Restlessness and Calm

Transcription

1 The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod Fall 2017 Restlessness and Calm In This Issue... President s Letter Page 2 New CID Mission Executive Page 3 CID Missions Page 4-5 The Reformation Page 6 Official Notices Page 7 Lutheran Older Adults Retreat Page 8 LERT Events Page 8 Annual CID Jr. High Lock-In Page 9 While the Reformation was unfolding, Martin Luther observed that for Christians a spirit of restlessness exists amid the greatest calm, that is... God s grace and peace. Restlessness and calm in the same person, at the same time! Luther explained: For once a Christian begins to know Christ as his Lord and Savior, through whom he is redeemed from death and brought into His dominion and inheritance, God completely permeates his heart. This is the calm. Luther went on: Now he is eager to help everyone acquire the same benefits, and there s a restlessness about that. A 20th-century Luther scholar observed that if he didn t believe in salvation for all, he could not believe in it for himself. God our Savior... desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all (1 Timothy 2:3-6). Likewise, The Lord is not... wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance (2 Peter 3:9). God seriously desires the salvation of all. He always sends His Holy Spirit to accompany His Word. The Gospel that is for you is for everyone else too. So the church s mission is urgent. Yet that does not make it frantic. It need never become frantic. The word of forgiveness in Christ that is for everyone else is also for you. As Luther noted, for the Christian the greatest delight is in this treasure, the knowledge of Christ (Luther quotes from American Edition vol. 24, pp ). Sects tend to be impatient. They want everything right now. They lack a sense of God s care in the past and His promise for the future. Christ s church has no call to be frantic, though. We can take the long view. Really, the church does not convert; the Lord does. The church proclaims. For good reason, she devotes much attention to keeping the message straight as well as getting it out. Who knows how we might end up adjusting the message if we thought the converting was ours to accomplish? Yet the Gospel needs no adjusting! Mission, in the best Lutheran Reformation heritage, fixes an eye on people who need God seriously desires the salvation of all. He always sends His Holy Spirit to accompany His Word. The Gospel that is for you is for everyone else too. salvation. Still more, however, it maintains an ear open to hearing of God s reconciling grace in Christ. Finally, not even the magnitude of the need motivates the church in mission, but rather being caught up into the Lord s great seeking and saving mission. Then a spirit of restlessness sets in... alongside the greatest calm.

2 2 The GatePost Fall 2017 From the President s Desk Our Reformation Heritage The age old questions posed to Martin Luther and his contemporaries are the same with which each of us must deal in our lives. What is your standing before God? and How does one become right with God? Those questions can be answered in several ways. The Church of Luther s day said that your standing as a sinner must become different than at present, and so they proceeded to enumerate the paths to heaven. Jesus took care of original sin, but you would be responsible to take care of the necessary obedience that would result in your salvation. God did His part, you must do yours. This is the wrong way... Here s the problem. When would man s part be sufficient and when would man know? Was a lifetime (or an eternity) long enough to do what was required by the commandments and by the Church? Our Reformation heritage does not consist in our following a mere man but in giving thanks to God that such a man was His instrument to reestablish among us the preaching of the pure and saving Gospel of the dead and resurrected Jesus, His most beloved Son. It was the question of man s standing with God, and how one achieves it, that racked Martin s life and tormented his conscience. It was also in wrestling with one Bible passage that the flame of a rediscovered Gospel and Reformation was sparked. The just shall live by his faith, was once believed to mean that through your justice and righteousness, as your confidence, you could be saved. The subject was man and the object was to live better, live righteously, live perfectly. But where is the God-man, and where is the cross? Here is where the Church had gone astray and had failed Luther. He knew how poor his life and how insignificant his righteousness was. Where is the saving of a man when that man could not raise himself out of the slimy and steep pit into which he had stumbled? We cannot earn justice, how could we become just when Perfect Justice stands as judge? The proper understanding of Romans 1:16 brought peace where nothing else could. In being declared not guilty by the universally redeeming blood of Jesus, as YOU rely on that blood and sacrifice, God the Father sees you as just as Jesus is just, and when Jesus Christ is the object of your confidence before God, then life flows from the Risen One and you live! The one declared just through the Just One shall live by grace through life-long reliance on Him. Here was the Gospel of which St. Paul was not ashamed. It was, and is, the powerful Gospel which saves! As your heart is made alive again by the life-giving Word of the Author of Life, you can and will stand before the Judge in the Judgment and know no fear. This is the Word that brought peace to the sinner, Martin Luther, and all sinners besides him. Rev. Mark A. Miller, President We worship Jesus Christ because He has the words of eternal life. Luther helped bring that back into focus and it was the cross that was raised again in our midst to assure us that it is finished indeed! It was by being pointed again to the Resurrection and the Life that the light of His empty tomb could shine in our lives to cause the seed of everlasting life to grow. Our Reformation heritage does not consist in our following a mere man but in giving thanks to God that such a man was His instrument to reestablish among us the preaching of the pure and saving Gospel of the dead and resurrected Jesus, His most beloved Son. He proclaimed the Word of God and God Himself granted that Word success. Do not take this heritage for granted! This restored Gospel is what is always preached among us in which sinners are to find substantial and complete comfort. This is the same Gospel of every age that brought and brings peace to those uncertain of their eternal future. The blood of Jesus Christ, our Savior, cleanses us from all sin. And, yes, it is still as it has always been all about Jesus! Reverend Mark A. Miller, CID President 1 Corinthians 2:2

3 Telling The Good News About Jesus 3 New CID Mission Executive Our District welcomes Rev. Ken Schurb as its new Administrative Assistant to the President for Missions, Evangelism, Stewardship, and Human Care. A graduate of Concordia Teachers College, Seward (B.A., B.S.Ed.), Concordia Theological Seminary, Ft. Wayne (M.Div., S.T.M.), and The Ohio State University (M.A., Ph.D.), he spent a total of 19 years as a parish pastor in two congregations: Peace Lutheran Church, Berne, IN, and, most recently, Zion Lutheran Church, Moberly, MO. He also taught theology at Concordia College, Ann Arbor, MI, and has sometimes served as an adjunct instructor for Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, IN. He wrote Concordia Publishing House s Lifelight: Foundations course entitled The Christian s Mission. Dr. Schurb has been a member of the Synod s Board for Youth Ministry, its Commission on Theology and Church Relations, the Synod s Committee for Convention Nominations, and the Board of Governors of Concordia Historical Institute. For seven years he worked as an assistant in the office of synodical President A. L. Barry. He served as a Vice-President of the Missouri District during his time as a parish pastor there. Rev. Dr. Ken Schurb, Administrative Assistant to the President for Missions, Evangelism, Stewardship, and Human Care While trained especially in the history and theology of the Lutheran Reformation, Dr. Schurb has a deep interest in defending and proclaiming the Christian faith in the contemporary world. Over the years he has been involved in using radio to proclaim God s Word in a variety of formats, including many hours as a guest and substitute host on Issues, etc. Dr. Schurb is originally from the New Orleans area. His wife Lana hails from Marysville, OH. They met at church while he was in graduate school in Columbus. Their daughter Ana-Maria is married to John Kennedy (who is not from Massachusetts!) and has two daughters. Their son Luke graduated from high school last spring. You can contact Dr. Schurb at the District office. He is eager to be of help to congregations, pastors and other full-time church workers in matters related to missions and evangelism, also stewardship and human care. CID Campus Ministry Please help the Central Illinois District serve the spiritual needs of your student who attends the University of Illinois, Illinois State University, Eastern Illinois University, or Western Illinois University. Share the student s information (name, address at school, address at school, home congregation) directly to the following CID campus ministry: University of Illinois Rev. Rick Milas University Lutheran Church 604 E. Chalmers Champaign, IL rmilas@illinois.edu Illinois State University Rev. William Jensen Wittenberg Lutheran Center 201 S. Main Normal, IL wittenberglcms@gmail.com Eastern Illinois University Mr. Greg Witto, gpwitto@eiu.edu Rev. Kenneth Hoover Immanuel Lutheran Church 902 Cleveland Ave. Charleston, IL Western Illinois University Rev. Michael Burdick Immanuel Lutheran Church St. Timothy Student Center 303 N Clay St. Macomb, IL mhburdick@gmail.com

4 4 The GatePost Fall 2017 Your District Mission Dollars at Work CENTRAL ILLINOIS DISTRICT MISSIONS The mission dollars your congregation gives to our District support all these District ministries: MISSION CONGREGATIONS Hispanic Outreach, Beardstown Cristo Rey (Christ The King) Lutheran Church, East Moline Faith Lutheran Church, Monticello Redeemer Church, Peru CAMPUS MINISTRY University of Illinois, Champaign Eastern Illinois University, Charleston Illinois State University, Normal Western Illinois University, Macomb SPECIAL MISSIONS Christ Lutheran Church for the Deaf, Jacksonville Lincoln Correctional Center, Lincoln Logan Correctional Center, Lincoln Pittsfield Work Camp, Pittsfield Western Correctional Center, Mt. Sterling Greene County Work Camp, Roodhouse FOREIGN MISSION Evangelical Lutheran Church of Latvia Thankful For Your Partnership in The Gospel From The First Day Until Now (Philippians 1:3-5)

5 Telling The Good News About Jesus Central Illinois District Budget Use of the dollars your church gives to District missions: $2017 Income Anticipated Mission Dollars Promised by CID Churches $1,750,000 Reserve Funds $304,015 Special Gifts, Grants, Assessments, Other $194,500 Total Budget $2,248, Ministry Disbursements CID Gift to Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod $557, CID Missions $908,206 (Mission churches, campus ministry, deaf, prison work, and Latvia) CID Gift to LCMS two Seminaries $32,500 Camp CILCA Ministry $30,000 Student Church Worker Aid (scholarships, stipends, etc.) $103,100 Program Services to Congregations $249,713 (Education, Evangelism, Youth, Congregational Life, Stewardship, Gift Planning, Communication) Support Expenses / General Administration $260,911 Conferences, Finance & Management, Office Building, Commissions, etc. $106,585 Total Budget $2,248,515

6 6 The GatePost Fall 2017 Our Challenge Response to 500th Anniversary to the Reformation As we are all aware, 2017 is the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. In 1517, Luther posted his 95 Theses on the door of Wittenberg s Castle Church. That act initiated the reestablishment of the Biblically correct proclamation and teaching of salvation, by grace, through faith, on account of Jesus Christ. All believers have been the beneficiaries of that ever since. In the recent past, members of the CID have been instrumental in rebuilding Wittenberg s Old Latin School and repurposing it into the International Lutheran Center. However, additional support is needed for special 500th Anniversary programming at the Center. Around $25, would ensure an ongoing 2017 World Exhibition at the Center. (May 20 through September 10 is the height of the tourist season.) Numerous displays provided by many different Lutheran institutions would relate who we are as confessional Lutherans. Each week a pastor will be available to conduct tours and answer visitors questions. The customary twice monthly worship services would be increased to weekly. Those services could be simulcast so that believers all over the world can virtually worship in Wittenberg. Display materials, as well as pamphlets and brochures, signage and advertising, service bulletins, orders of worship, etc., need to be printed in English and German. Additional concerts, lectures, coffees, social hours will draw in people from outside the Church to come learn about Jesus. Individuals visiting Wittenberg, as well as those beyond, will be touched by the message of salvation, by grace, through faith, on account of Jesus Christ. individual members and, as needed, send (a) check(s) to CID LCMS 1850 N. Grand Ave. West Springfield, IL , again noting CID500 on the memo line. Any contributions over and above the needed $25, for Wittenberg will be devoted to other current CID mission projects. Material for printing is available to download on the CID website at What better way to celebrate the Reformation s 500th Anniversary than to effectively spread His Word! Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift! (2 Corinthians 9: 15) In order to meet those programming needs, as a fitting response to God s many blessings to us, a special appeal is being made to members of all CID congregations. This appeal is over and above their customary corporate and individual yearly support of CID missions. Individual donations of $5.00 (for the 500th Anniversary), or $15.17 (for the 1517 beginning of the Reformation) or $20.17 (for the Reformation s 500th year in 2017), or multiples of those amounts, could quickly add up. Members checks should be made out to their respective congregations, noting CID500 on the memo line to clearly designate this special mission purpose. Congregations are asked to merge those donations from among their October 31, 2017, will mark the 500 th anniversary of the Lutheran Reformation. LutheranReformation.org A website filled with great resources and more for you to use! The Lutheran Reformation is still all about Jesus; that is, faithfully preaching and teaching the good news of Jesus Christ and standing for the teachings of God s Word as they have been confessed in all times and all places wherever the Gospel is purely taught according to a pure understanding of it and where the Sacraments are administered according to Christ s institution. With Martin Luther, we still say, Here we stand, we can not do otherwise. God help us. Amen. Learn more at:

7 Telling The Good News About Jesus 7 Official Notices Ordained 5/31/2017 9/22/2017 Every One His Witness Workshop in Rock Island Witnessing. What s it all about? The Synod s new Every One His Witness Lutheran Evangelism Program puts sound doctrine into practical action for sharing the faith with people in our everyday lives. Participants learn: What is witnessing? Why do we witness? And the how-to of witnessing using the LASSIE approach Listen-Ask-Seek-Share-Invite-Encourage. These materials will be available in mid- September in a kit from Concordia Publishing House. But would you like to participate in an in-person workshop with the leader who developed the materials, Dr. Mark Wood of LCMS Witness and Outreach Ministry? You have one last chance. The last live Every One His Witness workshop will be held at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Rock Island, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, September 30. The $6.00 per participant registration cost will include materials and lunch. Please register in advance. Thirty registrants are needed by Sept. 15. Thereafter, another 30 registrants can be included. You may register by calling the church at (309) or go to Eventbrite.com. Status Changed Rev. Clayton Vail, Sole Pastor, Bethlehem/Zion, Altamont, to Emeritus Rev. Earl G. Brown, Assistant Pastor, St. John, Effingham to Emeritus Rev. Michael Damery, Sole Pastor, Mt. Calvary, Decatur to Emeritus Rev. William C. Emrick, Sole Pastor, St. Peter, St. Peter to Emeritus Rev. E. Wade Helmkamp, Sole Pastor, Holy Cross, Shelbyville to Emeritus Rev. Russell J. Weise, Associate Pastor, St. John, Decatur to Emeritus Rev. Joel A. Cluver, Administrative Assistant to CID President to Emeritus Rev. Jerry D. Bagwell, Sole Pastor, Holy Cross, Vandalia to Emeritus Rev. Joel L. Oschwald, Sole Pastor, St. John, Louisville to Candidate Called to Glory Rev. Allen Fanning, EM Transferred In Rev. Brett M. Hinrichs from NEB Rev. Timothy J. Fitzner from IDW Rev. Jonathan Holmes, Candidate from PSW Rev. Steven L. Sommerer from SID Rev. Michael W. Feldmann from NEB Transferred Out Rev. Kevin Bueltmann, Associate, St. John, Green Valley to MT Rev. Clayton Vail, Emeritus to OH Rev. Brian Pape, Sole Pastor, Friendship, Champaign to PSW Rev. Thayer Ted Benson, Associate, Redeemer, Peoria to TX Rev. Joshua Gale, International Missions, Peru, to NID Rev. William C. Emrick, Emeritus to IN Rev. Russell J. Weise, Emeritus to TX Rev. Chris V. Nilges, Chaplain, Concordia Village to MO Ordained and/or Installed Rev. Timothy J. Fitzner, IDW to Associate Pastor, Christ, Normal Rev. Jonathan Holmes, Candidate, PSW to Associate Pastor, Trinity, Springfield Rev. Adam Jacobsen, Associate Pastor to Senior Pastor, St. John, Mattoon Rev. Charles Bahn, SMP, Vicar to Assistant Pastor, Trinity, Bloomington Rev. Aaron T. Hauser, CS, STL to Associate Pastor, Our Savior, Springfield Rev. Simeon D. Raddatz, CS, STL to Sole Pastor, Trinity, Pekin Rev. Brett M. Hinrichs, NEB to Sole Pastor, Mt. Calvary, Decatur Rev. Steven L. Sommerer, SID to Sole Pastor, Mt. Calvary, Galesburg

8 8 The GatePost Fall 2017 In Christ Alone We Stand REDEEMED. REFORMED. RENEWED. Lutheran Older Adult Retreat Growing In Christ XVII OCTOBER 25-26, 2017 PERE MARQUETTE LODGE, GRAFTON, IL Faith, Fun, and Fellowship Celebrating the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation Sponsored by Older Adult Ministry Southern Illinois District LCMS and Lutheran Senior Services Join with others from Southern Illinois and Eastern Missouri in the beauty of God s creation as we consider how the themes of the Reformation apply to us today, and what scripture has to say about how we live our calling as Christians in today s world. Keynote Speaker - Rev. Ron Glusenkamp Rev. Glusenkamp is a Lutheran Pastor, author, development executive and is also known for his expertise in the Reformer Martin Luther. Ron is a graduate of Concordia Theological Seminary, Ft. Wayne, IN, and was ordained in He began his pastoral career serving Gethsemane in St. Louis. In 1998 CPH published his book titled Signs for These Times. He also co-authored, God s Standard or Gold Standard?: Studies in Proverbs, with Peter Mayer. As the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation is commemorated Lutherans all around the world are asking and answering the famous question, What does this mean? Rev. Glusenkamp s keynote, entitled Here We Stand, Here We Go! will recall, review and represent core beliefs and ideas: Justified by Grace through Faith, Saint and Sinner, Freed in Christ, and Priesthood of all Believers. The concluding bible study of the retreat will focus on 2 Corinthians 5:17, So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new! What does St. Paul s text message have to say to us today and how do we live it out in light of our Reformation heritage and future? Wednesday Evening Entertainment Bonnie Matzat will present Katherine von Bora Luther: A Reformation Story. An escaped nun and the eventual wife of the great Reformer Martin Luther comes alive in this dramatic monologue. God used the life of this remarkable woman in extraordinary ways to further His message that it is In Christ Alone We Stand. Servant Event Again this year! Attendees will again be given the opportunity to give back! On Wednesday evening from 7:30-8:30 p.m. we will be assembling school supply kits benefitting Unity Lutheran Christian Elementary School, located in East St. Louis, IL. Lodging and Registration Lodging is available at the Pere Marquette Lodge at a discounted rate of $99 for a single or double (tax rate of 13% not included). To make your reservation, call the Lodge at (618) and mention the Lutheran Older Adult Retreat room block. Reservations must be made by October 11, 2017, to receive the discounted price. Registration deadline is October 11, Registration fee is $ per person and includes lunch and dinner on Wednesday, and breakfast and lunch on Thursday. Download an informational brochure and registration form at com/loar2017.pdf For questions, contact Margo Wolf at (618) or dmwvette74@gmail.com. LERT Advanced Chainsaw Training Event Saturday, November 4, 2017 Redeemer Lutheran Church 6801 North Allen Road Peoria, Illinois :00 am 5:00 pm Registration begins at 8:30 am The ADVANCED CHAINSAW volunteer training program is provided by the Central Illinois District LCMS. In order to attend this course, attendees MUST have completed the six hour Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) basic training. This eight hour event will consist of an instructional and operational based training. Once certified in chainsaw disaster applications, attendees will be equipped to be an effective chainsaw volunteer should a disaster strike their community. Attendees will be required to bring hearing protection, eye protection, helmet, chaps, leather gloves, leather steel toe boots, chainsaw, bar oil, and fuel. If attendees do not have these items, we will provide them at the time of the training. Attendees should bring their LERT disaster response vest and their LERT I.D. certification badge. The cost is $35 which includes breakfast, lunch, manual, and certification. For a registration form, visit

9 Telling The Good News About Jesus 9 A Workshop led by POBLO Ministries on Muslim Outreach Join us for this workshop to learn how easy it is to have a Muslim friend and talk about your faith. Also come to learn the more difficult things of Islam s teachings and the Muslim way of thinking. For more information, duanemaas@poblo.org or call (417) Saturday, Sept. 30th 1:30-4:00 p.m. Mount Calvary 980 W. Hanssler Place, Peoria, IL Annual CID Junior High Lock-In The Annual CID Junior High Lock-In will be held on November 10-11, 2017 (Fri. 9:00 p.m.- Sat. 5:00 a.m.) at Five Points in Washington, IL. The guest speaker will be DCE Audrey Duensing-Werner. Audrey has been a DCE in MI, MN, KS and currently serving at Concordia Lutheran in Kirkwood, MO. Sing and dance to the CIDy Band. There will be games, snacks, fellowship, a service project and fun! This year's theme is: It's All About Jesus! Registration fee for the event is $35 per youth and Adults are FREE! Registration materials are available on the CID webiste at Or, check for details on the website: If you have any questions you may also call DCE Carissa Hippen at (309) What s great about the CID Lock-In? It is fun for youth! From the games, sports, music, message, and activities, to the food and the fellowship this is not Grampa s gig! It is safe, well-organized, planned and supervised by adult volunteers from our CID congregations. It is Christ-centered. It helps youth grow in their faith and in their connection with their local congregation. It is not too far to travel, nor too expensive. It is easy for congregations, large or small, to participate. Nov , 2017 Five Points Washington, IL Meet new friends! Fellowship and Fun! Basketball, Dodgeball, Volleyball, Swimming, Snacks, Inflatables, Soccer, Music, a Service Project, and more! Central Illinois District 1850 North Grand Avenue West Springfield, IL The GatePost for The Central Illinois District of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod is published 3 times per year. It is a supplement to congregational newsletters. Submit all articles to the Editor: Lewis Trip Rodgers 1850 North Grand Avenue West Springfield, IL trodgers@cidlcms.org Layout and Design by: Deverman Advertising Pekin, Illinois Deadline for Winter 2017/2018 Issue: November 20, 2017 Communications Committee: Rev. Mark Miller, Advisor Lewis Trip Rodgers, Editor Rev. Bob Bruer Jim Deverman Shawn Hoffmann Tim Mathis

10 10 The GatePost Fall 2017 CHURCH EXTENSION FUND, INC. (CEF) Central Illinois District - LCMS (CID) 1850 North Grand Avenue West Springfield, IL TELEPHONE: (217) FAX: (217) cef@cidlcms.org New Investment Certificate Application Enclosed $ investment in CID-CEF should be issued as follows: TERM *RATE* MINIMUM INTEREST PAYMENT METHOD (CHOOSE ONE) Flexible savings 0.25% $25 Accumulate interest and add to note balance 1 year 0.50% $100 Investment check semi-annually (if over $25) 3 year 1.00% $100 Direct Deposit - requires completed enrollment form. 5 year 1.50% $1,000 Go to or contact CEF to request the form 6 months 0.25% $5,000 * INTEREST RATES ARE EFFECTIVE 10/1/2016 AND SUBJECT TO CHANGE - CALL TO CONFIRM CURRENT RATES* OWNERSHIP TYPE (CHOOSE ONE) Individual Ownership - Name Joint Ownership Primary Owner Name (See below to complete Secondary Owner) Minor Ownership Child s Name (See below to complete Adult Custodian Name) Address City State Zip Telephone Number Church Congregation (to meet 25% supporting investment requirement of mortgage loan) Social Security or I.D. Number Signature CERTIFICATION: Under penalties of perjury, I certify (1) that the number shown on this form is my correct taxpayer Identification number and (2) that I am NOT subject to backup withholding under the provisions of section 3406(a)(1)(C) of the Internal Revenue Code. INFORMATION BELOW IS REQUIRED IF JOINT OR MINOR OWNERSHIP IS CHOSEN ABOVE: JOINT OWNERSHIP: circle one: AND OR Secondary Owner Name As joint tenants with right of survivorship and not as tenants in common MINOR OWNERSHIP: Adult Custodian Name Under the Illinois Uniform Gifts to Minors Act Address City State Zip Telephone Number Social Security or I.D. Number Signature CERTIFICATION: Under penalties of perjury, I certify (1) that the number shown on this form is my correct taxpayer identification number and (2) that I am NOT subject to backup withholding under the provisions of section 3406(a)(1)(C) of the Internal Revenue Code. BENEFICIARY INFORMATION (OPTIONAL) (Name) (Address) (Social Security Number) (Percentage) 1) 2) 3) 4)