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

Transcription

1 Newsletter of Morning Star Lutheran Church ~ Missouri Synod Lakeside, California JUNE 2018 One, Holy, Christian & Apostolic I am guessing that you recognize this phrase if you have been in one of our worship services anytime recently, or most any time at all for that matter. In the Apostle s Creed, which we say in our worship after the message, we say together that we believe in one, holy, Christian & Apostolic Church, and you have the words memorized in many cases, so it is easy to simply say them and move along. But what do those words really mean? In short, we believe that there is One Church because Scripture tells us so. In Ephesians 4:5, we are reminded that there is but one single faith into which we are all baptized. So, there really only is one Church, in the broad sense of that word, to which we all belong. We do belong to different local Congregations, and we even belong to different denominational families if you re considering all Christians in the world -- but what we confess together is that when it comes to our Salvation and our standing before God because of His Mercy and Grace, there is one single Church on Earth. But that one Church is also Holy. You have heard me say often that holy does not mean perfect, it just means set apart. And in this case, the one Church to which we all belong is set apart for God s particular purpose. It is set apart to praise God, to worship Him, to speak of His great love throughout the world. It does not look like the things of this world, because it is not a thing of this world (John 17:16). So you get the chance each week to speak of the one Church to which you belong to, and rejoice that it is set apart for God s purposes. This one, holy Church is also Christ-following and that makes it Christian. We use that word very often, but at its core it simply means that the Church imitates Christ, who is its head. Colossians 1:18 speaks of this very thing, namely Christ who is the head of His Church. He redeemed it, He renews it, His death and resurrection make His followers inheritors of eternal life. You belong to the same one, holy, Christian Church that Jesus spoke to after He rose, and as He ascended, charging it (and all who would follow), to speak of Him wherever they went, by the power of God s Holy Spirit. And lastly, this Church is Apostolic. It follows the lead of Christ s first disciples, the ones who were eyewitnesses to what He had done. This does not mean that the Church is to worship Peter or James or John, in fact the First Commandment is very clear about worshipping anything besides God Himself. But those first witnesses are also the way by which the world hears of Jesus. Their story is our story, not because of them, but because of the Jesus that they speak of. So the next time we speak these words in worship, remember the power behind them, and the power of the God that we speak of. He has been bringing men, women, and children into this one, holy, Christian and Apostolic Church since He told some fishermen to drop their nets, and He will continue until returns to make all things new in Him. God s Blessings as you serve Him with Joy. ++ Pastor Justin

2 Page 2 June is Mite Box Month Remember to bring the mites you ve collected to church on any Sunday. The Bible Story that inspired the Mite Box offering is from Mark 12:41-44 (NIV): Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. 42 But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents. 43 Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. 44 They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything all she had to live on. 10:20 AM VOTERS MEETING FOLLOWING THE SERVICE MORNING STAR LUTHERAN CHURCH 2018 WORLD CAFÉ MEETING When: SATURDAY, JUNE 23rd Time: 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Lunch will be provided. MARK YOUR CALENDAR ~ WE LOOK FORWARD TO THIS TIME OF FELLOWSHIP.

3 Page 3 ADULT INFORMATION CLASS SCHEDULE Pastor Justin is leading an Adult Information Class for new members, and anyone else who is interested, on the following Wednesday Evenings at 7:00 p.m. : May 30 and June 6, 13, (not the 20th) and the last one is June 27th. Look for a sign up sheet in the Fellowship Area or call the Church Office ( ) to let our Secretary Lauren know you would like to attend. Lifetouch Photography came to our church in May. If you missed making an appointment, but would still like your photo taken for the free directory, contact Lauren in the Church Office for additional information. The Directory will be available in the Fall. LHM s FREE online courses are now available! Watch the video and how to sign up at: Sample of what you can find under Resources & Training: Children s Opportunities with Online Mission Trips Men s Network Devotions Video-based Bible Studies VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR THE AUDIO/VISUAL TEAM I m sure by now you ve noticed our new screen setup in worship. We ve received great feedback from many folks about it, and have enjoyed using it with all the new features. Like many things, it takes a TEAM! If you are willing to serve us during Sunday morning worship on the soundboard, the Pro Presenter slide program, or both (though not at the same time), PLEASE the Church Office morningstarlc@mslc.sdcoxmail.com or speak to Pastor Justin or Tom Kuwaszaki. Even if you are already doing one of these, our goal is to have a list of all who have this sort of expertise and are willing to serve. Thank you so much!

4 Page 4 Lakeside Christian Helps Center Project for June & July: When you are on-line or out shopping this Summer, think about buying backpacks and school supplies for Lakeside Christian Helps Center. Morning Stars Women will be packing up those items on July 28th, so that the Helps Center has them for the Lakeside Children who start school in August. Collection boxes will be in the Fellowship Area starting mid-june. Thank you in advance for your generosity. ~ Morning Star s Lutheran Women s Missionary League View Newsletter in color at morningstarlcms.org MORNING STAR S SUNDAY SCHOOL ARTISTS On the last day of Sunday School for Spring, Morning Star Sunday School Children made Blessing Plates for the Sipan Missionary Family. The plates are featured above. They were colored with Prayer and Care also with thoughts of Jesus Love. It was suggested that they be used for snack plates, or wall decorations, and even games by the Sipan children, such as, frisbees. It was a BLESSED season of learning about how God created a World and a People, then how Sin Entered that World through Adam & Eve, Cain & Abel, Noah & the Flood. The lessons continued with God s Covenant with Abram, Abraham s Visitors from Heaven, Abraham & Isaac s story, Isaac marries Rebekah, Jacob tricks Esau, Jacob s Dream, ending with Jacob s marriage to Laban s daughters, Leah & Rachel. And how our loving God sent Jesus to be our BLESSING, our Redeemer, through the lineage of those families and Leah s son Judah. ~ In His Service, Joan Liddle

5 Page 5 Café Meeting? An introduction by Jim Birren. Opening Prayer: Heavenly Father, as you know the word we is printed many times through this procedure. We look to you Our Father to see what you are doing in our lives and how we can join you in a pleasing and constructive way. Guide our thought and be with us at the tables, for we know it is only through your power and strength that your will be done. ~ Amen What is it and what does it do for a church? Where have we been and where are we going as a church? *Our Theme for this year is Walking with Jesus. This is where we gather collectively as the Body of Christ, in a non-threatening way. We will gather and share our CORE beliefs of values and experiences; We consider our capabilities, both natural and spiritual, as well as, our skills, resources, and relationships. And we gather in Lakeside considering our culture, while we have open doors for all. We seat ourselves at card tables with four persons to each table, and we each have a say with suggestions as to what we are doing well, and what we not doing so well. We do all this while considering how we believe. We stand serving our church members (INWARDLY), toward Lakeside and Santee communities (OUTWARDLY), and to the whole world, how we are serving God and His Kingdom (UPWARDLY). Everyone should have a comfortable feeling at this time. We not only had our suggestions heard and we have heard others, maybe we not only know the other s opinions and ideas, but possibly what everyone s favorite color is. All this is done while a scribe (volunteer) at each table, who writes the subjects and/or ideas on the paper-covered table tops. Now that s easy. Now! - three persons at each table move to another table, leaving your table top there so that we have four different people at each table, each with other opinions, observations, and ideas. The scribe writes down everyone s comments and ideas. *Lunch break With all our ideas and comments floating across table tops, we need to now collect them and have them written on a master chart, so that all can see what is afloat. After all suggestions and recommendations are in view, we can create a Master Plan. This plan might indicate that we need to discontinue doing something, need to start something, or need to improve something, all while again considering our INWARD-OUTWARD-UPWARD Christian actions. We openly discuss how we might make these changes, and just how much time should we allow ourselves to do it, and when should we re-evaluate our changes in 6 months? 12 months? 24 months? Every Monday at 1:00 p.m. it is Time for Senior Citizen Bingo at Morning Star Lutheran Church. This Ministry is led by Luis & Char Aldas. The next WIDOWS, WIDOWERS, & FRIENDS GATHERING FOR DELICIOUS FOOD (no charge) and BINGO is Saturday, June 30, 2018, 4:00 p.m. -5:30 p.m.

6 Page 6 And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation (Luke 1:50 ESV). W B S Our Bible Study will be on hold until the Fall to allow the ladies to attend Pastor Justin's information class. W B S F$%& No fellowship until August so the ladies can attend Pastor Justin's information class. Men s Bible Study / Breakfast Saturday, June 9th, 7:30 AM Location: Denny s Restaurant CABCDE CADAFA, EL CAJON B S C() G)& Ask Emily Braun, Christian Ed Director, for dates, times, & locations. A B S Sunday Mornings at 10:30 AM C%) S( S+% Sunday Mornings (Sep-May) at 10:30 AM Led by: Pastor Justin Laughridge Classes resume in September. In addition to The Lutheran Hour airing in San Diego on KCBQ-1170AM radio every Sunday morning at 8:00 a.m. or listening to The Lutheran Hour 24/7 at Lutheranhour.org, shut-ins can watch sermons on-line at: Worshipforshutins.org. Share this information with those you know who may have difficulty attending church. ~ Lutheran Ministries Media LAKESIDE CHRISTIAN HELPS CENTER ~ Proverbs 22:9 (NKJV) He who has a generous eye will be blessed, for he gives of his bread to the poor. THANK YOU FOR DONATING FOOD ON THE FIRST SUNDAY OF EACH MONTH. RECYCLING IS GOOD STEWARDSHIP Tom Yeager is the person coordinating the recycling of plastics and aluminum at Morning Star. Just bring your recyclables to the Church.

7 Page 7 WORSHIP ASSISTANT SCHEDULE JUNE Date LayMin Usher Usher Lector Acolyte Greeter Altar Children's Sermon Treats Teller 3-Jun Jerel Jim Kara Gail Phil/Ruth Chris Pastor Alicia Winnie 10-Jun Travis Char B-A Luis Bill Z Isabella Mozelle Liz H Mark/Gail Chris H Dave 17-Jun Jim B Phil E Chris H Kara Helen L Nancy Linda Chris K Char C 24-Jun Tom Dick C Travis Jim Isabella Char C Kara Jim Ella K Char B-A View Newsletter in color at morningstarlcms.org NEXT NEWSLETTER DEADLINE: June 17, 2018 Send ARTICLES and corrections directly to: liddle2@cox.net MORNING STAR HIGHLIGHTS for JUNE 2018: MITE BOX MONTH June 3 Food Drive Lakeside Christian Helps Center June 3 VOTER S MEETING 10:20 a.m. June 6 NO BOD Meeting this month June 6 7:00 p.m. Adult Information Class with Pastor Justin June 13-7:00 p.m. Adult Information Class with Pastor Justin June 17 Father s Day / Newsletter Deadline June 22 Sewing for Charity 11:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m. June 23 World Café Meeting 9:00 a.m. 2:00 p.m. June 24 $5 Sunday for English District Missions June 27 7:00 p.m. Last Adult Information Class with Pastor Justin June 30-4:00 p.m. Widows, Widowers & Friends Bingo/Dinner (See page 4.) LWML.org lists national events and mite info. psdlwml.com For WOW (Women of the Word) The official newsletter. For Birthdays, Anniversaries, and Other Special Dates in JUNE see the calendar on the last page. Thank you to all who Celebrate their Birthday with a donation to the mortgage principal. Society at Morning Star dates to remember: July 28 9:30 AM Assemble backpacks for Lakeside Christian Helps Center September & October: Alabaster Jar Project / Donation item to be determined. October 6 Fall Celebration for Zone 23 at St. James in Imperial Beach. October 7 LWML Sunday service at Morning Star Lutheran Church December 1 Lakeside Spirit of Christmas on Maine Avenue...your word is truth (John 17:17b ESV). The Editor Attention Secret Sister s: Remember your Secret Sister with prayers. Joan

8 Page 8 GOOD AND EVIL If you have had questions about who Satan is, what he does, or how he acts, it is important to go to the source of all truth about Satan- the Bible. God s Word describes to us in detail who Satan is, his nature, his acts, and his future! You see that Satan was originally created as a good angel, for God could not create anything bad. We see Satan as a master deceiver -- he attempts to lure us into sin with promises that he cannot keep, entice us with his beauty, the beauty of things that are evil, a thing he tries so hard to do. Satan has many names. A few of them are: serpent, crafty, tempter, devil, murderer, thief, stumbling block, accuser, prowler, ancient serpent, beast, schemer, evil one, thorn in my flesh, angel, lawless one, liar, lucifer, beelzebub, and deceiver. I leave out capitalization of names that should be capitalized to give no glory or give any satisfaction to the evil one. He is a demon! Jesus also has many names, names that suggest power and authority over all creations. Names that suggest that He is with us to serve, serve with love and compassion. For He always was and always will be, the Captain of our Salvation, the Chief Shepherd, Cornerstone, Counselor, Commander, Deliverer. Jesus is our True Bread, Good Shepherd, Governor, Great High Priest, Almighty, Author of our Faith, Arm of the Lord, The Beginning and the End, The Great I am, Immanuel, The Door, Lamp, the Light of the World, King of Kings, Lord of Lords, King of Saints, King of the Jews, Jehovah, the Way, the Truth, Our Deliverer, Desire of all Nations, the Day Spring, Heir of all things, the Lamb of God, The Only begotten Son, Our Passover, Truth, Holy Vine, Savior, Rose of Sharon, Law Giver, Lion of Judah, Messiah, Mighty One of Jacob, Morning Star, Prince of Peace and Life, the Rock, Root of David, Resurrection, Healer, Teacher, Redeemer, and thousands more, all qualities of one that is pure, without sin, and Our Judge of Israel. Jesus has no concern for Himself, but only you and I. He was subjected to torture and was slain on a cross, a humiliation for our Jesus who is all love, all for us, a death that He had full power to stop. He is our Sacrificial Lamb, Our Scapegoat, Our Savior! Our Jesus! In Genesis 3, we find the first name of Satan serpent: Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, Did God actually say, You shall not eat of any tree in the garden?... But the serpent said to the woman, You will not surely die. For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil (Genesis 3:1, 4-5 ESV). Here is deception and lying. In Matthew 16, Peter rebukes Jesus for saying:...he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, Far be it from you, Lord! This shall never happen to you. But He turned and said to Peter, Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man (Matthew 16:22-24 ESV). The devil had put pride into Peter s thought in a subtle way, and Jesus corrects not only Peter, but the devil. Jesus has ultimate victory over the devil today, and for eternity, and so we sing... How Great is our God! Sing with me. How great is our God! ~ Jim Birren

9 Page Ha Hana Road Lakeside, CA Phone: Reverend Justin Laughridge The people of Morning Star believe in the One True God Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We believe that everything God says in His Word, the Bible, is true. And we believe in God s promise that He will give us the free gift of eternal life through faith in Jesus, who died on the cross and rose again to save us. Morning Star s 2018 Board of Directors: President Vice-President Treasurer Financial Secretary BOD Secretary Director Christian Education & Youth Director of Evangelism Director of Lay Ministry Director of Operations Director of Social Ministry Director of Stewardship Deacon Deacon Parish Ministry Assistant Jerel Grambow vacant Linda Hobson/ Wanda Lewellen Alicia Grambow Nikki Edwards Emily Braun Chris Kuwazaki Jim Birren Tom Yeager vacant Char Baum-Aldas Dick Collingwood Tom Kuwazaki Helen Lewin Ongoing Prayers for members and friends of Morning Star: Don Anderson (Nancy s husband) Kara Birren & her friend Jean Jim Birren s son Jeff & family Jacob Farmer s Grandma Margie Linda Hobson Chris Kuwazaki s brother Ninteman/Helewa/Gagner Families The Sipan Family Lauren Stephenson Justyn & Avrie (w/child) Stephenson Pearl Walker Tom, Jen & Tony Yeager Jackie (w/child) & Cory Caruthers The Walwick family Val & her parents: Dallas & Lavonne Ullrich & everyone with health issues; -that God bless the Dominican Republic ministry mightily, and those traveling to conventions. We also pray for our Pastor, BODs, Parish Workers, our individual families, and those everywhere who need to know that Jesus loves them no matter what. To Update This Page, contact the Church Office. Pray for those in the Armed Forces Cody Harmon, US Army, (Dave & Rose Walwick s son-in-law) Harold Kuwazaki, US Marines (Tom & Chris Kuwazaki s nephew) Lucas Nelson Davis, USN (Chris Hill s grandson) Morning Star also has an On-Line Prayer Program Login to: morningstarlcms.org and click on the tab: Contact Us With Your Prayer Requests Type in your prayer, and tap send. ~ Jim Birren, Prayer Coordinator