The Lutheran Beacon. Visit our website: July/August 2005

Transcription

1 The Lutheran Beacon Let your light shine... Published by the SELC District of the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod Visit our website: July/August 2005 ARE YOU AN AMERICAN FIRST... OR A CHRISTIAN FIRST? Portions from Holy Cross LC, Alsip IL-2004 newsletter America... America! God shed His grace on thee. And crown t h y good with brotherhood, from sea to shining sea! HAPPY 4 TH OF JULY! We are called by our Lord to live like a Christian in America. But what is our true identity? Are we first Christians or are we first Americans? As we celebrate our country s grand enterprise in democracy during this month of national pride, it s good for us to be reminded, as Peter needed to be, that our real identity is in Christ, and that we live in the freedom He won for us. Americans are proud of who they are, but Christians know that whose they are is what is truly important. Christians understand that their entire life belongs to God. The Bible says, Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. All that we have is a gift from Him, to be used to His glory including the gift of freedom. Freedom for the Christian isn t doing what you want but doing what God wants. Because Christ lives in us through faith, we have true freedom. Did you know? As you walk up the steps to the building which houses the U.S. Supreme Court you can see near the top of the building a row of the world s law givers and each one is facing one in the middle who is facing forward with a full frontal view... it is Moses and he is holding the Ten Commandments. Did you know? Patrick Henry, that patriot and Founding Father of our country said: It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded not by religionists but by Christians, not on religions but on the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This frees us from the Law s accusations and from the fear of death. We use this freedom, not to do as we please, but to live for the Son of God, who loved us and gave Himself for us. We are Americans, yet we live as Christians. Our civic flag is the symbol of American citizenship. It leads troops in battle. It stirs emotion when the anthem is sung. But the Christian pledges his allegiance to a higher standard the cross. The standard to which he looks is a symbol fo pain and shame. Yet, hidden in its shadow is ultimate and complete victory. It is etched in the brows of those who have been baptized into a new identity, a new self, a new life as united members of Christ s body. It is the cross we lift high because it points to things eternal and true. Because of God s love for us in Jesus, we are Christians first, then we are Americans. Did you know? Every session of Congress begins with a prayer by a paid preacher, whose salary has been paid by the taxpayer since Did you know? There are Bible verses etched in stone all over the Federal Buildings and Monuments in Washington DC. Did you know? As you enter the Supreme Court courtroom, the two huge oak doors have the Ten Commandments engraved on each lower portion of each door. Did you know trivia is off the internet. So, perhaps you should go to Washington and check this out for yourself!

2 CONGREGATIONS ABLAZE! SELC DISTRICT OUTREACH COMMITTEE Rev. Todd Biermann, Chairman Encourage your congregation s members to share their witnessing stories and other mission involvement activities with Ablaze! Involvement Cards. The cards are ideal for placing in pews, bulletins, or newsletters. Invite members of all ages to place their completed cards in the offering plate during worship and chapel services, teaching them that our lives of witnessing and mission involvement are offerings to the Lord. Each week, as these offerings are gathered, pray for the contacts that have been made. The cards are available in template form at (Just click on the Ablaze logo). You can personalize them for your own congregations s use. It s a great way to keep Ablaze! before the eyes of the ordinary pew sitter! Coming This fall: Friendship Ablaze! Friendship Sundays are one of the easiest and most popular ways of involving a congregation in outreach. Some congregations sponsor them once a year in conjunction with Rally Day or Vacation Bible School. Others make them a regular part of the church s calendar. Is there an easier outreach opportunity for young and old alike than to do this: Invite an unchurched friend or family member to church! Plan now to hold a Friendship Ablaze! Sunday this fall. LCMS Outreach ministry is busy at work preparing new Friendship Sunday materials to reflect Ablaze! They are being written by a cross section of experienced LCMS church workers and laity. Check out and the District and Congregational Services Ministry link for more information on holding a Friendship Sunday. Look at the Ablaze! site regularly for Friendship Ablaze! Resources as they become available this summer. SELC District Outreach Matching Grants 2005 Grant Applications are still being accepted. (Very few have been applied for so far?!) If you have an idea for your congregation to become involved in outreach, but aren t sure it will qualify for a grant, talk to your circuit s outreach representative. Grant applications with guidelines are available on the District website Ablaze! in the SELC means that we are congregations united to Show Everyone Life in Christ Going Forward... Pastor John Perling installed as the fourth Pastor of St. Paul s, Greenwich CT. By Chuck Dianis At some churches, the installation of a new minister might not raise eyebrows. At St. Paul LC, it s historically been a once-in-a-generation happening. In April, church members witnessed such an event for just the fourth time in St. Paul s 103-year history. The Rev. John Perling, most recently pastor of Our Savior s Lutheran Church in St. Paul, Minn., was formally installed to succeed the Rev. Kenneth M. Ballas, who retired in January The Rev. Ronald Erbe, formerly of First Lutheran Church in Greenwich, served as St. Paul s interim pastor while the congregation searched for a new minister. Before he officially became St. Paul s pastor, Perling was the focus of a 75-minute ceremony at the church, which was attended by several Lutheran clergymen and local politicians. During the service, the Rev. Andrew Dzurovcik, pastor of Zion Lutheran Church in Clark, N.J., and 1st Vice President of the SELC-LCMS, touched on St. Paul s rich history. I think you already know this new family of yours is rooted and established in love, Dzurovcik told Perling. These roots go back over 100 years. These roots are deep. Then, addressing the congregation, Dzurovcik continued, We pray that you love your pastor and your pastor loves you. Well, here we go again In front of the altar, Perling was surrounded by nine clergymen, including his father, Rev. R. John Perling of Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church in Beverly Hills, Calif., and the Rev. Carl Krueger, president of the SELC District. The ministers participated in a traditional Lutheran rite, placing their hands on Perling and showering him with inspirational words. Well, son, here we go again, Perling s father joked while taking his turn during the laying of the hands. Pastor John Perling with his wife, Heidi; and their children Molly (7) and Lydia (4). 2

3 Vacation Bible School in Lakewood, Ohio by Rev. George R. Hansell, Jr. Grace LC will be conducting a joint VBS with Pilgrim-St. Paul LC, July 25-29th from 9am to noon at the Grace facility. Joint activities between Grace and St. Paul have been common in recent months. The two congregations participated jointly in Advent services as well as a Lenten rotation. Pilgrim-St. Paul will be providing an ice cream social during Grace s three-day evangelistic crusade June 8-10 and will provide a praise band on June 9 th. VBS staff from both congregations have been meeting together since April developing their theme of Safari Adventure-Jesus Is Our King, with offerings collected during the five day program being given to a Lutheran orphanage in Kenya. Plans are under way to build a float for the 4 th of July parade in Lakewood to promote the VBS as well as distribute 3000 VBS flyers throughout the community. Besides planning to transform Grace s chapel into an African jungle, efforts are under way to coordinate with the Cleveland Zoo to bring some animals one morning to the VBS. It is the prayer of Grace and Pilgrim-St. Paul that this year s VBS will touch the lives of many children and their families as they experience the love of Jesus, our King and our Savior. Eastern Circuit Inaugural Confirmation Retreat Twelve confirmation students from four eastern circuit congregations gathered at Camp Lebanon in Lebanon, NJ over the weekend of April 29 th to May 1 st for the inaugural Eastern Circuit Confirmation Retreat. The theme of the retreat was The Lord's Prayer. Students were led in instruction by circuit pastors who covered the seven petitions of the Lord's Prayer with lessons, stories, skits, Bible studies and activities. The lessons and activities comprised a portion of the students' regular confirmation instruction. The retreat also encompassed the prayer life of the Church by opening and closing each day with the offices of Matins, Vespers, and Compline. On Sunday morning the attendees took part in Divine Service led by Pastor Joe Weatherell of St. John's in Hazleton, PA, the coordinator of the retreat. Despite the rainy weather on Saturday, the kids took advantage of some free time by exploring the campgrounds, playing soccer, football, pingpong, and even dropping a line into the fishing pond. Students in attendance came from Holy Trinity in Garfield, NJ; Zion in Clark, NJ; Concordia in Macungie, which is in Pennsylvania near Allentown (inside joke); and St. John's in Hazleton, PA. Pastors participating in the weekend activities were Pastor Weatherell from St. John's, Pastor Dan Grams from Holy Trinity, Pastor Andy Dzurovcik and Vicar Erik Iverson from Zion, Pastor Wally Vinovskis from Concordia, and Pastor Ron Jones from St. Paul in Raritan, NJ. Jim Lesko of Garfield and Michelle Graybill of Macungie also assisted. The retreat is intended for students involved in confirmation instruction. Those who attended this year and are not being confirmed this spring are already looking forward to next year. Tentatively, next year's retreat will be held at Camp Lebanon on the last full weekend in April For more information, contact Pastor Joe W eatherell at St. John's, Hazleton. Rev. Ron Meyr (Faith Viera in Rockledge FL) celebrated 25 years in the ministry in April Recognition was made in each of the 4 services, with a special message by Pastor Paul Hoyer (Lake Mary) at the late service. Pastors Meyr and Hoyer have been friends since their seminary days and continue this close friendship along with their families. This year is also Pastor and Pam s 25 th Wedding Anniversary. Pastor Meyr began his ministry at St. Peter s (Estevan) and St. Luke s (Midale) in Saskatchewan Canada from He served Redeemer in Manchester NJ from before coming to Faith Viera. Continuing the celebration throughout the day, approximately 300 members, family, and friends honored Pastor Meyr at a special dinner, where he was roasted and toasted by many. [Pastor Meyr with family and friends pictured in church and at dinner.] 3

4 Martin Luther The Reformer Concordia College-New Yorkbrings exhibit to the Northeast. In March, the traveling exhibition, Martin Luther The Reformer made its final North American stop on the campus of Concordia College, New York. Consisting of more than 100 high-quality facsimile books, manuscripts, illustrations, paintings and documents, the exhibit examined 12 stages of Luther s life, including the pious monk, learned theologian, powerfully eloquent preacher, brilliant teacher, courageous reformer and loving family man. Festivities began with a Preview Reception on March 18, at which exhibit curator and assistant director of the Luther Center Museum in Saxony-Anhalt, Germany, Dr. Martin Treu delivered remarks about the exhibition s contents. Dr. Cornelia Domer, Director of the Luther Center Museum, cut the ribbon to officially open the presentation. Opening day featured lectures by Dr. Treu; Dr. Alan G. R. Steinberg, former Concordia, New York History Professor; and Dr. Robert Kolb, Mission Professor of Systematic Theology, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. More than 675 people came to the campus to see the exhibit from as far away as Cape Cod MA; Fort Wayne IN; Schenectady NY and Alabama. Rev. Daniel Grams and several members of Holy Trinity Members of Holy Trinity view replica of Guttenburg bible. L- R: Erin Sattleberger, M aria Kramer, Sarah Kramer, Lauren Kozlowski, Robert Lesko & James Lesko Evangelical Lutheran Church, Garfield NJ, made the journey to Concordia for the event. Rev. Grams comments, We took our confirmation class along to give them the opportunity to learn more about Martin Luther, one of the fathers of our faith. The exhibit provided a powerful witness to the impact Luther had on the church and the world! In the end, the children came away more appreciative of their identity as Lutherans. They learned that we are Lutherans not because we follow Luther, but because of his confession Rev. Daniel Grams and members of Holy Trinity LC, Garfield, NJ attended the Martin Luther exhibit of the Gospel - that we are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ and his death and resurrection alone! We certainly thank Concordia Bronxville for hosting the exhibit and giving our kids their first ever experience of a Lutheran college! St. Luke s Concert Series More than 7,000 people enjoyed eight quality concerts during the season and we d just like to thank you for your participation! Previews of Season Saturday, September 17,7pm: The Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra Saturday, October 8, 7pm: University of Central FL Symphony Orchestra Saturday, November 12, 7pm: The Orlando Concert Band Saturday, December 3, 7pm: Holiday Concert - Brass Band of Central FL ENTIRE SEASON PREVIEW IN NEXT ISSUE Rev. Richard Louis Hill, Pastor of St. John the Baptist LC in Emporia, VA celebrated 35 years of professional ministry in May. Pictured with his wife, Susan, Pastor Hill was honored at a reception immediately following the Sunday worship service and presented with a Michael Podesto print of a Luther quote. Pastor Hill was ordained in 1970 in St. Louis. Before coming to Emporia he served congregations in Greenville, MS; Detroit, MI; Columbus, GA; Robbins, GA; Gavelock NC; and Portsmouth, VA. He also served for 12 years as a member of the Pastoral Care Staff at Maryview Medical Center in Rev. Hill and his wife, Susan Portsmouth, VA using his expertise in crisis intervention in the Emergency Dept. And Chaplain of the Behavioral Medicine Hospital. Coming Soon... Youth to Gather Our SELC Luther League Youth Gathering will be held July at Lenoir-Rhyne College in Hickory NC. SHOW ME THE WAY... the theme of the gathering is based on John 14:6: Jesus answered, I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. Speakers will include Tony Velasquez, former LA gang member and member of Peace LC, Galloway Township, NJ and Dr David Ludwig, LCMS Pastor, Psychologist, Author, and Faculty Member at Lenoir- Rhyne College. 4

5 WHAT S HAPPENING AROUND OUR DISTRICT The family of Rev. Edwin Rossow, former Pastor of St. Luke s, Oviedo, FL, who was translated to glory on May 6 th and interred at St. Luke s cemetery. Memorials can still be directed to: St. Luke s LC Memorial Fund, Lutheran Haven, or Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch. He is mourned by his wife, LaDonna and their five children, Rachel Splendoria, EJ Rossow, Jr., Sarah Lukas, Jay Rossow, and Leah Wrobleski as well as grandchildren and his whole community. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Rebecca. The family of Ann L. Mihok, wife of the sainted Rev. John A. Mihok (who served Dr. Martin Luther LC, Chicago, and St. Paul, Braddock PA), died May 2 nd at the age of 95. She was a member of Trinity LC, Tinley Park, IL. Ann is survived by daughters Lois Mihok, Grace (the late Ray) Bahr, and Ruth (Arnold) Busse, 7 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren and 1 great, great grandchild. She was preceded in death also by her son, John, who died just a couple days earlier than Ann. The family of Alice Reinhardt, wife of Rev. William Reinhardt, who is retired but actively serving as an intentialal interim minister. He served Trinity, Orlando during their pastoral vacancy. Keep in your prayers... Rev. Emil Lavcek, who has been in and out of the hospital, is weak but recuperating, and has begun kidney dialysis. Ann Bajus, wife of Rev. Luther Bajus (Zion, Norridge, IL) who is recovering from a procedure done on her eye. Rev. Daniel Estok has become a resident of our Lutheran Haven s Assisted Living Facility. Please pray for his peace and for the strength and support of his wife, Eleanor and family. Dr. LeRoy Wilke, Executive Director, Executive Director of District and Congregational Services, has announced his retirement effective June 30, The Rev. Jeffery Schubert has been selected to serve as the Interim Director. Congratulations to: Rev. Dr. Chris Cahill, who received a Doctor of Ministry degree (in transformational leadership and spiritual formation) from Ashland Theological Seminary. Front Row: Joel & michelle Giese; Amie & Joshua Hollmann; Rev. Carl Krueger. Back Row: Scott Abel, Derek Klemm & Prof. William Utech. Vicars Assigned for Joel Giese (StL) - to St. John, Cudahy. 32 year old, first career - Urban Planner, married, with 2 children. He is an Army Chaplain Candidate and his wife is a Physician Assistant. Derek Klemm (StL) - to St. Luke s, Oviedo, 23 year old, single, graduate of Concordia St. Paul. Kermit Rickenberg (FtW) - to Zion, Clark NJ. 26,married, one child. He grew up in rural Ohio and is a graduate of Ann Arbor. His wife is a Lutheran School teacher. Due to an overabundance of Vicarage requests, over 20 requests for Vicars could not be filled. Holy Trinity, Streator, was one of those congregations which did not receive a requested Vicar. Candidates Placed.. In the SELC Scott Abel (who Vicared at St Luke s Oviedo) Called by SELC Mission Board to begin a new worshiping community in Chuluota FL (a suburb of Oviedo) Joshua Hollmann (who Vicared at St. John, Cudahy) Called by Ascension, Montreal Canada, in cooperation with SELC Mission Board and Hospitality Ministry Philoxenia of Lutheran Church Canada, to reach out to the immigrants (particularly Muslim) in the area around Ascension. Joshua and his wife, Amie, are expecting their first child in July. 5

6 Harvesters in Christ A four member team, trained by the LCMS, has been an abundant blessing of God to the people of St. John LC, according to Pastor Richard Hill. The workshops, Bible studies, and the personal dedicated service of the Harvesters were eagerly received by the members, resulting in an increase of commitment to Bible study. Among the emphases to become more fully owned by the congregation are: * Christian hospitality that demonstrates love for the stranger; * Compassionate skills to share faith in Jesus in simple and effective ways; * Helping visitors and new members feel wanted and welcomed into the life and mission of the congregation; * Encouraging inactive members to return to full fellowship in Christ; * A telephone ministry to care more faithfully for members and friends of the church; * Assisting fellow believers to discover their spiritual gifts and use them to build Christ s church; * Publicizing more broadly St. John s interest in and service to the people of the community. Is your congregation looking for a boost? Contact Rev. Al Tormoehlen, director, Harvesters For Christ, 1333 S. Kirkwood Rd., St. Louis, MO 63122; al.tormoehlen@lcms.org ; OUTREACH IDEAS NETWORK Get an idea... Share an idea... Help advance our mission of Showing Everyone Life in Christ Here s a few ideas shared by our Pastors Todd Biermann (more next month) Hosted a Fall Festival open to the community. Included free pumpkins, Chili cook-off, Bible crafts, face painting, free materials telling about the church (flyers, jar openers, chip clips, etc.) Paul Biber Hosted a church Block Party open to the community. Featured lots of activities. W elcomed 200+ from the community last year. A review of a Concordia Publishing House 2004 release by Rev. Ken Ballas Is God Listening? Making Prayer a Part of Your Life by Andrew E. Steinmann Yet another book on prayer? you may ask. Yes, and a helpful book this is! Although it is never simply prayer that changes things but God who changes us, we may never have too many good tools on this often misunderstood and relatively seldom used blessing of prayer. W ho among us fully and consistently engages in this privileged communication with our Heavenly Father who not only encourages us to call upon Him in any and all situations but who also expects His baptized forgiven children faithfully to await His promised answer to prayer that is richly grounded in the preached and written Word of God. (See page 118). Reading Professor Steinmann s gently-stated practical suggestions based on examples of prayer in both the Old and New Testaments of Scripture is reminiscent of hearing a meaningful series of sermons that somehow connect with where we all live and often hurt. Is God listening? Does He care? Yes! Because of Jesus! Especially because of Jesus! Please note that the deadline for the September issue of The Lutheran Beacon is August 15 th. If you must submit articles or photos by snail mail, it must be received by August 5 th. Send to The Lutheran Beacon, c/o Faith Viera Lutheran Church, 5550 Faith Dr., Rockledge, FL All articles and photos must be submitted as attachments. I know I said short blurbs could be part of your . However, this month I received so much material in format that much time was spent re-typing and even writing the articles... that can lead to errors. Thanks for your cooperation! gailpete@cfl.rr.com Gail Peterson NOTE! DUE TO CIRCUMSTANCES BEYOND MY CONTROL (STRONG WINDS CAUSING A COMPUTER CRASH), AN ARTICLE OR PHOTOS SUBMITTED FOR THIS ISSUE MAY HAVE BEEN LOST. IF YOU SUBMITTED COPY AND/OR PHOTOS THAT WERE OMITTED, ACCEPT MY DEEPEST APOLOGIES... AND RE-SUBMIT FOR THE NEXT ISSUE. I WILL INCLUDE IT AND NOTE THAT IT IS NOT OUTDATED COPY BUT WAS LOST IN (WHAT I CALL) JA-GUNDA-LAND. 6