Cornerstone Newsletter

Transcription

1 Grace and Peace Lutheran Church Cornerstone Newsletter 7611 N Knoxville Peoria, IL October 2017 PASTOR S PAGE PASTOR LILLIE REFORMATION 2017 On the night of October 31, 1517, Luther posted his 95 Theses on the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany. He knew that everyone would be coming to church the next morning to observe All Saints Day. Hopefully, they would read his document and debate it. Luther wasn t trying to split the church. Instead he wanted us to look at what we do as a church and ask, How can a person be saved? That question can be framed in many different ways: How can I find favor with God? Does God even like me, especially since I sin and sin often? Does God even care? Why would God even listen to me? How do I know that God loves me? The questions vary, but they all point to one concern Is God approachable and will God relate to me, and what kind of relationship is there between God and me? Luther was bold in his proclamation that God loves the sinner so much that Christ became sin on our behalf and died for us. When Christ died, he died for me. Good works and intentions are good, but they don t save us. Only Christ s death and resurrection can fulfill the demands of God, and sinners find relief and salvation only in what God has done for us. Luther called God s work for us grace, underserved love. Here s my questions: What can we do, as the church, to advance this core message of Luther? What changes should we make? What needs reforming in our lives today? I offer a few suggestions: We need to preach the gospel today boldly and confidently. Luther s insight is still relevant. We are saved by grace, by the good action of God in Christ. It is time to stop lamenting our problems and struggles with the world. Moaning and groaning is not a good strategy. We joyfully preach Christ crucified with boldness and confidence. All churches have their problems and it is hard to be the church these days. However, the church will survive. It may be smaller, leaner, and look differently, but there will always be church. We have God s promise that where two or three are gathered in Christ s name, Christ will be present in their midst. The church will survive, because it is Christ s church, not ours. It is not our job to grow the church! That s God s job. Our work is to teach, preach, share, and proclaim. We sow the seed of the Gospel, but only God can give the growth. That growth comes in many different shapes and sizes, and it may not be the kind of growth we want. However, God promises a harvest and a harvest there will be! We must remember that we are all sinners in need of God s grace. There will be times when the church might disappoint you. As sinners we do and say things that can be hurtful. We must constantly ask God to forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. Forgiveness is never something earned, but it is freely given to us by God for us to share with those around us. Rejoice in that forgiveness! Continued on page 3

2 Volunteers WK GREETERS ASSISTING MINISTERS LAY READERS 1 Laura Tomblin and Jeannie Wineland Roberta Groth Chris Golden 8 Sarah and Ken Armstrong Linda Ericsson Roberta Dietrich 15 Mike Love and Barbara Purple Deb Meyer Barbara Purple 22 Vicki Bittner and Cheryl Rauhaus Nan Goff Ann Joyce 29 Chris and Mark Golden Hilary Shirven Esther Shirven WK COMMUNION ASSISTANTS PRAYER PARTNERS OFFERING COUNTERS 1 Laura Tomblin and Jeannie Wineland Nan Goff and Laura Tomblin 8 Sarah and Ken Armstrong Linda Ericsson and Terry Goff 15 Mike Love and Barbara Purple Sue Hughes and Mike Love 22 Vicki Bittner and Cheryl Rauhaus Carol Gard and Ann Joyce 29 Chris and Mark Golden Nancy Claude and Deb Meyer WK COFFEE HOUR 1 Still available for hosting 8 The Dietrichs Celebrating Roberta s birthday 15 Miriam Circle Bold Women 22 Still available for hosting 29 Still available for hosting WK MISSIONARY SUPPORT 1 Carol Gard 8 Still available for sponsoring 15 Still available for sponsoring 22 Still available for sponsoring 22 The Goff Celebrating Nan s and Terry s birthday Helen Hamilton CELEBRATE SPECIAL DAYS Coffee Hour signup sheet There are many Sundays available for hosting. Celebrate your birthdays, anniversaries, favorite activities and charities by hosting a coffee hour. Missionary Support signup sheet Show your support for our missionary Pastor Kirsten Laderach in Tana Madagascar as she spreads the Gospel across the globe! If you need the church unlocked contact October Key Person Sue Hughes

3 Enjoying others and the outdoors Mark your calendar Reformation 2017 continued from page 1 The Reformation calls us back to what is truly important. Jesus Christ is the savior of the world, and if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. In all we do and say we point others to Christ. That is our core mission. This month we celebrate the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. Enjoy your time with Luther, and thank God for all who love both Christ and the church. Blessings to all! Pastor Lillie NEWS FROM THE CHURCH OFFICE PASTOR IS ON VACATION THUR. OCTOBER 5 TUE. OCTOBER 10 CHURCH COUNCIL MEETING TUESDAY, OCTOBER 17 6:30PM LWR QUILT BLESSING SUNDAY, OCTOBER 22 CORNERSTONE DEADLINE MONDAY, OCTOBER 23 Thank you to all who help with our grounds keeping. Whether you have mowed the yard, pulled weeds, or planted flowers, your efforts are making God s house look better than ever! Thank you. Mark Golden The Fall Clean-Up Day is almost here! Yahoo! FALL CLEAN-UP DAY Saturday, October 21 8:00 to 1:30 (Rain date October 28) Projects include: Distributing mulch Gutter repair Cutting back Day Lilies Staining the playground set Lunch will be provided by the Stewardship Committee Items needed: Landscape waste bags (brown paper type) Grass shears Wheelbarrows Garden rakes Shovels Cordless drills Please come even if you can give only an hour. We will make good use of your time! Pray for your CHURCH COUNCIL MONTHLY MEETING TUESDAY, OCTOBER 17 6:30 PM

4 Let s eat Time to pack Friends Sew Fun! Travel pics Lots to learn YOUTH SUNDAY SCHOOL Sunday, October 1, we will begin regular Sunday School. The youth 6th High School will study from Bible Stuff and youth Pre-K 5th will learn from Dig In to the Bible! Thank you to Sarah Braun who will lead the Pre-K through 5th grade group in October. We will need volunteers to cover January, March, April, and May. Volunteers for the 6th HS group would be appreciated as well! If anyone would like to help with a Christmas program, please let Nan or Kelly know ASAP! FOOD AND FUN FELLOWSHIP TUESDAY, OCTOBER 3 NOON Our October 50 s Plus will be a special treat. Sarah and Ken Armstrong will share photos and highlights of their recent travels to Manchu Picchu and the Galapagos. We will meet at church at noon and have a light lunch. Please plan to join us. Nine of us enjoyed seeing Glenn Theinert, Jr s extensive train memorabilia on September 9. We greatly appreciate Glenn sharing his home and his love of trains with us. Carol Gard AGAPE The group has finished 95 quilts. We have about another 20 in the hopper and are hoping to get them all finished. The big display will be on Sunday, October 22, along with the blessing of everything going to Lutheran World Relief. The dates for October agape will be Wednesdays, October 4 and October 11. Roberta Dietrich MIRIAM CIRCLE TUESDAY, OCTOBER 10 7:00PM Join the women for an evening of Bible Study and fellowship. WIDOW S GROUP TUESDAY, OCTOBER 17 11:30AM The Widow s Group now meets for lunch on the third Tuesday join them. LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF Many thanks go to Joan Winter, Carol Gard, and Barbara Purple who set up all the supplies for the packing of school kits on Friday, September 15. Then another heartfelt thank you is extended to Bobbie Yoder, Chris Golden, and Barbara Purple for actually assembling 160 school kits for Roberta Dietrich PEORIA AREA DINING TOUR COUPON BOOKS The Dining Tour books are here for the next year. Roberta Dietrich will have them available for purchase. There are many new restaurants and the price is still only $30! Many Buy-one/Get-one Free meals!

5 Youth s Rally Day The first week of Sunday School for the new semester The Human Condition and our need for action in response, as children of God, were brought into sharp focus with the hurricanes, fires, and earthquakes of the past few weeks. Sunday, September 17th s Rally Day focus used information, crafts, first hand accounts, and fellowship to help build understanding in these challenging times.

6 Dear Lord God s Work. Our Hands. Bandage rolling project Dear Members: Just a brief report on the merry group of bandage rollers we had on Sunday, September 17. There were 35 people, ranging in age from five to 79, coming from six churches in our area. We were able to accomplish the ripping, rolling, fastening, and packaging of 752 rolls in 2 1/2 hours. We have an offer from a couple who are members at Advent to deliver four boxes of these bandages to the Global Health Ministries office in Minneapolis in October. With the help of a Thrivent Action Team card we were able to buy additional sheets to add to the batch that people brought. Then we treated everyone to cookies and fruit. The leftover goodies were taken to the Esther House, a ministry of Peoria Rescue Mission in north Peoria for unwed mothers. We got it there in time to be their dessert for their Sunday night dinner. Looking forward to next year s God s Work. Our Hands. day. Please come and join us. Roberta Dietrich PRAYER AND FASTING On the 21st of every month, through the close of the 115th Congress, ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton and ELCA Advocacy are inviting Lutherans to pray and fast. The 21st day of the month is when 90 percent of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits run out for families, making the remainder of the month a hungry time. To watch a video message, visit

7 Sundays, October 15 and 22, 10:30AM Adult Sunday School features the film, Rick Steves Luther and the Reformation. This documentary, produced by PBS, describes in an engaging visual and narrated fashion, the Reformation and its extensive impacts within the history of Christendom and the social fabric we now take for granted. The film will be shown in two segments followed by a time for questions and reflection. Sunday, October 22, 9:00AM YOU WERE THERE THE REFORMATION A PLAY IN THE STYLE OF EARLY RADIO By Michael A. Clarke Sunday morning we will get an insight into the life of Martin Luther as shared by those who knew him. Set in the form of 1940 s radio, we will witness interviews of: HILDEGARD LUDER Martin Luther s sister JOHANN TETZEL Dominican Friar, an indulgence salesman FATHER ERHARD SCHAFER Seminary classmate BENEDETTO CARDINAL FIORE Church official LISETTE A young girl from the city of Worms of his sister We are blessed to have our presentation of this classic radio show style presentation hosted by iconic local news anchor Bob Larson. Wednesday, October 25, 6:00PM We will host a screening of the movie Luther. Staring Joseph Fiennes as Luther, this film is a biography of Luther, who led the Christian Reformation and opened up new possibilities in exploration of faith. The film begins with his vow to become a monk, and continues through his struggles to reconcile his desire for sanctification with his increasing abhorrence of the corruption and hypocrisy pervading the Church's hierarchy. He is ultimately charged with heresy and must confront the ruling cardinals and princes, urging them to make the Scriptures available to the common believer and lead the Church toward faith through justice and righteousness. This is open to the public and we will have popcorn and drinks available. Sunday, October 29, 9:00AM Reformation Sunday We will be joined by a very special guest to preach the sermon. You have never celebrated Reformation Sunday like this before nor may never again. You will NOT want to miss this once in a lifetime opportunity.

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9 Too funny! A sell-out event LWGP LWGP ANNUAL MEETING Friday, October 13, at 9:00am will be the annual meeting for Lutheran Women of Greater Peoria at Bethel Lutheran Church (325 E Queenwood Road, Morton). The program will be given by LSSI. If you are interested in attending and possibly car pooling, contact Carol Gard. LIFE WITH LUTHER A WINE AND CHOCOLATE TASTING EVENT HOSTED BY MARTIN AND KATIE LUTHER Lutheran Women of Greater Peoria invite you to enjoy a Wine and Chocolate tasting for adults (age 21 and above) at Mackinaw Valley Winery at 2:00pm on Reformation Sunday, October 29. Confections by The Chocolatier, John Shank from Bloomington, will be paired with Mackinaw Valley Vineyard wines for a fun and tasty sensory experience. Celebrate the 500 th Anniversary of the Protestant Reformation with hosts Martin and Katie Luther, who will share some fascinating and personal aspects of their lives you probably didn t hear about in confirmation! Door prizes and a light supper (grilled by the Mackinaw Lions Club) follow. Enjoy the picturesque scenery and explore the winery and vineyards. Additional wines and chocolates may be purchased. Tickets are $25 per person (write your check to Lutheran Women of Greater Peoria). Proceeds will go to the LSSI Children s Community Service Program. ADVANCED TICKETS REQUIRED! To get yours, mail a check and your address to: Pepper Bauer, 5220 S. Cameron Lane, Mapleton, IL We will send you an receipt and hold tickets for you at the door. Questions? Call Pepper at or pepperbauer@att.net Reprints from an issue of The Lutheran dated October, 2004 REFORMATION HUMOR A member of our church teaches at an inner-city school where none of the other teachers are Lutheran. The principal s office publishes a calendar that describes all school holidays and various religious holidays. The calendar describes Reformation Day as a religious holiday celebrated by Christians and Lutherans. (East Windsor, New Jersey) A man interested in old books met an acquaintance who had just thrown away a Bible from the attic of his ancestral home. Somebody named Guten-something had printed it, he told the first man. Not Gutenberg! gasped the book lover. You idiot. You ve thrown away one of the first books ever printed. A copy sold at auction recently for more than five million dollars. The second man was unmoved. My copy wouldn t have brought a dime, he said. Some fellow named Martin Luther had scribbled all over it. (Corvallis, Oregon)

10 Celebrating the Reformation through The Word at Work Devotional The Word at Work by Carol Geisler History, Scripture and Reflections on the Reformation Words in Harmony Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Colossians 3:16 Luther once said that God s gifts of language and music were given for the purpose of praising God and proclaiming his Word. Luther encouraged others to write hymns and wrote many himself. His first composition was a ballad to be sung by traveling musicians. When monks at an Augustinian monastery in the Netherlands accepted Luther s teachings, several monks were arrested and the monastery was torn down. The first martyrs for the Reformation faith were two monks from this monastery, Heinrich Voss and Johann van den Esschen, who were killed in Luther wrote a ballad, A New Song Here Shall Be Begun, to honor their memory and stop rumors that the brave young men had denied their faith before death. Luther s first hymn for congregational singing, Dear Christians, One and All Rejoice, was written shortly after the martyrs ballad. Dear Christians is itself a ballad that tells the story of our salvation. As the song begins, we are fast bound in Satan s chains, helpless until God comes to our rescue. The Father sends his dearest treasure, his Son, who takes a servant s form to lead the devil captive. The innocent Son bears our sin on the cross to set us to be on guard against enemies who would destroy the truth of the Gospel. One of Luther s best known hymns is a A Mighty Fortress. It is a musical expression of Psalm 46, which repeats the refrain, The God of Jacob is our fortress (Psalm 46:7). Satan is the old evil foe. On our own, the battle would be lost, but a champion fights for us Jesus Christ, of Sabaoth Lord, that is, the Lord of host, the Lord of the armies of heaven. Jesus holds the field and Satan is defeated. The old evil foe is felled by one little word that, according to Luther, is either the name of Jesus or the defiant response: Devil, you lie! Whatever earthly losses we face, in Christ the victory is won. The Kingdom and the Word cannot be taken from us. For Reflection On our own we would be lost in sin, separated forever from God s presence, but God in his grace sent Jesus to save us. God delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins (Colossians 1:13-14). When Satan temps us or tries to convince us that our sins cannot be forgiven, we cling to the Word, confident that through his death and resurrection Jesus has won the victory for us: The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil (1 John 3:8). In word and song, we defy the old evil foe to his face: Devil, you lie! To what Scripture verses might you turn when facing temptation? How does Christian music help teach the faith and spread the Good News of Jesus to others? What Christian hymns or songs (by Luther or others) best express for you the story of salvation? Almighty Father, you have delivered us from the darkness of sin and transferred us into the Kingdom of our Savior. We pray that by your Spirit the Word of Christ will dwell richly in us through psalms and songs and hymns. Accept our thanks and praise in the name of Jesus. Amen.

11 SEPTEMBER Church Council Minutes

12 Continued SEPTEMBER Church Council Minutes

13 Continued SEPTEMBER Church Council Minutes

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15 Grace and Peace Lutheran Church 7611 N Knoxville Ave Peoria, IL A closer walk with God through Spirituality, Evangelism and Community Involvement October Theresa Montgomery, Roberta Dietrich, Dale Bollman November Nan Goff, Terry Goff, George Lulay, David Dietrich Shirley Rauhaus, Ann Joyce, Ruth Grenzow, Luke Braun Mary Ellen Noren, Rick Quitschau Don t forget to sign this month s birthday cards in the Great Room!