering the new school year! We ourselves have had to make some adjustments to our lifestyle. Although the course work is not as intense as it was in Greek, now the stress comes from quantity instead of quality! However, I could not be happier to be transitioning to a regular school year. In some ways, my life feels back in order. It seems odd when there is no work to be done, when all is quiet. Now, there is a normal rhythm to life: School, Homework, Study, Repeat! Also, I have finally been installed as a field worker at St. Paul s. Soon, that will include more responsibilities. We know that no matter what life will not be quiet for a while, between school work, field work, and Evelyn, who is about to be born! It s hard to believe it s only a month and a half away now! Soon she will be here and life will be quite different. In one arm I will be holding her, and in the other hand I will have a book (both literally and figuratively). As life gets continually busier, we often think of you. You have provided all forms of love and kindness to us, and we do feel truly blessed by God because of the gifts you provide to us. You truly give testament to what it means to be brothers and sisters in Christ, and show that we are indeed one family. We miss you always, and hope to see you soon. We will continually keep you in our prayers and ask that you would continue to do the same. In Christ s love, The Blanken Family Alexander.blanken@ctsfw.edu Please keep our seminarian families in your prayers: Sam, Leah, Ben and Charlotte Sessa, Roxbury Plaza, Apt 322, Omaha, NE Devin, Melissa, Penny and Devin, Jr. Murphy th St. N, Jacksonville Beach, FL Alex and Annie Blanken, 5609 Old Dover Blvd., Apt 6, Ft Wayne, IN 46835

7 THE MURPHY FAMILY Dear Gloria Dei, It is so good to write to you from my vicarage at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Jacksonville Beach. It has been a bit of a wild ride since we got here, but we are adjusting well. The home the church provided for us is right across the street from the church, (so the commute is easy,) and it has ample room for the family. The people at Bethlehem are very kind. They moved us in, and have been very generous in a variety of ways to take care of us. Overall, the transition in was pretty smooth and we are very happy. Since I arrived here over a month ago I have slowly taken up more duties at the church. I am preaching consistently, I teach a Bible study regularly, I teach confirmation, I visit homebounds and the ill regularly, I participate in the liturgy each Sunday, I am putting together and leading events for the youth, I am leading chapel and writing devotions, and I have attended a handful of the various meetings so that I can learn about the inner workings of a church. On top of that I have gone to my first circuit meeting and a pastor's conference. It's going to be a busy year, but I am so grateful that I get to have a well-rounded experience. Melissa and the kids are doing well up here. We are hoping as the year goes on we will get to know the congregants better and be able to invite them into our home for dinner and fellowship. Bethlehem has a little turtle pond in its inner courtyard with three turtles in it. Penny loves to come and feed the turtles a few times a week. Devin Jr. has grown a lot, but he is still learning how to listen. On the whole, we are quite blessed and I am very grateful I was assigned here and given Pastor Brones as my supervisor. I honestly believe this is the best place I could have gone. Thank you all for your continued labor of prayer and support for us. We think of you all often, and we are so thankful you sent us out on this journey a few years ago. May God bless you and keep you as you continue in your ministry together. -Vicar Devin

8 Our first month of ac vi es was so exci ng! We began our first mee ng with 10 registered girls and our second with 14! At our second mee ng, we had a great me bagging supplies for the Blessings in a Backpack program. A erward, the Tenderhearts (1st 3rd graders) and Explorers (4th 6th graders) spent me prac cing the Opening Ceremony and learning how to fold the American flag. The Pioneers (7th & 8th graders) and Patriots (high schoolers) used much of their me to con nue prac cing the Pledge of Allegiance in American Sign Language. September 23rd was our Fourth Friday Fun event bowling! We had more than twenty par cipants, including girls and their families. It was great to spend me together outside of a mee ng, just playing and visi ng, ea ng and bowling. On Saturday, October 15th, we will visit Tree Tops Park for a li le hike together. A Boy Scout will provide us with a small demonstra on of how to pack for an over night camp out. This will help us prepare for our camping trip in December. Families are invited to stay a erward and enjoy lunch together. We are looking forward to another month of service to God, family, community, and country and we thank Gloria Dei for your support. Take a look at our bulle n board in the hallway just before you reach the women s bathroom. You will find informa on about American Heritage Girls as well as informa on specific to our troop. You are invited to take the bookmarks and informa on slips to share with families who have daughters you think might be interested in the program. Please spread the word about your troop. If anyone is interested in more informa on, they can contact Jim or Debbie MacGregor at or send an to ahg.fl1483@gmail.com or Darla Schulte at darla_schulte@bellsouth.net. 8

9 Connecting our Families with a new Family Directory! Join our Celebration of smiles! Be a part of our new directory and your family receives FREE 8X10 portrait, Opportunity to purchase additional portraits at attractive prices You ll be photographed and view your images in one trip to the church. Please allow one hour for your session! Our Church Photography Date and Times Wednesday, October 12 from 2 p.m. 8 p.m. Thursday, October 13 from 2 p.m. 8 p.m. Friday, October 14 from 2 p.m. 8 p.m. Saturday, October 15 from 10 a.m. 5 p.m. You may sign up for your appointment online by clicking the link below: or you may sign up after each service. We are also participating in the Feed the Need program. All you have to do is bring in a non perishable food item and you will receive $5.00 off your upcoming portrait order. To learn more visit Lifetouch at YOU SHOULD TAKE THIS PERSONALLY! Lifetouch encourages you to bring to your portrait session something that says who you are! Perhaps a hat..pin..scarf..musical instrument..bible..sports gear whatever it is that s important to you! Any questions please contact Gayle Caruso at

10 October 2016 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday pm-Prayer Shawal am-Men s Breakfast & Bible Study 9:30am-1:30pm Thrift Campus Closed for Hurricane Matthew 9 8am-Divine Service 9:30am-Sunday School 10:45am-Divine Service 16 8am-Divine Service 9:30am-Sunday School 10:45am-Divine Service 10 9:30am-1:30pm Thrift 7pm- A Longer Look at the Lessons Bible Study 17 9:30am-1:30pm Thrift 6:30pm-School Board Meeting 7pm- A Longer Look at the Lessons Bible Study 18 6:30pm-Church Council :30am-Joyful Hearts Women s Bible Study 10:30am-4pm Thrift 7pm Divine Service 8pm-Christianity :30am-Joyful Hearts Women s Bible Study 10:30am-4pm Thrift 7pm Divine Service 8pm-Christianity am-Men s Breakfast & Bible Study 9am LWML Breakfast & Bible Study 9:30am-1:30pm Thrift Lifetouch Directory Pictures 20 5pm-American Heritage Girls am-Men s Breakfast & Bible Study 9:30am-1:30pm Thrift 23 8am-Divine Service 9:30am-Sunday School 10:45am-Divine Service 24 9:30am-1:30pm Thrift 7pm- A Longer Look at the Lessons Bible Study :30am-Joyful Hearts Women s Bible Study 10:30am-4pm Thrift 7pm Divine Service 8pm-Christianity am-Men s Breakfast & Bible Study 9:30am-1:30pm Thrift 6:30pm Trunk or Treat 8am-Divine Service 9:30am-Sunday School 10:45am-Divine Service :30am-1:30pm Thrift 7pm- A Longer Look at the Lessons Bible Study

11 BIRTHDAYS October / November 2016 Debra Talbott 10/1 Deborah Groome 10/4 Kristy Friedman 10/5 Francis Schaibley 10/6 Nina Parton 10/8 Ashley Caruso 10/11 Caroline Darcy 10/11 Ligia Estrada 10/11 Cherie Gomulka 10/12 Kathi Hauck 10/13 Brent Pappas 10/13 Sharon Adams 10/15 Lexi Gomulka 10/16 Claudia Schmaus 10/16 Lynn Macha 10/17 Wendy Turpin 10/17 Ken Hughes 10/17 Arlene Zugar 10/18 Greg Grillo 10/20 Hayes Kern 10/20 Ron Reitsma 10/22 Bill Janzer 10/23 Arianna Schulte 10/23 Terry Bruce 10/28 Nathan Walters 10/29 Neil Iscovitz 10/31 Joan Harris 10/31 *Hannah Lehman 11/1 Christina Schulte 11/1 Cindy Conner 11/3 Patricia Godwin 11/4 *Hans Preus 11/6 Vera Babzien 11/7 Maxine Dietz 11/8 Joseph Tye 11/8 Joe Meighen 11/10 Thomas Poulos 11/10 Gavyn Nelson 11/11 Cherri Blair 11/15 Daniel Poulos 11/15 Justin Rubin 11/15 *Missionary Family ANNIVERSARIES October / November 2016 Glen and Cheryl Walters 10/10 Eric and Carol Starkie 10/18 Hayes and Kelly Kern 10/20 Walter and Idoris Blanken 10/21 William and Karem Munsey 10/23 John and Kathy Woodrum 10/25 Willis and Dale Devier 11/3 Vincent and Diane Grosso 11/06 *Missionary Family

12 OCTOBER with overflowing thanksgiving for the many dedicated church workers in the LCMS, who share in our joys and sorrows. Ask the Lord to comfort and defend them from every assault of the devil. 2. for the Synod s pastors, that they would hold fast to the Word of God and find strength to continue preaching and teaching God s truth in an increasingly anti-christian culture. 3. that God would bless the work of directors of Christian education, as they develop educational ministries for children, youth, adults and families. 4. for the Synod s directors of Christian outreach, that God would guide their efforts to support a congregation s or organization s outreach and evangelism work. Pray For Us Calendar These prayer requests were submitted by coworkers in the Lord s mission. Congregations and individuals are invited to copy these pages for newsletters or other distribution. Download at lcms.org/prayforus or call to request a copy. CHURCH WORKERS OCTOBER 1 31 Pastors; deaconesses; Lutheran school teachers; directors of Christian education, Christian outreach and family life ministry; parish musicians. The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS) is blessed with many faithful church workers who assist and lead people in participating in the fulfillment of the Great Commission, while building up the Body of Christ. Remember God s work through the Synod s church workers as you pray: 5. for teachers in Lutheran schools, that they would model Christ-like behavior for students and incorporate the Gospel message into each and every day. 6. for Lutheran school principals and administrators, that they would lead with integrity and encourage stakeholders to embrace the mission of the school to make disciples. 7. for the Synod s deaconesses. Pray that they would be equipped with all things needful to love and serve people in every situation. 8. for directors of family life ministry. Ask that God would guide their vital work to strengthen the families in our congregations. 9. for directors of parish music, that they would find joy and satisfaction in their work of enhancing the worship life of the church. 10. for the Synod s commissioned lay ministers, who work under a pastor s guidance to support a church s efforts in evangelism, Christian education, parish administration and other areas that are God-pleasing. 11. for missionaries, who leave home and family to work in faraway lands. Ask God to give them strength, wisdom and protection as they do His work. 12. for young people who are considering a career in church work. Ask the Lord to raise up more church workers and to guide young people to seek His will for their lives. 13. with thanksgiving for Veterans of the Cross, a program of the LCMS Office of National Mission and Concordia Plan Services that helps retired church workers and spouses pay for necessities like medication, food and utility bills. 14. with thanksgiving for Soldiers of the Cross, a program of the LCMS that provides emergency support and pastoral care to current church workers who are affected by natural disasters, illness or other unexpected circumstances. 15. with thanksgiving for every person who volunteers in a congregation as an elder, an usher, a greeter, a Sunday school teacher or in another capacity. Praise God that He calls His people to support professional church workers in a variety of ways. The Rev. Wally Arp, senior pastor at St. Luke s Lutheran Church, Oviedo, Fla., greets children as they arrive to the parish school. INVOLVEMENT IDEAS Do you know a high-school student who is thinking about attending one of the colleges or universities in the Concordia University System? Visit kfuoam.org/events/concordiacollege-fair to hear folks from each of the Concordias talk about what makes their school unique. What does a director of family life ministry do, anyway? Visit lcms.org/ careers-in-church-work to download a PDF about the roles of different church workers. Learn more about Soldiers of the Cross by visiting lcms.org/sotc. Visit lcms.org/ votc to learn about the Veterans of the Cross program. PHOTOS: LCMS COMMUNICATIONS/ERIK M. LUNSFORD

13 OCTOBER for sole pastors and other church workers who don t have a ministry team, that God would provide the support and encouragement necessary to refresh them for their service each day. 17. for Grace Place Wellness Ministries, that this Recognized Service Organization (RSO) of the LCMS might provide respite and refreshment to weary church workers. 18. for DOXOLOGY, an RSO of the LCMS, that it might help pastors improve their own spiritual health and enhance their ability to provide pastoral care to others. 19. for Shepherd s Canyon Retreat, an RSO of the LCMS, that it might provide healing and assistance to those church workers who are struggling with serious issues. 20. for seminary students, especially those who are currently serving vicarages, that they would be welcomed and shaped into effective future church workers. 21. for Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, and Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Ind., that they would continue to properly prepare future pastors and deaconesses to serve God and His Church. 22. for Lutheran Education Association, that this RSO might be a blessing to those who work in our Lutheran schools. 23. with thanksgiving for every person and organization that supports the Synod s missionaries. The prayers and financial support of God s people enable them to share the Gospel with people around the world. 24. for the colleges and universities of the Concordia University System, that they would equip their students with the necessary knowledge and skills to serve the Church as both church workers and laypeople. 25. for the health and well-being of all church workers, that they would utilize opportunities for rest and renewal when needed. 26. for Concordia Plan Services, that God would continue to guide this organization in providing employee health, retirement and disability benefits that enable our church workers to take care of themselves and their families. 27. for military chaplains, who put themselves in harm s way to minister to members of our armed forces. Ask God to keep them safe as they share Christ s love with our servicemen and women. 28. for specialized pastoral ministers, who serve the ill, imprisoned, aging, troubled, conflicted and isolated. Give thanks for their service to people in the midst of tragedy or crisis, and ask God to give them strength for this often-demanding work. 29. for church workers who are experiencing a crisis. Pray that the body of Christ would care for them and support them in every need, just as they support others during times of worry and loss. Pray also for all who would gladly serve but are without a call. MISSIONARY & PERSONNEL BIRTHDAYS Download the prayer cards of missionaries and other personnel from lcms.org/prayercards. Oct. 4 Oct. 6 Oct. 11 Oct. 13 Oct. 14 Oct. 16 Oct. 20 Oct. 21 Oct. 22 Oct. 26 Oct. 31 Graham Guenther, South Korea Michele Kuddes, French-speaking Africa Deborah St-Onge, Latin America Duane Meissner, Belize Aimee Cima, Southeast Asia Gail Ludvigson, Dominican Republic Clarion Fritsche, Dominican Republic Mark Moss, Africa; Andrew Schlund, Mexico Arthur Rickman, Asia Wayne Braun, Germany Suanne Forrester, Hong Kong MILITARY CHAPLAINS WITH BIRTHDAYS IN OCTOBER: Chaplain Brian Hamer, Lemoore, Calif.; Chaplain James Freitag, Kuwait; Chaplain Richard Townes, Great Lakes, Ill.; Chaplain Vincent Bain, Fort Campbell, Ky.; Chaplain Jon Smithley, Vance AFB, Okla.; Chaplain Quentin Genke, Dover AFB, Del.; Chaplain Ryan Mills, Afghanistan; Chaplain Scott Simpson, Shaw AFB, S.C. 30. that church workers on ministry teams would work together in Godpleasing unity and that their joint efforts would further God s kingdom. 31. with thankful hearts for the blessings God gives to His people through full-time church workers. These faithful men and women love us, care for us, pray for us and teach us the Word of God. Deaconess Amy Rast, associate director of deaconess formation at Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Ind., teaches deaconess students in Tanzania.

14 WORD ON STEWARDSHIP Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again. If you believe this gospel, if you stand upon it, and cling to it, you are saved. Trust in this is the dividing line. It defines, either positively or negatively, all men. It separates and divides Cain from Abel, Job from his so-called friends, Abraham from Abimelech, Isaac from Ishmael, Jacob from Esau, David from Saul, Daniel from Belshazzar, Joseph from Herod, Lazarus from the rich man, and the tax collector from the Pharisee. What defines men is not whether they are good or bad, but whether or not they believe in Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins. The problem with man is his heart. Our hearts are fallen and predisposed to think that we can impress God. We think that if we do all the right things God will rewards us, and we will escape evil. We think that God will be impressed with our gifts, that our prosperity and goodness is evidence that God loves us or that it should motivate God to love us. But we know better because God has blessed us with the faith of Abel, Job, and Abraham. We know that God's grace in Christ saves us, not our works. We know that God is not impressed with our giving. He is not impressed when we give him that which is already his. God doesn t benefit from our giving and He doesn t need it. But our neighbor does need it. And God delights in us growing more and more like Him. He blesses us, and He invites us to bless one another with our giving: so that the Gospel may be proclaimed, so that the poor may be fed, so that all God's work through the Church may be done. So consider God's priorities in comparison to your own. And be honest. Reevaluate where you are and where God has called you to be. Look into your own bank statement. Would any accountant think that the Church was your priority? He would see a spreadsheet filled with where your money actually goes: into house and clothing and cars, into eating out and beauty supplies and entertainment. Indeed, much of it wasted on frivolous things. But would he find great percentages going to the church? Figure up the percentage. Put it in relation to the proportion of your income. What percentage of your income do you give for the mission of the church: the preaching and teaching, the baptizing and communing, the help for the weak and poor brothers of Christ? Is it even enough for a deduction when you file your income taxes? The widow gave all she had and thought nothing of it. She was glad to do it. The rich man gave what to him was meaningless, trifle amount and desired a plaque in his honor. Why is it that the less we give the prouder we are and the more credit we expect? All your works, even your monetary gifts, done in faith please God now for Christ's sake. No matter how great or small, frequent or infrequent. They are all washed and cleansed by grace through faith on account of Christ. Whatever you do from faith in God pleases him for the sake of the Son. So reevaluate your generosity in the light of the grace of Christ. Freely you have received, freely give. LCMS Stewardship Ministry 13

15 Lutheran Women s Missionary League 2016 Fall Rally Thy word is a lamp unto my feet Psalm 119:105 Saturday, October 29, 2016 Good Shepherd Lutheran Church 1201 NW 27 th Ave Ft Lauderdale, FL Gifts from the Heart Lifenet 4 families We will be collecting the following: Men s and Women under ware (cotton), White socks, Travel size toiletries Thanks to our fabulous women of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church who were part of the District Lutheran Women's Missionary League convention: Gayle Caruso, Ashley Caruso, Marcia Gomulka, Darla Schulte, Karem Munsey, Nancy Hughes, JoAnn Schweiger, Marian Fowler, Carol Jones LWML FL-GA DISTRICT CONVENTION SEPTEMBER 30 - OCTOBER 2, 2016 PGA NATIONAL RESORT AND SPA, PALM BEACH GARDENS, FLORIDA

16 GRIEFSHARE Although the GriefShare Team is taking a long needed fall break, we share with you an article written by one of the consultants at Church Initiative of Wake Forest, NC re some helps during the grief journey. We hope it helps someone... Should you need information on GriefShare, go to and you can check out the many resources which are available to you. Please keep our grieving families and the GriefShare Team in prayer. Thank you. WHAT I AM DISCOVERING ABOUT GRIEF I am discovering that grief is a journey filled with many opportunities for learning. I am learning what grief is and how it affects not only me but others as well. I am realizing there are choices to be made as I learn to adjust to my new normal of living life without my loved one. I am also discovering that the emotions of grief are a part of our earthly journey through a sin-cursed world. As I walk this journey, am I choosing to grow from what I learn to one day be able to come alongside others with the comfort God has taught me (2 Cor. 1:3 4)? AM I LEARNING BY CHOOSING TO? Allow God to care for me (Ps. 23:4; 55:22) Read God s Word daily (Rom. 15:4) Remember my identity lies in Christ Jesus (Eph. 1 & 2) Allow others to come alongside me Quickly exercise forgiveness (Matt. 6:14 15) Pay attention to my physical needs (1 Cor. 3:16) Eating balanced meals Sleeping Exercising regularly Not avoid the work of grief Attending GriefShare and participating in discussion time Completing the workbook exercises Journaling Talking about my loved one Crying out to God and allowing my tears to flow AM I LEARNING TO ACCEPT THAT? Death is a part of life (Eccles. 8:8; Heb. 9:27) Grief hurts yet has purpose (Rom. 5:3 4) Death results in changes and new experiences that will need to be worked through in order to grow spiritually (Heb. 13:21) AM I LEARNING TO UNDERSTAND THAT? People grieve in a variety of ways Grief isn t about what I lost but what God has redeemed (Col. 1:10) Grief has a purpose (Rom. 5:4 5) Grief is a process that cannot be rushed through; I must walk this journey, but God will provide protection, comfort, and direction (Ps. 23:4) I am responsible for my own choices and actions as I work through my grief and no one else s (Gal. 6:4; 1 Cor. 7:24) AM I LEARNING TO TRUST AND BELIEVE THAT? There is a time for everything even grief (Eccles. 3:4) God is the only one who can fill and heal my heart (Ps. 147:3) God will never leave or forsake me (Heb. 13:5) God is sovereign; He allows things for my good and His glory 15

17 BIBLE STUDIES Men s Breakfast and Bible Study Every Saturday 8 a.m.in the Fellowship Hall, Followed by Bible Study in Room 32 Hot Breakfast $4.00 For more info contact Bruce Caruso at Joyful Hearts Women s Bible Study Meets on Wednesday 9:30 a.m. in the chapel. All women are welcome! Monday Night Bible Study meets each Monday in the chapel at 7 p.m. They are studying A Longer Look at the Lessons Delve deeper into each week's three Scripture readings with A Longer Look at the Lessons. This Bible study is based on the lectionary in the Lutheran Service Book, and provides information about the readings and their contexts. For more information please contact Elaine Carstens Please join the women of the Lutheran Women s Missionary League 1st and 3rd Saturdays at 9 a.m. 11 a.m for Breakfast/Bible study We will meet in the chapel. All women are invited! PASTOR POULOS LEADS THE FOLLOWING BIBLE STUDIES Sunday mornings, 9:30 a.m. "Bible Foundations!" Why we believe what we believe! Wednesday Nights, 8:00 p.m. - 8:45 p.m. "Christianity 102: The Lutheran Difference 16

18 YOUR COMPREHENSIVE SOURCE FOR NEWS, INFORMATION & TRUTH...Issues, Etc. is a radio talk show hosted by LCMS Pastor Todd Wilken and produced by Lutheran Public Radio in Collinsville, IL. You can listen to what you want when you want at and on the new Lutheran Public Radio mobile app

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