Lutheran Church. y p. e n t e r. t e x t

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1 L A K E O C O N E E Lutheran Church A Stephen Ministry Congregation Our vision is to become an expanding community of faith, growing in the Holy Spirit and practicing before the world a Christ-centered life. Lord willing, we will do this with Outreach that is inviting, interesting, and inclusive; with Serving the Seniors of our large area; and with Worship that goes beyond Sunday morning. A Monthly Newsletter T November 2015 y p Pastor!!! Rev. Andrew Schroeder e!!! lolc@plantationcable.net Sunday Service!! 10:30 a.m. t Secretary!!! Debbie Krahling o! 1 st, 3 rd, & 5 th!! Holy Communion!!! lolcsec@plantationcable.net 1089 Lake Oconee Parkway Eatonton, Georgia Church Office e n t e r t e x t! 2 nd & 4 th!! Morning Prayer Church School!! 9:00 a.m. Choir Practice!! 9:00 a.m. Visit our web site: Pastor s Column Beggars As the year 2015 continues to wind down, we approach yet another highlight of the year Thanksgiving. During this time, our thoughts turn to our many blessings that shower upon us each and every day, given by our good and gracious God for our benefits.! Often the practice of people and families gathered for a thanksgiving meal is to enumerate those things for which they are especially thankful. Very often so often, in fact, that it has descended to the level of a joke on TV when confronted with this task we often hem and haw and mumble in an embarrassed way.! Most of the time this reticence has less to do with our not being thankful than our just not liking to speak in public. Very often also we simply do not think in terms of thanks and being thankful. That one of the difficult tasks of parenting is to teach our children to say thank you is no accident.! Martin Luther has much to say about thanksgiving. In his explanation of the first article of the Apostles Creed, he writes, I believe that God has made me and all creatures; that He has given me my body and soul, eyes, ears, and all my limbs, my reason, and all my senses, and still preserves them; in addition thereto, clothing and shoes, meat and drink, house and homestead, wife and children, fields, cattle, and all my goods; that He Serve God, Serve Man 1

2 provides me richly and daily with all that I need to support this body and life, protects me from all danger, and guards me and preserves me from all evil; and all this out of pure, fatherly, divine goodness and mercy, without any merit or worthiness in me; for all which I owe it to Him to thank, praise, serve, and obey Him. This is most certainly true. This explanation of thanksgiving and how we stand in relationship to our heavenly Father is as good a one as there is. As Luther said on his deathbed, We are beggars, this is true. We own nothing. Everything is God s. Everything we have originates with God. We create nothing. God creates all, and a good and gracious creator gives us all for our use and support. Maybe thanksgiving is more than food and an enumeration of blessings. Maybe thanksgiving is an attitude of faith and trust in our gracious heavenly Father who provides all that we need in this world. And He even provides all that we need for the next world in his Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. We are beggars, this is true. Happy Thanksgiving! Pastor Andy Wir sind bettler. Hoc est verum. We are beggars: this is true.! Translated from the original German and Latin. Luther wrote that phrase on a little slip of paper that was found in his pocket when he died. "The Last Written Words of Luther," Table Talk No. 5468, (16 February 1546), in Dr. Martin Luthers Werke (1909) as translated by James A. Kellerman, Band 85 (TR 5) Ladies Bible Study We are continuing our study of the ladies of the Bible. This time we are not limiting ourselves to the bad women of the Bible, but will look at women both good and bad. We want to examine what their lives were like and how God used them for His purpose whether they had no idea and worked against God or they knew, believed, and were honored God used them. We meet on Tuesday mornings at 10:00 a.m. in the back of the church. Please come join us as we study how God uses women to accomplish His purposes. NOTE: October 27 & November 3 No Bible Study Carol & Pastor on vacation 2 Serve God, Serve Man

3 Bible Study Thursday Bible study that meets with Pastor Andy weekly at 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. resumes on November 12. The focus of this series of classes is Battle the Myths about God's view on War and Terror and Teach the Truth of His Word. In four sessions, we shall resolve to follow God's Word: Investigate what the Bible teaches about war, justice, and peace. Pray about challenges our nation and other nations face. Members are asking about God's role and how they should respond to the issues of war and terror: What is God calling me to do in a time of war and terror? What does the Bible teach about just war? Do the ethics of war fit with my role as a Christian? How will humankind experience the forgiveness of sins in Christ? BIBLE CLASS Corner by Roger Martinson Herewith words of wisdom. In this corner, you have been reading about pledges and abstinence. You have also read and heard about Lutherans' increasing Biblical illiteracy. LOLC Board of Education (yes Virginia, there is a Board) wants your help in its first step to olio [ate] all of what you have read and heard. That step is an unscientific survey. Look for a questionnaire in your November 8 bulletin. In addition, for Heavens sake, participate by following the instructions. Having trouble with the hard words? Look 'em up in your Funk and Wagnall s. An example added by the editor: olio noun, plural olios. 1. a dish of many ingredients. 2. Informal. olla podrida (def 2). 3. a mixture of heterogeneous elements; hodgepodge. 4. a medley or potpourri, as of musical or literary selections; miscellany. 5. Theater. a.a specialty act performed downstage while the upstage set is changed. b.a performance, as a musical number, presented between scenes or acts. c.drop scene (def 1). d. program of variety acts, especially the second half of a minstrel show. Origin of olio ; < Spanish olla pot, stew < Latin olla, ōla pot, jar From dictionary.reference.com/browse/olio?s=t Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Dictionary, Random House, Inc Serve God, Serve Man 3

4 Church Council The Church Council met October 4, After the call to order, opening prayer, and minutes of the last month, the group considered the following items of business: Pastor s Report Pastor Andy expanded on his written report. He has talked with five new member prospects and thinks that they will soon join or transfer membership to LOLC. Pastor and wife Carol attended a conference at St Paul s Lutheran Church in Lakeland, Florida, and learned of Outreach opportunities that could apply at LOLC. Pastor Andy plans to join Rotary International and be more involved in the local community. He discussed the LCMS 2016 national convention, noting that Dr. Dave Ringer will be the circuit delegate and that other delegate positions are available for others to attend. Church Property Report, Andrew Ringer, Interim until elected Andrew is reviewing current property issues with others involved with maintenance and upkeep of the facilities to get up to date on property issues. He is currently reviewing landscape bids and investigating the cause for the large increase in Piedmont Water bills. Christian Service Report, Cindy Helms In summary for August and September, Cindy noted expenses for funeral receptions and a congregational meeting with upcoming expenses for the Concordia College concert and after service coffee and snacks. The expenses are within the budget for the year. Christian Outreach Report, Susan Larson The new LOLC Brochure is ready to print. Plans for the shoebox Christmas project are underway. Large efforts to advertise and promote the Concordia College concert on Saturday, October 10 at 7 p.m. are in progress. Possible local nursery home Christmas gifts are under consideration. Old Business Status of Jason Murray, EmPey Interactive, who is developing a new LOLC homepage Dick Schneider reported the update is nearly complete. Jason Murray will have a training session at LOLC, Tuesday, October 6, on updating the new homepage for LOLC personnel. Conversion to the new homepage should occur within a week. Status of visit from Concordia College, Selma, Alabama Advertising for the event is occurring; and arrangements for the performance, housing for the choir, and travel arrangements are complete. Slate of officers for 2016 Davis Mortensen, chairman of the nominating committee, distributed the slate of officers for The only open position is for Christian Outreach, but several individuals are under consideration for that opening. We will publish the slate in the Sunday bulletin on October 11 and present it to the congregation at the October 25 voter meeting Budget Dick Schneider distributed the proposed 2016 budget prepared by Kathie Kueven. Kathie s budget also includes notes or explanation of changes to the various budget categories. 4 Serve God, Serve Man

5 After discussion, Dick requested a motion to accept the proposed 2016 budget and present the budget to the congregation at the next voter s meeting. Motion Carried. Classroom Usage Susan Larson made a request that one of the spare classrooms be redecorated to be a gathering room. The room could be for family gatherings before and after funerals, weddings, prayers groups, and occasions where more privacy is preferred. The room would still be usable as a classroom. Dick Schneider requested that Susan gather information and present a proposal at a future council meeting. Next quarterly voters meeting: October 25, 2015, 15 minutes after the close of the service. Respectfully Submitted, Robin Larson Board of Christian Outreach The Board of Christian Outreach met October 22, 2015, with the following present: Mara Lipacis, Amy-Stokes, Carol Riesmeyer. Samaritan s Purse Children s Christmas Project The brochures have been in bulletins. Posters, bookmarks, sample boxes, empty boxes to fill have all been on display. Announcements have also encouraged members to choose a boy or girl and age category, and then fill the box with a variety of gift items. These boxes go to children all over the world. Our deadline is November 8, and our closest collection point is Eatonton. Carol R & Susan will deliver the LOLC boxes the week of November 8. Putnam Christian Outreach We continue to emphasize the donation of various paper products to the PCO food bank. We are the Paper People! Diapers and wipes are also in great need. In November and December, we need to increase our monetary donations as that is also a great need. This organization helps those who qualify with utility bills, rent, medical and prescription costs. December Local Nursing Home Outreach Once again, we will visit and join Charlie Helms on his December monthly visit to Oconee House on Parks Mill Road. As soon as we know Charlie s date, we will inform the congregation so that we can join in the Christmas Carol Singing. This committee will provide a nice large fresh fruit basket for the residents. Amy and Mara will organize the fruit basket. If any other items are necessary, we can possibly do more. We decided last year that we would skip gift bags, as many other groups do that also. The residents really enjoy the visiting and singing with them. Watch for the December date to visit Oconee House. Missions Outreach bulletin board Please read the bulletin board near the kitchen. We have many ways to help, such as collecting box tops, cardboard boxes, and more. Also if anyone would like to witness and experience Charlie Helms s Music Ministry firsthand, check with Charlie for his monthly schedule. This continues to be one of the many worthwhile local outreach mission involvements of LOLC members. Next meeting: Thursday, November 19, at 11:00 a.m., following the morning Bible Study. All are welcome to come. LOLC Outreach efforts need your time, contributions, and prayers. Respectfully Submitted, Carol Riesmeyer Serve God, Serve Man 5

6 Mites The Ladies of the Church organize mites collections on a continuous basis. The third Sunday of each month is the official Mites Sunday after which the monies gathered go to the Lutheran Women's Missionary League to support various ministries around the world. Updated news: the October mites collected $110! WOW! How wonderful indeed. Detailed information is available at and on Facebook. The third Sunday of the month is designated Mite Sunday, but donations are always welcome. We express heartfelt thanks for your charitable generosity. Susan Larson The Widow s mite of Mark 12: is the inspiration for the LWML mite boxes. Intriguing Irony on One Day: C. S. Lewis, Aldous Huxley, and John F. Kennedy: all three died November 22, 1963 What are the odds? 6 Serve God, Serve Man

7 From Excerpts from With their Christianity Latent: C. S. Lewis on the Arts By Dr. David K. Naugle Introduction: Last Fall 2011 on sabbatical, I had the privilege of being a scholar in residence at the Kilns, C. S. Lewis s old home in an outlying residential area called Risinghurst, just about three miles from Oxford and Oxford University. I didn t know it when I arrived, but about three days into my time there, I found out I was staying in the room in which C. S. Lewis died. It was somewhat spooky, especially when I received an from a friend that included this line, Please say hello to C. S. Lewis s ghost for me. There might be more to that, I thought, than he realized. Here s the story of Lewis s death, as I was told of it. On November 22, 1963, at about 4:00 p.m., Lewis s brother Warnie served his brother his afternoon tea. About 5:30 p.m., about an hour and a half later, Warnie heard a crash, boom, bang coming from Lewis s room. He rushed in, only to find Jack, as he was known to his family and friends, lying on the floor, unconscious. Scooping him up into his arms, Lewis remained unconscious and then died in his brother s arms. Kidney failure, I understand, was the cause. That would have been about 11: 30 a.m., North Texas time. About an hour later at 12:30 p.m., the 35th president of the United States, John F. Kennedy, was assassinated on the streets of Dallas. I was in fifth grade and heard the word from my teacher, Miss Watkins. To be sure, the Kennedy assassination overshadowed the news about Lewis s death. Also, on the same day, Aldous Huxley died. On his deathbed, unable to speak, Huxley made a written request to his wife Laura for LSD, 100 µg, intramuscular. According to her account of his death in This Timeless Moment, she obliged with an injection at 11:45 a.m. and another a couple of hours later. He died, aged 69 on November 22, 1963, several hours after the assassination of John F. Kennedy. Media coverage of Huxley s passing was also overshadowed by the news of the assassination of JFK on the same day.[2] The coincidence of the deaths of John Fitzgerald Kennedy, Clive Staples Lewis, and Aldous Huxley was the inspiration for Peter Kreeft s book Between Heaven and Hell: A Dialog Somewhere Beyond Death with John F. Kennedy, C. S. Lewis, and Aldous Huxley. [3] I am reminded of a key notion of J. Gresham Machen ( ), the founder of Westminster Theological Seminary. In an essay titled, Christianity and Culture, he wrote: Serve God, Serve Man 7

8 False ideas are the greatest obstacles to the reception of the gospel. We may preach with all the fervor of a reformer and yet succeed only in winning a straggler here and there, if we permit the whole collective thought of the nation or of the world to be controlled by ideas which, by the resistless force of logic, prevent Christianity from being regarded as anything more than a harmless delusion. Under such circumstances, what God desires us to do is to destroy the obstacle at its root.[32] Indeed, to destroy this obstacle at its root, we best follow Lewis s advice: create works of art (among other things) based on Christian assumptions, with the Christianity latent. or bubbling up. This may just be the best apologetic of all. Thus artists who do this just may be the best apologists of all. In a sense, this means a smuggling in of Christianity into the cultural bloodstream and mainstream. Actually, I think this is biblical. The incarnation itself may have been the Grand Miracle, but it was not carried out on a grand scale, with pomp and circumstance a really big show. Rather, Jesus came to this earth in humility, obscurity, and anonymity. Furthermore, when Jesus would perform a major miracle, he would often follow it up by telling the recipient of the mighty deed to tell no one. See Luke 8:55, for example. Mark 8:30 is another where after Peter s confession of Jesus as the Christ, Jesus commanded his disciples not to tell anyone. It s known as the Messianic secret. Artists, then, can be God s smugglers.[33] Thus, you artists, let your Christianity be latent and allow it to bubble up naturally. What, then, has Lewis shared with us on this walk with him today along Addison s Walk? Five things total:!first, beauty (along with truth and goodness) in art and aesthetics is objective.!second, art and aesthetics can be signposts pointing to God and true joy.!third, art and aesthetics must be incarnational.!fourth, art and aesthetics are not just for pragmatic and didactic purposes, Christian or otherwise.!fifth, art and aesthetics can convey Christian themes, but the Christianity within a work of art is best if it is latent or indirect. Hence, I say to you as an artist in your art 1. Affirm the transcendent objectivity of beauty (and truth and goodness). 2. Point to God and joy in and through your art. 3. Remember the incarnation/al (and its many implications) 4. Avoid propaganda. 5. Smuggle. Be latent. Let your faith bubble up in your work. May the Holy Ghost, and the ghost of C. S. Lewis, haunt your work as an artist as your work is informed by Christian faith. NOTES [1] With a hat tip to Charlie W. Starr and his essay Aesthetics vs. Anesthesia: C. S. Lewis on the Purpose of Art, available at: library.taylor.edu/dotasset/e0530ce0-be3c ba6a-c3ed39e810b3.pdf. Accessed May 23, [2] From Aldous_Huxley. Accessed May 23, [3] Peter Kreeft, Between Heaven and Hell: A Dialog Somewhere Beyond Death with John F. Kennedy, C. S. Lewis & Aldous Huxley (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 1982). The book is described at the Amazon website in the following words: On November 22, 1963, three great men died within a few hours of each other: C.S. Lewis, John F. Kennedy and Aldous Huxley. All three believed, in different ways, that death is not the end of human life. Suppose they were right, and suppose they met after death. How might the conversation go? Peter Kreeft imagines their discourse as a modern Socratic dialog a part of The Great Conversation that has been going on for centuries. Does human life have meaning? Is it 8 Serve God, Serve Man

9 possible to know about life after death? What if one could prove that Jesus were God? Combining logical argument and literary imagination, Kreeft portrays Lewis as a Christian theist, Kennedy as a modern humanist, and Huxley as an Eastern pantheist. Their interaction involves not only good thinking but good drama. [32] J. Gresham Machen, Christianity and Culture, The Princeton Theological Review 11 (1913): 7. [33] See Philip Harold, Smuggling for God: What the Emerging Church Movement Can Learn from C. S. Lewis Incarnational Aesthetic, available at: -incarnational-aesthetic/. Accessed May 23, entry-content Dr. David K. Naugle is chair and professor of philosophy at Dallas Baptist University where he has worked for 21 years in both administrative and academic capacities. He earned a Th.D. in systematic theology, and a Ph.D. in humanities with concentrations in philosophy and English literature. Dr. Naugle is the author of Worldview: The History of a Concept (Eerdmans 2002), which was selected by Christianity Today magazine as the 2003 book of the year in the theology and ethics. He is on the Creative Council (Board) of Art House, Dallas and has a forthcoming volume titled Philosophy: A Student s Guide due out Sept (Crossway). Advent Our first Advent soup supper will be December 2 at 6:30 p.m. Join us for food, fellowship, and devotions. Remember to sign up to share your favorite soup with us. Now is the time to order our Christmas poinsettias. Christmas Poinsettias Orders Please place your order by November 16. We will have a sign up sheet on the round table. The cost will be available in the bulletin as soon as the grower provides that information. Make out your checks to LOLC with a notation for poinsettias and place them in the offering plate. Serve God, Serve Man 9

10 NEW PROJECT Operation Christmas Child: A part of Samaritan s Purse International Relief Each year Samaritan s Purse delivers millions of gift-filled shoeboxes to boys and girls all over the world. A small shoebox can have a big impact on a child s life. What goes into the box is practical and fun, but what comes out of it is eternal. This project can be a part of changing children s lives in Jesus Name. For more organization info, see We are asking members and friends of LOLC to donate gift-filled boxes that will be delivered by Samaritan s Purse all over the world in December. National Collection Week for local drop-off of boxes is November Members can bring their boxes to LOLC anytime before that week, starting in October. Here is how to start: 1. Find an average-size cardboard or plastic shoebox with a lid. 2. Decide on gender and age category of child (2-4, 5-9, 10-14). Labels will be provided. 3. Select gifts, toys, school supplies, hygiene items, and more suited to gender and age. 4. Pray for the child who will receive your box. 5. Drop-off box, unwrapped, here at LOLC by November Include $7 for postage. Watch and listen for more information and suggestions for Operation Christmas Child boxes in the bulletin and newsletter and at church in upcoming weeks. Read warm fuzzy stories from children who received shoebox gifts at operation-christmas-child/shoeboxstories-yuliya-and-a-puppy/. If you have any other questions, contact Susan Larson at or susanlar@bellsouth.net.. 10 Serve God, Serve Man

11 Stephen Ministry Small Seeds, Mighty Trees Paul wrote, I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow (I Corinthians 3:6). Is it time to add more water to the seeds of faith planted in you? Stephen Ministers train to water seeds of faith while leaving the outcome in God s capable hands. For more information about this one-to-one caring lay ministry, please contact Virginia Daley ( ) or Leroy Horst ( ). The Martyrdom of St. Stephen by Giorgio Vasari For the HEROES program, contact any who took the HEROES training: Julie Applehoff, Rosemary Bonnough, Virginia Daley, and Bob Stallings Virginia Daley, Stephen Leader Healing Service James 5:14 affirms, Is any among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; The third Sunday of each month we hold a very short healing service after the regular service with Stephen Ministers assisting. ~ Pastor Andy I love the Lord, because He hath heard my voice and my supplications. Because He hath inclined His ear unto me, therefore will I call upon Him as long as I live. Psalm 116:1-2 Serve God, Serve Man 11

12 Habitat for Humanity ReStore Two of our LOLC members, Janis & Mara Lipacis, are faithful volunteers for Putnam County Habitat for Humanity, a vital organization that does much to benefit our community. According to Janis, the Habitat Furniture ReStore affiliate is in dire need of more volunteers. Please consider that the amount of time you donate is flexible and at your convenience plus you can meet new people. In addition, the variety of things you can volunteer for is tremendous. The organization especially needs Thursday afternoon cashiers; Mentors who give support and friendship to families selected to be homeowners and keep a record of their sweat equity hours; Friday and Saturday volunteers at the store; Construction team members; Help with pickup of donations that includes driving the truck; and A secretary to the board. Just stop at the ReStore at 1027 Lake Oconee Parkway and look around. Everyone in the store is a volunteer and always happy to share information. Help us to spread the word to anyone else friend or family who might be a willing volunteer. For even more first-hand information, talk to Janis after church or contact him at Coffee and Conversation after Church Check your calendars and sign up for a turn preparing coffee and light refreshments for Coffee Hour after service each Sunday. A sign up sheet is on the round table at the back of the church. 12 Serve God, Serve Man

13 LOLC 2016 Slate of Officers As approved at the Voters Meeting on Sunday, October 25, 2015: President!!! Dr. Dave Ringer (for first year of first term) Vice President!! Ed Fritch (for first year of first term) Treasurer!!! Kathy Kueven (for first year of second term) Financial Secretary!! Loretta Hayes (for first year of second term) Council Secretary!! Robin Larson (for first year of second term) Church Property!! Andrew Ringer (for first year of first term) Christian Outreach!! open (for first year of first term) Lay Ministry!!! Bob Elkins (for first year of first term) Donna Crouch and Donna Hansen continue to cochair the Altar Care Group for We appreciate all of you who have participated in altar care this past year our many THANKS to you all. We hope that you will continue to serve and that more members will also be willing and able to sign up,. Congratulations and Thank You. Altar Care altar liquid paraffin candles, which includes the filling of the candles, changing wicks, and any other issue that may arise. You will no longer have any duties with these candles. The Altar Care sign-up sheet is on the round table. Copies of the LOLC Altar Care Guide are available for ALL who wish to serve. To help make altar care somewhat easier, we as cochairs will take over the COMPLETE care of the We are always available to answer any questions or to help in any other way. Donna Crouch Donna Hansen Attention: New Opportunities The Altar Care Group is looking for a new leader or co-leaders by January 1, 2016.! Donna Crouch and Donna Hansen will be stepping down as co-chairs of December 31, We will be glad to offer any help and answer any questions during the transition. The Altar Care is now organized enough that the transition should be an easy one for whoever will take over. Please consider becoming the Altar Care leader(s) and inform the LOLC Elder Linda Jorgensen.! Both Donna Crouch and Donna Hansen would sincerely like to THANK all those who served with them on Altar Care the last two years. Helping Hands: Judy Cerny, who has coordinated Helping Hands for so many years, is ready to turn over this opportunity to someone else. If you are willing to take over the reins, contact LOLC Elder Linda Jorgensen. Serve God, Serve Man 13

14 CHOIR NOTES The choir is rehearsing for and singing at Sunday services. We are always looking for new members and welcome anyone who has a joy of singing and making music in God's name. Lutheran Laughter Reflections on the Reformation From search;_ylt=a0lev7kb9dbw6b4aj0gpxqt.;_ylu=x3odmtbymdgyyjjibgnvbg8dymyxbhbvcwmybhz0awqdbhnlywnzyw--? p=lutheran+laughter&fr=yhs-iry-fullyhosted_011&hspart=iry&hsimp=yhs-fullyhosted_ Serve God, Serve Man

15 Recycling Projects Remember the LOLC paper recycling program to include extra copies of the weekly bulletins and other white paper products. All collected paper goes to the recycling center. We are also collecting aluminum cans for Amber Bailey, the person who does such an outstanding job keeping our church clean. Calendar November 1, 2015 All Saints Day Trinity XXII November 8, 2015 Trinity XXIII Public Relations Janie Seglund, Editor in Chief Submissions due by the! 15 th of each month November 15, 2015 Trinity XXIV Mites Sunday Healing Service November 22, 2015 Sunday Next Before Advent November 29, 2015 Advent I November 30, 2015 St. Andrew, AP. M. The Martyrdom of St. Andrew by Bartolome Esteban Murillo, , Museo del Prado, Madrid, Spain Serve God, Serve Man 15