June/July Sacred News

Transcription

1 June/July 2010 Sacred News Our Savior s/opdal Lutheran Church 400 First Avenue, PO Box 159, Sacred Heart, MN Phone: Website: Inside: Pg. 1 Pastor Dale s Letter Pg. 2-4 Read Through Bible Pg. 5 Our Graduates Funerals Baptisms Weddings Pg. 6 Council Notes Pg. 7 S.S. Photos Pg. 8 June Worship Hosts Softball Schedule Thank you from Pete & Vi Jordet Pg. 9 June Calendar Pg. 10 July Calendar Don t Miss God s Great Get-Together! It s all about being a part of a community, caring for others, learning about the Bible, and of course HAVING FUN! PLEASE RSVP (or have questions), call/ the church office, or call Marie Hoff ( ). Family Night at OS Sunday, June 27 (more details to follow) Please... share your talent! If you are interested in sharing a talent, or know of somebody that might be, please contact: Carla Hamre ( ), Tami Hebrink ( ), or the church office. Thank you! Summerfest Community Worship at Sacred Heart Community Park Sunday, July 18, 10:00 a.m. The Lord has done great things for us Let s come together as a community to worship! Pictorial Directories Have Arrived! You may pick them up in the church office, or following worship.

2 P a g e 2 I continue sharing the talks I gave last October, from the book by Dr. Mark Allen Powell, professor of New Testament Studies at Trinity Lutheran Seminary, Columbus, Ohio: Giving to God: The Bible s Good News about Living a Generous Life. In his book, Dr. Powell talks about how stewardship is more than money. It's about worship, faithful living, spirituality, and expression of our faith. In the following Dr. Paul speaks about how Stewardship is a spiritual discipline. Many of us are familiar with this saying of Jesus: Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Matthew 6:21). I have noticed over the years that seminary students and pastors often get this backwards. I recall one sermon in which the pastor asked us to consider these words. What it means, he said, is that we can tell what people really care about by how they spend their money. People put their treasures (their money) where their hearts are. How much do you spend on entertainment? The pastor asked. How much do you spend on your family? How much do you give the church? This reveals what your true values are. I think this pastor had it backwards. Powell writes. He was thinking, Where your heart is, there your treasure will be. But Jesus said it the other way around: Where you put your treasure, that s where your heart will end up. The point is not how we spend our money reveals what sort of people we are; the point is How we spend our money determines what sort of people we become. Let me repeat that: How we spend our money determines what sort of people we become. Let s remember that treasure is not necessarily money. Our treasure is whatever we value: our money in many cases, but also our time and our possessions and our families and our physical bodies. Whatever we value, that is our treasure. And Jesus says that what we do with our treasure affects our hearts: it determines who we are inside. It determines what sort of people we become. This may sound scary, but it is actually very good news! It what way? There is a country western song by Bonnie Raitt entitled: I can t make you love me. A line from the chorus states: You can t make your heart feel something it won t. How many of us have found that to be true? Have you ever felt like you should love someone or something more than you do? But, if you don t, what can you do it about it? You can t make yourself love something (or someone) when you don t. But the good news in Jesus words: Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. is that we can make our hearts feel what they don t. We can control our hearts, and direct them in ways we want them to go. We can do so in a very practical way, by deciding what sort of people we want to be, and then giving our treasures: our time, our talents, and our money. Jesus was not a fund-raiser. He talked about money a lot, but not because he wanted people to give to any particular cause. He talked about money because he cared about us and because he knew that what we do with our money affects who we are spiritually. There is a direct connection between stewardship and spirituality. This is true even though spirituality is a popular topic these days and stewardship is not. You can go to almost any bookstore and find numerous works that tell people how to become more spiritual. Apparently there are a lot of people in our world and in our churches, who would like to be more spiritual. Many of the books on this subject are quite good, but sometimes they advocate quick-fix approaches to spirituality that ignore the basics. Powell recalls talking with a woman who had bought lots of crystals and hung them in her windows because, she said, They would capture spiritual energy and beam it into her house. She said that she was a Christian, so he asked, Do you every read the bible? No Do you pray? Not much. Do you go to worship? Well no. Now, Powell says: I think crystals are pretty. But for Christians, at least, the basic disciplines for becoming a more spiritual person, usually involves Bible reading, prayer, and regular worship. It is frankly quite difficult to imagine anyone growing spiritually without some attention to those three things. And now I am suggesting that there is a fourth: sacrifice. We grow spiritually through renunciation of things that we value. We give of our treasure and our hearts are affected. - Continued on page 3 -

3 P a g e 3 Over the years, Powell has heard dozens of stories from people who have been moved by their love for Christ to give up something they loved. He remembered a couple who had saved money for a cruise and then decided to cancel the trip, and used the money to repair a van for a team of traveling missionaries. He knew of a woman who decided (in the store) that she would not purchase a large-screen TV she selected, and gave the money to a seminary scholarship. Powell even shares his own story that he gave away his prized record collection in college, in response to a challenge, to give up what you love most in life. Powell states that no one he has met who has made such a sacrifice, has ever regretted it. Everyone always says the same thing: Giving up something I valued did something to me, it transformed me, it affected me, it helped me to become the sort of person I wanted to be. The point the Bible consistently makes is that it is more blessed to give than to receive, that renunciation of what one treasures can have consequences that enhance the quality of one s life. People who renounce their treasure as a spiritual sacrifice to God discover that they are transformed within, drawn closer to God in manner that helps them to become more spiritual people. Simply put: stewardship is the biblical path to spirituality. You can t make your heart feel what it won t our popular culture insists. Jesus responds, Oh yes you can... for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. May 30 - June 4 Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4 Week 5 Acts Romans Corinthians 1-3 Ephesians Timothy Acts Romans Corinthians 4-6 Philippians Titus Acts Romans Corinthians 7-9 Colossians Philemon Acts Corinthians Corinthians Thessalonians Hebrews 1-3 Acts Corinthians 4-7 Galatians Thessalonians Hebrews 4-6 Acts Corinthians 8-12 Galatians Timothy 1-3 Hebrews 7-10 Romans Corinthians Ephesians Timothy 4-6 Hebrews July 4-31 Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4 James Revelations 6-8 Genesis Genesis I Peter Revelations 9-11 Genesis Exodus 1-5 II Peter Revelations Genesis Exodus 6-10 I John Revelations Genesis Exodus II John/Jude Revelations Genesis Exodus Revelations 1-2 Genesis 1-5 Genesis Exodus Revelations 3-5 Genesis 6-10 Genesis Exodus Introduction to books in June: Romans: This letter, the first of Paul s letters in the New Testament collection is the longest, the weightiest and subsequently the most influential of all his letters. Written at the height of his career (between 54 and 58 AD) it conveys the full richness of his experience of Christ. It in his study of Romans that Martin Luther came to understand saved by grace through faith. I & II Corinthians: These letters are from Paul to the Christian church in Corinth. The first letter brings to light the life and problems a particular local church was dealing with in the middle of the first century. Highlights of the first letter: Fools for Christ, the proper way to celebrate communion, the church as a body metaphor, love being the greatest gift and the good news of Jesus death and resurrection. The second letter has a different tone. Continued on Page 4

4 C o n t i n u e d f r o m p a g e 3 P a g e 4 Relations between Paul and the Corinth church have deteriorated since his first letter, most of this second letter addresses this crisis. At times it is hard to follow Paul s thought because much of the words and feelings he is responding to are not recorded in this letter. One thing we do gain is more information about Paul s life, ministry and the concern he has for the churches he had established. Galatians: Often called the Magna Charta of Christian liberty, this letter deals with the questions whether Gentiles must become Jews before they can become Christians. Paul insists that a person becomes right with God only by Faith in Christ and not by performance of good works, ritual observances and the like. With impassioned eloquence Paul sets forth the true function of the Mosaic law and its relation to God s grace manifested in Christ. Ephesians: This letter celebrates the life of the church, a unique community established by God through the word of Jesus Christ, who is its head. Themes: Paul s own dignity and vocation as apostle; his mission to Gentiles; saved by grace through faith and not by words; advice to family groups and putting on the armor of God. Philippians: The main theme of this letter is persistence in faith in the face of opposition and even the threat of death. In the letter Paul offers himself as an example of steadfast courage and joy midst harsh circumstances. The congregation in Philippi was the first church established by Paul on European soil. Colossians: The letter address that the correct faith is threatened by incorrect teachings. The incorrect teachings are a combination of Jewish, non-jewish and philosophical ritual and traditions. To combat this confusion the letter presents a strong image of Christ as the sole Lord of the cosmos and the church. Christ is the unified and unifying power on which alone all believers are to depend. I & II Thessalonians: Both letters reflect the life of a congregation that was devoted to its faith and strongly aware of its separation from the society in which its members had until recently found their standards and values. At the same time it was also a community that was threatened by social pressures and at times outright persecution to turn back to the life from which they had come. A central theological theme in both letters is how to understand the fulfillment of God s promises in the return of Christ, and how to act in the meantime. I & II Timothy and Titus: The two letters to Timothy and one to Titus are called The Pastorals for they are in the form of a veteran missionary, instructing a young colleague in his responsibility, as a leader of a group of churches. We know from the book of Acts that Timothy and Titus where companions of Paul on his travels. The teaching of First Timothy and Titus are very similar: both to provide general guidance in: 1) the problems of church administration, and 2) opposition to false teaching of a speculative and moralistic type. Second Timothy is more personal than theological, and speaks directly to Timothy offering him encouragement in his service. Philemon: This letter is from Paul to Philemon concerning a slave Onesiumus. Even though the letter is personally addressed from Paul to Philemon, it is meant for the entire church that meets in Philemon s house. It challenged the whole church to struggle with how to treat slaves in the context of the gospel. Hebrews: The unknown author of this letter combines a theological argument for the finality of salvation, achieved by Christ, with repeated exhortations, directed to those whose faith and practice are weakening, not to abandon that salvation. Intro to books in July: James: At first reading James seems to contradict Paul s teaching of saved, not by works or following religious rites but through faith in Jesus Christ by stating faith without works is dead. What James is opposing is transforming Paul s teachings into slogans which influenced Christians to neglect their obligations to aid their poverty-stricken and suffering brothers and sisters. I & II Peter: First Peter was written to those having oversight of churches in present day Turkey to offer encouragement to Christians who are suffering because of the faith. Second Peter seeks to preserve the legacy of correct teaching and again the turmoil created by false teachers I, II, & III John: First John warns the people to not be mislead by false teachings such as: faith in Christ makes one sinless ; denial that Jesus was human; rejection of the saving power of Jesus death; ignoring the fundamental commandment of the Johannine tradition: love one another. Even though Second John is addressed to one congregation instead of many, and John 111 is addressed to one individual, their themes are the same; they both address the showing hospitality to traveling teachers with a warning not to welcome false teachers. Jude: Is a general letter that warns Christians against persons who cause divisions in the Christian community. Revelation: Revelation is a fitting close to the scriptures for its final chapters depict the consummation toward which the whole biblical message of redemption is focused. Revelation is addressed to seven churches in Asia Minor that were undergoing persecution. The book is written in apocalyptic style and as such is couched in symbolism. The reason for this symbolism was to prevent the imperial police from recognizing that this book is a trumpet call to the persecuted, assuring them that despite the worst that the Roman Empire could do, God reigns supreme, and Christ who died is alive forevermore has the power to overcome all evil. Genesis: The word genesis means origin or beginnings covers the time from the creation of the world to Israelite living in Egypt. Genesis can be divided into two parts: Chapters 1-11 which focus on the pre-historical events: creation, fall, flood and Chapters the history of Israel s ancestors: Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and their families Exodus: This book contains: 1) the general history of Israel s religious traditions; 2) the specific history of the two events that make up the center of the Jewish faith: the Exodus from Egypt which includes the Passover Narrative and the giving of the Law on Mt. Sinai.

5 P a g e 5 Funerals May 27: Corrine Mahlum Dakota Freiborg Open house on Sunday, June 6, following commencement, at the Sacred Heart Community Center. Future Plans: Undecided Holly Huisman Open House on Saturday, May 29, 4:00-8:00 p.m., at the Sacred Heart Community Center. Future Plans: Attend the University of Minnesota, Duluth campus, psychology major. Cody McLagan Open house on Sunday, June 6, following commencement, at their home: 108 SW 2nd St., Renville. Future Plans: Join the Marines Madeline Robertson Open house on Sunday, June 6, 4:00-8:00 p.m. at their home: th St., Sacred Heart. Future Plans: Attend the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities campus, to become a screenwriter. Cody Sander (Opdal) Open house on Saturday, June 5, 2:00-5:00 p.m., at their home: th St., Sacred Heart. Future Plans: Attend Ridgewater College, Hutchinson campus; nondestructive testing. Nathan Wensauer Open house on Sunday, June 6, following commencement, at their home: th Avenue, Sacred Heart. Future Plans: Attend Ridgewater College, Willmar campus, welding. As you graduate and journey on to new and different things, May God bless you with accomplishments and all the happiness it brings And may you sense with whatever endeavors you may seek, God has a special plan for you that is wonderfully unique. Memorial Services Wednesday June 9, 11:00 for Wesley Skalbeck at Our Savior s Sunday, June 20, 2:00 pm for Bunny Springer at Opdal Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Matthew 5:4 Upcoming Baptisms - June 6 at Our Savior s Addison Jordet Child of Travis & Kiley Jordet Bayla Sadler Child of Nanette Beck & Dewayne Sadler June Weddings June 5: Sarah Lund & Joe Sillivent June 11: Crystal Barker & Joshua Schjenken May God bless these couples with many years of happiness! For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

6 P a g e 6 Opportunities to Serve: We are looking for one or more persons to volunteer as a church photographer. Volunteers are needed to be on the Hotdish Committee. The Hotdish Committee is responsible to prepare a hotdish when requested by families for funerals or other events when the OSL Service group has been asked to serve. Two members of the Hotdish Committee are asked on a rotating basis to prepare a hotdish and make sure it is prepared prior to the event. Thank you in advance for your consideration. Please contact Carla Hamre ( ) if interested. Work Day at Opdal Monday, June 7, 9:00 a.m. Windows need to be painted Your help would be greatly appreciated. In case of rain, alternative date will be June 14 Opdal Council Notes, May 18, 2010 Treasurer s report revealed we are behind $ Summer organist schedule is complete. Painting of windows will be done on June 7 (in case of rain- June 14). Storm windows in chapel need replacing; Dean will get 3 different bids & other suggestions for best way to handle replacement. Our Savior s Council Notes, May 14, 2010 Council Actions M/S/P to approve the installation of programmable thermostats in the Church and parsonage at a total cost of $ M/S/P to approve a contract to lease a new copier for $ per month for 5 years. M/S/P to hire Teddy Refsland as groundskeeper of the Church and parsonage property. M/S/P to approve the replacement of 18 basement lights at a total cost of $50.00 per light, after rebate, including installation and bulbs. Committee Reports The directory is being printed and will be completed in June. Plans are being made for a church wide cleanup. The Council agreed to address questions regarding our Church world mission giving and the current financial deficit through a letter to the congregation. Our Savior s Financial Notes Budgeted Expenses: $15,145 Estimated Actual Expenses: $11,627 Receipts through May 23: $9,701 Current Deficit: $17,485 Request from Our Savior s Council Our Savior's Council has decided to replace the lights (18) in the fellowship hall & kitchen, with energy efficient lights. The cost is $900 (with rebate savings of $504). The council is asking for donations for this project. Donations can be sent to PO Box 159, or place in the offering plate (memo: lights). Thank you for your consideration in this matter!

7 Page 7 Front row: Payton Timm, Hannah Pharr, Erika Hoff, Kyra Abbas, Keegan Abbas, Rory Shackelford, Alyssa Ashburn; Back row: Alexandra Miller, Natalie Morales Annie Refsland, Emily Agre, Mikayla Pharr, Megan Hoff Children s Sermon Pastor Dale, Axel Zaragoza, Valerie Zaragoza, Hannah Pharr, Mikayla Pharr with Vivia Hebrink, Rory Shackelford, Alexandra Miller

8 P a g e 8 June 6 Ushers: Reader: Communion: June 13 Ushers: Reader: June 20 Ushers: Reader: June 27 Ushers: Reader: Decorating: Altar: June Worship Hosts Dan & Cindy Loe Dave Wensauer family Pam Benson Paul & Carla Hamre Terry Kjersten family Pete Kronlokken family Dick Hoff Randy & Kelly Johnson Ron & Linda Kimpling Mary Schjenken David & Shirley Grove Gerry & Marlys Peterson Craig Hebrink JoLene Groen Carol Peterson Shirley Strandjord Bread Baker: Audrey Forkrud Sound System: Cheryl Nellermoe Youth Softball League Schedule June 9 6:30 p.m. OS/Opdal vs. St. John s (Wood Lake) June 16 9:30 p.m. OS/Opdal vs. YMLC #2 (Hanley Falls) June 23 9:30 p.m. OS/Opdal vs. YMLC #1 (Hanley Falls) June 30 7:30 p.m. OSLC/Opdal vs. Granite Falls Lutheran July 7 9:30 p.m. OSLC/Opdal vs. Hazel Run July 14 7:30 p.m. OSLC/Opdal vs. Cottonwood Lutheran July 21 8:30 p.m. OSLC/Opdal vs. Grace Lutheran (Belview) Tournament Playoffs: July 28, August 4 Contact Person: Cella Johnson ( ) Dear Friends in Faith Again you have showed us your love and support. God has truly blessed us. Our sincere thanks to Him and YOU! Sincerely, Vi & Pete Jordet New Members joined Our Savior s, May 9 Pictured (left to right): Ryan, Hudson, Hampton, Brittany Hebrink; Mike Morris; Crystal Barker with Courtney; also pictured current member Josh Schjenken (fiancé of Crystal).