Peace Notes. The 500 th Anniversary of the Reformation OCTOBER 2017

Size: px

Start display at page:

Download "Peace Notes. The 500 th Anniversary of the Reformation OCTOBER 2017"

Bruce Hudson
5 years ago
Views:

1 OCTOBER 2017 Peace Notes The 500 th Anniversary of the Reformation Statue of Martin Luther in front of the Frauenkirche Lutheran Church in Dresden, Germany

OCTOBER 1 & 2 The Message: Jesus is God s Best Idea Ever Faith is a living, daring confidence in God s grace, so sure and certain that a person could stake his life on it a thousand mes.

2 THIS MONTH IN WORSHIP In celebra on of the 500th Anniversary of the Lutheran Reforma on, we explore the reforma on of the church then and now. We will look at the five major developments from the Lutheran Reforma on and set them next to the five corresponding re-forma ons for the church today. OCTOBER 1 & 2 The Message: Jesus is God s Best Idea Ever Faith is a living, daring confidence in God s grace, so sure and certain that a person could stake his life on it a thousand mes. Mar n Luther 2 Bible Readings: Ephesians 2:8-9 and Romans 1:7 OCTOBER 8 & 9 The Message: Sola Scriptura The Bible is for Everyone, but Does it Ma er? The Bible is kind of like a car it s fun to look at and talk about with your buddies, but the purpose of a car is to be driven! Scripture has been taken apart for centuries, but today we re going for a drive. Bible Readings: Ma hew 18:15-22; Romans 1:8-17; Psalm 1 OCTOBER 15 & 16 The Message: Stewardship From Building A Church to Building Lives God frees us from our anxiety over salva on and trying to earn God s favor. As Chris ans, we are perfectly free of all and perfectly subject to all. Bible Readings: Luke 12:22-34; 1 Corinthians 9:19-23; Genesis 2:15-18, OCTOBER 22 & 23 The Message: Voca on Answering the Call God calls each and all of us to serve God by serving our neighbor in whatever roles we may have. Bible Readings: Luke 5:1-11; 1 Peter 2:4-10 OCTOBER 29 & 30 The Message: Theology of the Cross Challenges to What We Believe In a culture that values individualism, strength, success, and materialism, we have a God who joins us on our journey, even in, and especially in, our weakness and failure, giving us his love and life to share with others. Bible Readings: Luke 24:13-35; Colossians 3:12-17; Isaiah 53:4-7, 11 Pastor Rick Skare Senior Pastor Pastor Keith Long Pastor of Life & Growth Pastor Kris n Skare Pastor of Spiritual Care Pastor Tyler Strom Pastor of Faith in Ac on th Ave. N. Rogers, MN (763) (press 3 to leave an emergency message for the pastor) Office Hours Mon-Thurs 8:00 AM-4:30 PM Fri 8:00 AM-12:30 PM Our Vision Statement Our vision is to be a community where everyone knows Christ s Love and shares Christ s Love with all people. Our Mission Statement Christ works through us as we: Welcome all people to grow in faith, love and devo on, Share Christ through word and deed, Care for others and the world God made, and Work for jus ce and peace. NEWSLETTER SUBMISSIONS Contact Jennie Priebe at (763) or jpriebe@wordofpeace.org November newsle er deadline: October 13, 2017 wordofpeace.org

3 Serve Sunday is October 8 As Chris ans we are called, equipped, and sent to serve our neighbors. Serve Sunday is a day that we will engage in service work to make a posi ve change in our community, build and deepen rela onships and share God s love. You are invited to take part this special day of worship and service on Sunday, October 8. Our hope is that every member of our church will have an opportunity to reach out and serve. Join us as we put our faith into ac on! There will be a variety of service projects available this day, depending on how much me you have. QUICK DIP (5 minutes on-site) Color a Smile Pre-printed coloring pages will be available to color. Color A Smile, a nonprofit organiza on, will then send the masterpieces on to senior ci zens, troops overseas, and anyone in need of a smile. Make a card or sign pre-made cards that will be sent to veterans and to kids at the Ronald MacDonald House and other organiza ons. WADE IN (15-30 minutes on-site) Cut pa erns and quilt les for Bundles of Love, a nonprofit organiza on that provides handmade baby clothing, bedding and basic care items for the newborns of Minnesota families. DIVE DEEP (up to 2 hours off-site) Work a shi at CROSS Food Shelf Sor ng and stocking food items, preparing bags for families in need. Clean furniture at the Crow River Senior Center and Great River Library These places serve our community and see lots of faces throughout the year. This project will help to maintain these great resources. (Tenta ve) Work on a landscaping project at the mobile home park in Dayton Along with our partners from Mobile Hope, we ll be spreading wood chips, trimming branches, etc. Mobile Hope is a local nonprofit organiza on that helps families living in mobile home communi es. For more informa on, contact Tracy Rowe at trowe@wordofpeace.org or (763) Serving Those Who Serve Sunday, October 29 from 2:00-4:00 PM If you serve others, we want to honor and support you! If you have served in the military (past or present), are caring for family members who are ba ling a disease, suppor ng those who are grieving a loss of any kind, please plan to join us on Sunday, October 29 for an educa onal event to honor and support you. Come and be part of this gathering to learn, understand, and engage in this walk forward together. Let Us Honor and Support You! Check the upcoming bulle ns and e-newsle ers for more details. For more informa on, contact the Mental Health Task Force at 3

THE 500 TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE REFORMATION Five hundred years ago, on October 31, 1517, a determined monk, named Mar n Luther nailed 95 theses on the Castle Church door in the small German town of Wi

The events surrounding and leading up to this monumental hinge in history changed the Church (and western civiliza on) forever and brought to light the truth of the Gospel, that we are saved by grace

4 THE 500 TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE REFORMATION Five hundred years ago, on October 31, 1517, a determined monk, named Mar n Luther nailed 95 theses on the Castle Church door in the small German town of Wi enberg, and the world has been feeling the reverbera ons ever since. The events surrounding and leading up to this monumental hinge in history changed the Church (and western civiliza on) forever and brought to light the truth of the Gospel, that we are saved by grace through faith. Pastor Rick Skare Senior Pastor Reformation Sunday October 29 at All Worship Services We will celebrate the Reforma on with wonderful music featuring a brass ensemble. The liturgical color of the day is red, represen ng the Holy Spirit and the Martyrs of the Chris an Church. Wear red to worship on this day! See the Luther Movie Sunday, Oct. 29 6:30 PM Word of Peace is celebra ng this historical milestone with all of the events and programs you see detailed on these pages. In our worship during the month of October we are commemora ng the Reforma on with a series en tled The Re-Forma on of the Church (see page 2), which explores the five major developments from the Lutheran Reforma on and sets them next to the five corresponding re-forma ons for the church today. Church gurus believe that we are in the midst of another reforma on. That every 500 years there is a major shi in the church. 500 years ago it was the Reforma on. 500 years before that was the Great Schism, when the church divided between east and west. And 500 years earlier was Pope Gregory the Great, who helped bring the church out of the dark ages. With the revolu ons in science and technology that have happened in the last 100 years (and con nue to happen), we are witnessing mass social and cultural movements that will forever change the church. So, the importance of celebra ng the 500 th anniversary of the Reforma on isn t just about a look back at history, but it is a reflec- on and explora on of where the church is today and where it is heading tomorrow. In Christ, 4 Come watch the 2008 movie, Luther (PG-13) with us! This confirma on favorite stars Joseph Fiennes (from The Handmaid s Tale, Shakespeare in Love, and Enemy at the Gates ). Popcorn, couches, and sanctuary chairs are provided; bring your own comfy chair if you wish. For those who would like to stay, there will be a brief discussion a erwards facilitated by Pastor Rick. All are welcome! Sunday Morning Adult Study Sundays in October at 9:45 AM Mar n Luther calls the Book of Romans the very purest gospel that can never be read or pondered too much. Learn more about this fascina ng book of le ers from Paul to the Romans.

CORE LUTHERAN THEMES As we celebrate the 500 th Anniversary of the Reforma on, here is a review of the most dis nc ve themes of Lutheran theology: Jus fica on by Grace through Faith This, for

His understanding of faith isn t primarily intellectual (having the right knowledge about God) or emo onal (how hard or how sincerely one believes). Instead, faith is rela onal: It s a form of trust.

Law and Gospel Lutherans have a dis nc ve way of reading the Scriptures, based on Luther s insight that God s word comes to us in two forms law and gospel.

Because we are sinners, God s law always accuses us; only the gospel frees us. As Luther puts it: The law says, do this, and it is never done.

The word means refers to how things actually happen. By calling word and sacraments means of grace, we are saying: This is how and where grace happens.

5 CORE LUTHERAN THEMES As we celebrate the 500 th Anniversary of the Reforma on, here is a review of the most dis nc ve themes of Lutheran theology: Jus fica on by Grace through Faith This, for Lutherans, is the heart of the gospel. Relying on Paul s le ers to the Romans and to the Gala ans, Mar n Luther insisted that faith is key. His understanding of faith isn t primarily intellectual (having the right knowledge about God) or emo onal (how hard or how sincerely one believes). Instead, faith is rela onal: It s a form of trust. We are jus fied through faith because faith alone trusts God s promise of forgiveness for Christ s sake. Law and Gospel Lutherans have a dis nc ve way of reading the Scriptures, based on Luther s insight that God s word comes to us in two forms law and gospel. The law as command tells people what they should do. The gospel as promise tells us what God in Christ has already done for us. Because we are sinners, God s law always accuses us; only the gospel frees us. As Luther puts it: The law says, do this, and it is never done. Grace says, believe in this, and everything is already done. Means of Grace The Augsburg Confession (the central confessions of the Lutheran Church) describes word and sacrament as the means of grace. The word means refers to how things actually happen. By calling word and sacraments means of grace, we are saying: This is how and where grace happens. When the good news is preached, when someone is bap zed, when we receive the Lord s Supper, grace happens. This is why worship is vitally important for Lutherans. Saint and Sinner Luther described Chris ans as simultaneously saint and sinner. Our dual iden ty as saints and sinners reminds us that our righteousness always depends on God s grace, never on our own religious behavior. At the same me, we recognize that sin, while forgiven, remains a powerful force in the world and in ourselves, but we are confident that God will have the last word. As Luther once wrote to his colleague Philip Melanchthon, Be a sinner and sin boldly, but believe and rejoice in Christ even more boldly, for he is victorious over sin, death, and the world. Voca on and Priesthood of All Believers The term voca on literally means calling. First, Luther affirmed that all Chris ans are priests. This priesthood of all believers doesn t mean that we each have an individual pipeline to God but that we all have a responsibility to teach and to pray for others. Second, Luther affirmed that all human work is a calling from God if done in faith and for the service of neighbor. From Lutheranism 101 by Kathryn A. Kleinhans Reformation Celebrations Reformation Festival at Luther Seminary Friday and Saturday, Oct. 27 & 28 Luther Seminary is hos ng Reforma on presenta ons and workshops by more than 25 theologians and musicians on their campus (2481 Como Ave., St. Paul). Then, guests will enjoy a tradi onal German Oktoberfest dinner at 5:30 PM (op onal). For more informa on and to register, please visit luthersem.edu/reforma on/. Reformation Festival Worship at Central Lutheran Church Saturday, October 28, 4:00 PM The Reforma on Fes val will conclude on Saturday a ernoon with a worship service held at Central Lutheran Church in Minneapolis. Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton will preach and music will be led by a massed choir from local congrega ons and the Na onal Lutheran Choir. The National Lutheran Choir presents The Holy Spirit Mass Friday, Oct. 27, 8 PM Basilica of St. Mary Sunday, Oct. 29, 4 PM Ordway Concert Hall This original work was commissioned for the 500th Anniversary of the Reforma on, this new work for chorus and strings by Norwegian composer, Kim André Arnesen, comes with the spirit of the recent document, From Conflict to Communion, which calls upon Roman Catholics and Lutherans, once divided by the Reforma on, to seek that which unites rather than divides in order to strengthen what is held in common. For ckets, visit nlca.com/ ckets-season-passes 5

ADULT LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES Interfaith Dialogue Tour Join Pastor Keith in an experience at the Shir Tikvah Congrega on in South Minneapolis on Friday, October 13 to witness first-hand how our

If you wish to carpool from Word of Peace, please arrive by 5:30; otherwise, we will meet at the temple around 6:15 PM so we can try to sit together.

Online Book Discussion with Pastor Keith Continues through October 26 Why Did Jesus, Moses, the Buddha, and Mohammed Cross the Road?

6 ADULT LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES Interfaith Dialogue Tour Join Pastor Keith in an experience at the Shir Tikvah Congrega on in South Minneapolis on Friday, October 13 to witness first-hand how our brothers and sisters of the Jewish faith worship. The service takes place from 6:30 to about 7:45 PM, and our group will meet with Rabbi Michael Latz for a brief Q&A a erwards. If you wish to carpool from Word of Peace, please arrive by 5:30; otherwise, we will meet at the temple around 6:15 PM so we can try to sit together. Sign up at the Informa on Desk or contact Pastor Keith at klong@wordofpeace.org or (763) Online Book Discussion with Pastor Keith Continues through October 26 Why Did Jesus, Moses, the Buddha, and Mohammed Cross the Road? With author Brian McLaren as our guide, we will explore our similari es and differences with other faiths and why we need more, not less, interreligious dialogue and partnership if Chris anity is to thrive in the 21 st Century and beyond. Read from the comfort of your living room! Visit wordofpeace.org/ adults/online-learning from September 24 through October 26 for weekly reflec ons. Then join other readers for fellowship and group learning at our Thursday, October 26 th Topics on Tap (see below). Christ in Cinema Sunday, October 15, 1:00 PM Join Pastor Keith for the movie Blade Runner 2049 at the St. Michael Cinema at 1:00 PM. A er the show, there will be a discussion and social me upstairs in the bar. For more informa on, contact Pastor Keith at klong@wordofpeace.org or (763) Sunday Night Men s Group 2nd & 4th Sundays at 7:00 PM This fall, the men s group is discussing Mar n Marty s book, Lutheran Ques ons, Lutheran Answers: Exploring Chris an Faith (available on Amazon.com). Topics to be discussed include Lutheran history, the Bible, predes na on, suffering, salva on, end of world, and more. All men are welcome. For more informa on, contact Pastor Rick at (763) or rskare@ wordofpeace.org. Thursday Morning Bible Study Every Week at 10:00 AM Explore the Bible texts that will be preached on in the upcoming Sunday and Monday worship services. No Bible experience is necessary; come with your ques ons and we will learn and grow together! For more informa on, contact Pastor Kris n at kskare@wordofpeace.org or (763) Topics on Tap Thursday, October 26, 7 PM at Guadalajara in Rogers Topics on Tap is a monthly casual discussion group for adults. The group meets the 4th Thursday of each month for a beverage and some good old-fashioned table talk. This month s topic is: Why Did Jesus, Moses, the Buddha, and Mohammed Cross the Road? Chris an Iden ty in a Mul -Faith World, facilitated by Pastor Keith and Word of Peace member, Greg Heinecke. Come and take part in this interes ng and thought-provoking conversa- on! 6

The One Run/Walk Saturday, October 28 10:00 AM A race 500 years in the making! This year, as we commemorate the 500th anniversary of the Reforma on, the Catholic and Lutheran churches in St.

The One Run reminds us that in spite of our differences, we are all one in Christ the One who came to bring peace and unity.

Michael Town Center (11800 Town Center Dr. NE, St. Michael). For more informa on and to register, visit theonerun.org.

In honor of the 500th anniversary of the Reforma on, we will be surveying the congrega on to learn what your favorite hymns and praise songs are.

We will compile a list of favorites, and we pledge to use at least one hymn/praise song from that list at every service.

Founded in 1977 by a local group of churches as a resource to provide services to those in needs, CROSS has con nued to expand its capabili es and today serves more than 7,200 households.

7 The One Run/Walk Saturday, October 28 10:00 AM A race 500 years in the making! This year, as we commemorate the 500th anniversary of the Reforma on, the Catholic and Lutheran churches in St. Michael are coming together to celebrate all that we have in common as we race together to end hunger. The One Run reminds us that in spite of our differences, we are all one in Christ the One who came to bring peace and unity. You are invited to join these congrega ons as they come together as one in Christ's name to support the work of the nonprofit organiza on, Feed My Starving Children. The 5K begins at the St. Michael Town Center (11800 Town Center Dr. NE, St. Michael). For more informa on and to register, visit theonerun.org. Music Ministry Plays Favorites Mar n Luther was all about ge ng worshipers to sing. In honor of the 500th anniversary of the Reforma on, we will be surveying the congrega on to learn what your favorite hymns and praise songs are. During worship on October 1 & 2, you will have the opportunity to submit your two favorites, or you can take our poll on Facebook later that week. We will compile a list of favorites, and we pledge to use at least one hymn/praise song from that list at every service. We re doing this so that we can establish a pallet of songs the congrega on knows and can sing. Happy Birthday, CROSS! CROSS is 40 years old this year! Founded in 1977 by a local group of churches as a resource to provide services to those in needs, CROSS has con nued to expand its capabili es and today serves more than 7,200 households. It now serves nearly 800,000 meals, delivers over 10,000 Meals on Wheels, provides over 900 holiday gi s to children and equips over 800 children with necessary school supplies each year. Speaking of birthdays, CROSS has a special area in its facility where families can pick out birthday gi s for their children and teenagers. Party decora ons are also available to help families celebrate their child s special day. If you would like to help make a child feel special on their birthday, please consider dona ng gi items and/or party supplies to CROSS. CROSS Food Shelf Needs in October: Salad dressings, toilet paper, paper & plas c grocery bags. Dona ons may be dropped off at the CROSS Corner in the North Gathering Area. Save the Date! Saturday, December 2 9:30-11:30 AM On Saturday, December 2 from 9:30 AM to 11:30 am we will celebrate the Christmas season with the women we love! Bring your friends, family, and neighbors to a Women s Christmas Luncheon with featured storyteller and speaker, Pa Kachel. Tickets Go On Sale November 5 More Informa on Coming Soon! 7

far more than all we can ask or imagine Ephesians 3:20 As our culture turns its a en on to another football season, congrega ons across the ELCA will enter that me of year when we hear about how we

For some, God is nudging you to take on posi ons of leadership or volunteering, others will obey the Spirit s lead to help out with meals, teaching, ushering, and more.

Trus ng in Christ s promise to accomplish abundantly more than we could ever ask or imagine, this is our opportunity to run without looking back by making a financial faith commitment, or a pledge,

Together as a whole congrega on, the goal line for 2018 is to pledge $800,000 to financially support (approximately 50%) of the opera- ons and ministry of Word of Peace.

8 There are many ways to give. Choose an option that works best for you: Pastor Keith Long Pastor of Life and Growth Fearless Generosity The Sequel Now to Jesus who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine Ephesians 3:20 As our culture turns its a en on to another football season, congrega ons across the ELCA will enter that me of year when we hear about how we can support the ministry and mission of the church. For some, God is nudging you to take on posi ons of leadership or volunteering, others will obey the Spirit s lead to help out with meals, teaching, ushering, and more. The one thing that we all can do together is to keep our eyes downfield to what God is up to in our midst. Can you see the openings the Holy Spirit is providing? If so, don t hesitate! Trus ng in Christ s promise to accomplish abundantly more than we could ever ask or imagine, this is our opportunity to run without looking back by making a financial faith commitment, or a pledge, towards the vision of Word of Peace, to know Christ s love and share Christ s love with all people. Together as a whole congrega on, the goal line for 2018 is to pledge $800,000 to financially support (approximately 50%) of the opera- ons and ministry of Word of Peace. While last year we pi ed the worship services against one another, this year s challenge will be a collec ve effort! In addi on to joining forces for Fearless Generosity: The Sequel, we are pu ng out a special appeal for those who have never financially pledged. First- me givers will help determine the reward for the Stewardship coaches as they prepare another funfilled Pledge Drive compe on between the worship services. Stay tuned for more details as we ready ourselves for the goal line and beyond. Do you have your touchdown dance prepared? 8 Text Give to Online wordofpeace.org/give Card Reader at the Information Desk Envelope by mail or in the offering plate THANK YOU for Giving to the Ministry of Word of Peace!

CHILDREN S MINISTRY CHILDREN, YOUTH AND FAMILY Thanks for Sharing in the Fun at Peace Fest 2017! SATURDAY, OCT. 28 4-6 PM Fun Family Ac vi es Inflatables Concessions and More!

Concessions will be available for purchase. Tell your Friends & Neighbors! Get Involved!

9 CHILDREN S MINISTRY CHILDREN, YOUTH AND FAMILY Thanks for Sharing in the Fun at Peace Fest 2017! SATURDAY, OCT PM Fun Family Ac vi es Inflatables Concessions and More! SOCKTOBER - We will be collec ng packages of new socks for local homeless shelters. Please bring dona ons of packaged socks of any size and color. This event is FREE and open to the public. Concessions will be available for purchase. Tell your Friends & Neighbors! Get Involved! Donate treats, host a trunk (decorate the trunk of your car with a theme and hand out candy), lead an ac vity, or greet families as they arrive. Lots of volunteers will make this event a success and we d love to have you join us! Sign up outside the Children s Ministry office. Dona ons Welcome! If you are able to donate candy and small trinkets for this event, please place them in the bins located in the Gathering Area and outside the Children s Ministry office. Thank You! Ques ons? Contact Rachel Smith, Director of Family Ministry (763) or rsmith@wordofpeace.org. SENIORS Rogers Senior Center Main Street. Open 9 AM-4:30 PM Monday-Thursday and 9 AM-3 PM Friday. Coordinator, Liz: (763) /edirks@rogersmn.gov. Senior Shop Rogers Bus Thursdays at 10 AM, $1.00 per rider. Assistance provided with groceries. Contact Judy: (763) Jammers Potluck & Music Sunday, October 1, 1-5 PM (eat at 4 PM) at the Rogers Community Room (21201 Memorial Drive). Bring a dish for potluck and enjoy free entertainment from local musicians. There will be a collector car show in the parking lot. Bring yours if you have one! Contact Dave: (612) Word of Peace Kids-Care Bus takes seniors shopping at Ridgedale on Tuesday, October 10. $1.00 round trip. Call Judy to sign up, (763) Games at the Senior Center 500: Mondays at 1 PM. Cribbage: Wednesdays at 1 PM. Mah Jongg: Fridays at 9:30 AM. Texas Canasta: Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays at 1 PM. Billiards: Tuesdays at 10 AM and Thursdays at 1 PM. Call Liz: (763) Halloween Bingo Party: Tuesday, Oct 31 at 3:30 PM. Dress up in your favorite Halloween a re - refreshments, decora ons, an hour of Bingo & prizes will be provided. Winner of best costume will take home a prize! Trip to Plymouth Playhouse to see The Looney Lutherans in Hold the Lutefisk: Tuesday Nov AM-3:45 PM. Coordinated with Elk River and they will pick us up at Rogers Community Room at 11:00 AM. Enjoy lunch catered by Green Mill before the show. Show lasts about 2 hours; we will return to Rogers around 3:45 PM. Trip fee of $53.00 covers bus transporta on, lunch and show. Call Liz at (763) to sign-up by Oct. 20; seats fill up fast so sign-up early! Please contact Judy Hanson at (763) for resource, community or general informa on for seniors. To subscribe to the Rogers Senior Newsle er, call (763) Or, read it online at 9

10 Non-Profit Org. US Postage PAID ROGERS, MN PERMIT NO. 9 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED FALL WORSHIP SCHEDULE Sundays at 8:30, 9:45, and 11:00 AM Mondays at 6:30 PM

JULY Peace Notes 10TH ANNUAL PEACE MARKET

JULY Peace Notes 10TH ANNUAL PEACE MARKET JULY 2017 Peace Notes 10TH ANNUAL PEACE MARKET Pastor Rick Skare Senior Pastor Pastor Keith Long Pastor of Life & Growth This month we ll be tackling a new sermon series exploring those simple, popular