REDEEMER REPORT. Be Fruitful and Multiply. The. NEWSLETTER OF VOLUME 2, ISSUE 7 REDEEMER LUTHERAN CHURCH MARCH NORTH ST., IOLA, WI Ask Pastor

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1 The REDEEMER REPORT Be Fruitful and Multiply by Rev. William M. Cwirla Excerpted from the essay Be Fruitful and Multiply: Fertility Ethics in Light of Creation and Redemption The principles in play [in reproductive technology] are the sanctity of human life as a gift from God and a mystery that runs deeper than our reason and senses can fathom, and the one-flesh union of husband and wife in which covenant and intimacy are the God-given context for our being fruitful and multiplying Among the unintentional consequences of fertility intervention are the depersonalization of procreation, human embryos left in cryogenic limbo, the potential sale and trafficking of human embryos, embryo selection, and children conceived, born and raised outside the context of family and the marriage covenant. Does the end of giving a child to the childless justify the medical means to get there? Do the biblical principles of the sanctity of human life and the inviolability of the one-flesh union preclude the intervention of medical technology in the procreative process? As Lutherans, we believe that science and technology at First Article gifts of God that can be received and used with thanksgiving Can artificial reproductive technologies be viewed in the same way? Is reproductive technology a First Article gift of God, or is it man s attempt to be like God and usurp God s dominion? It is neither great faith to shun medical science nor great unbelief to utilize it. Just because we can intervene medically doesn t mean that we must. NEWSLETTER OF VOLUME 2, ISSUE 7 REDEEMER LUTHERAN CHURCH MARCH NORTH ST., IOLA, WI Ask Pastor Q: We have evangelical as part of our church name, but it is used in the political news a lot now. What and who would you say is an evangelical? I am afraid that it is used very loosely by the news media, trying to calculate what part of our country will vote for a certain candidate. A: Good question. It is a word with several definitions, depending on context. At its most basic meaning, it comes from Greek euvagge,llion meaning good news. It s the word that gets translated as Gospel. What we usually mean by it is evangelizing, or sharing the good news, sharing the Gospel. When we talk about evangelicals, we mean those who maintain as part of their mission the spread of the Gospel. Therefore evangelical can apply to Lutherans, Baptists, some Catholics, and other Christian denominations. Frequently it is understood as synonymous with fundamentalist or Bible-believing. Those who wish to spread the Gospel are frequently those who take the Bible at its word. If they didn t, they would have no cause to share it. In the political realm, it is not usually incorrectly assigned in such a broad way, because frequently it does happen that numerous Lutherans, Baptists, etc., present a unified front against social change toward things like abortion, gay-marriage, etc. For example, around the time of Ronald Reagan, Republicans snagged a large number of evangelicals (using this definition) by pushing the anti-abortion agenda. This single chip became the purchase price for the vote of many. When evangelicals gets used in a political context, therefore, they mean the hodgepodge group of selflabeled Christians who are concerned with such social aspects of the vote. Most of those called evangelicals by the media in this political context are in fact those who would label themselves evangelicals as Christians, even if they don t agree on every point with every other evangelical. I had an English teacher in high school who frequently said, Words are promiscuous. I don t know if this was specifically what she had in mind, but in Shakespeare s Hamlet there is the underlying (cont. on p. 2)

2 theme of Words: My words fly up, my thoughts remain below; / Words without thoughts never to heaven go (III.iii.97-98); My tongue and soul in this be hypocrites (III.ii.380). Words change meaning depending on who s speaking them where and when. We shouldn t be too worried about it, though. Evangelical is not a word found in Scripture. It is, as I pointed out, based on words from Scripture, but the word itself is a wholly human invention. Don t get too hung up on the letter. Be concerned with what our purpose and message is as Christians. We are more than political. We are members in that kingdom of the left (the secular kingdom), yes, but above and beyond we are members in the kingdom of the right (the kingdom of God). Because of our unique position in two kingdoms, we should be intelligent with our vote beyond the lemming-like behavior of following the trend. We should obey God rather than men. The political realm is frustrating to most people, and frequently to us as Christians. That s because we understand spiritual things. We know God s plan and purpose, and politicians (whether Democrat or Republican, Left-wing or Right-wing, Liberal or Conservative) simply don t get it. Or, if they do get it, they can t govern well. As Christians, what do we do? We should vote not blindly, but in a way that supports the faith, both in already believing hearts and in its spread to the unevangelized. This is what evangelical should mean to us politically. of this blessed Gospel record, with the People s Bible Commentary from Concordia Publishing House? Luke was a pupil of the Apostle Paul, and undoubtedly heard much of the story of Jesus from that man. He wrote his Gospel for Paul to use in his missionary journeys, so that new Christians could hear the truth of Christ in a clear way, proving that this Son of Man really did live on earth, really did perform miracles and teach, really did die an undeserved death, and really did rise to life again. The Rev. Victor H. Prange writes his commentary with a view to exposing the masterful work of the Holy Spirit delivering these words through the pen of this holy man. It s clear, succinct, and easy-to-read, and is a perfect supplement to our Sunday worship. In Sunday s sermons you ll hear some of this Gospel record expounded to you, but this commentary provides the opportunity to glean a deeper understanding of this Scriptural account, much in the way that Jesus taught the two disciples on the road to Emmaus, whose journey to Emmaus turns into a Bible class with Jesus as both teacher and subject matter (p. 262). Sit at Jesus feet. Hear what he has to say. Victor H. Prange. People s Bible Commentary: Luke. (St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 2004). 266 pp. There are two copies available in Redeemer s library, and one additional copy on loan from the Lilienthals that will be available until April 1 st. Book Review: People s Bible Commentary: Luke By Victor H. Prange Reviewed by Rev. Michael G. Lilienthal Throughout the rest of this year, all the way until Advent, we will be hearing a lot from the Gospel of Luke in our worship services. Why not take the opportunity to increase your understanding Redeemer is online! Check out the Facebook and blog pages where Pastor shares audio recordings and transcripts of his sermons along with weekly devotionals: facebook.com/redeemeriola RedeemerIola.wordpress.com Page 2

3 Hymns for the Month Wednesday, March 2 nd o 468: All Depends on Our Possessing, o 383: Our Father, Thou in Heaven Above, v. 5 Sunday, March 6 th o 205: If Thou But Trust in God to Guide Thee o 494: I Know My Faith Is Founded o 262: Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah Wednesday, March 9 th o 276: When O er My Sins I Sorrow o 383: Our Father, Thou in Heaven Above, v. 6 o Insert: For Thee, Lord, Pants My Longing Heart Sunday, March 13 th o 263: Jesus, Priceless Treasure o 492: The Law of God Is Good and Wise o 328: Soul, Adorn Thyself with Gladness, v. 1-4 Wednesday, March 16 th o 377: Why Should Cross and Trial Grieve Me o 383: Our Father, Thou in Heaven Above, v. 7 Sunday, March 20 th, Palm Sunday o 277: All Glory Laud and Honor o 111: When Sinners See Their Lost Condition, v. 1-4 o 286: Rock of Ages o 280: Ride On, Ride On, in Majesty Friday, March 25 th, Good Friday/The Annunciation of Our Lord o 165: Let the Earth Now Praise the Lord, v. 1,3, 7, & 8 o 274: When Our Heads Are Bowed with Woe, v 1, 4, & 6 o 334: O Sacred Head, Now Wounded, v. 1, 8 o 294: Near the Cross Was Mary Weeping, v. 3 o 123: From Heaven Above to Earth I Come, v. 2, 3, & 13 o 297: Stricken, Smitten, and Afflicted, v. 2 o 145: What Child Is This?, v. 1 & 2 o TLH 58: O Lord, How Shall I Meet Thee, v. 3 & 4 o 284: Go to Dark Gethsemane, v. 3 o 115: All My Heart Sings and Rejoices, v. 13 o 292: O Dearest Jesus, v. 4 & 5 o 593: On My Heart Imprint Thine Image Saturday, March 26 th, Easter Vigil o 527: In the Midst of Earthly Life, v. 1 & 2 o 226: By Grace I m Saved, v. 1 & 10 o 426: Jesus Sinners Doth Receive, v. 3 & 8 o 511: Lord Jesus Christ, with Us Abide, v. 8 & 9 Page 3 o 344: Christ the Lord Is Risen Again, v. 1 & 3 o 243: The Power of Sin No Longer o 359: This Is the Feast, v. 1, 2, & 4) o 356: The Day of Resurrection Sunday, March 27 th, Easter Sunday o 340: Alleluia! Jesus Lives o 383 v. 9: Amen! That Is, So Let It Be! o 341: Awake, My Heart, with Gladness, v. 1-4 o 351: I Know that My Redeemer Lives, v. 1-3, & 8 o 352: Jesus Christ Is Risen Today Offering: 333: Christ the Life of All the Living, v. 1 March Birthdays Linda Martin... 3 rd Bill Hoks... 4 th Ron Ross th Gwen Gauerke st Rick Hutchison st Announcements Greeting Cards A variety of tasteful greeting cards is available in the narthex. Cost is 50 per card, or as marked per box. Please contact Diana Bonikowske with questions. Hymnary Bookmarks A HUGE thank you to Bill, Rick, Kim, Jean, Bob, Justine, Addy, Ann, and Gail for putting together ribbon bookmarks for our hymnaries. Midweek Lenten All are welcome to join us for our midweek Lenten services that began on Ash Wednesday and will continue every Wednesday at 6:30 PM through Wednesday, March 16 th. Holy Week s In observance of Holy Week, Pastor will offer brief devotional services based on p. 130 in the front of the Hymnary at 6:30 PM Monday-Wednesday, March 21 st - 23 rd. Please note that all are invited to attend the Maundy Thursday service at 6:30 PM March 24 th at our sister

4 congregation in Omro. See the calendar for the Holy Week schedule. Newsletter Submissions If you would like to submit anything for publication in our newsletter, please give it to the editor, Sarah Lilienthal, by the 21 st of month. Ask Pastor Have a theological question you d like Pastor to answer? Please feel welcome to submit it in person, via , or anonymously using the box in the narthex. Questions will be kept anonymous when answered in the newsletter. Sunday Treats and Flowers Anyone wishing to provide flowers for the altar, or a treat to go with coffee after Sunday worship services is welcome to do so. To aid in the planning and preparation of others, please contact Susan Loken no later than the Saturday before if you would like to bring treats, and please contact Sarah Lilienthal if you wish to provide flowers on any given Sunday. Looking Ahead Time Change: In continued cooperation with our sister congregation in Omro, our service time will switch to the summer schedule beginning with our service at 10:30 AM Sunday, April 3 rd. The Mission of Redeemer Lutheran Church is to: Reach out to all people who do not know the Good News of the forgiveness of sins, won for them by the perfect life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ and freely offered them through God s grace. And, to strengthen and encourage those who walk in true faith through the life-giving Word and Sacraments of God our heavenly Father. Redeemer Evangelical Lutheran Church (ELS) 125 North St. PO Box 95 Iola, WI (715) Pastor Lilienthal s Cell: (715) RedeemerLutheranIola@gmail.com Page 4

5 Christ Jesus lay in death s strong bands, For our offenses given MARCH 2016 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY :30 AM Office of Prime 6 Fourth Sunday in Lent 8 AM Worship 9:15 AM Bible 13 Fifth Sunday in Lent 8 AM Worship with Lord s 9:15 AM Bible Daylight Savings 20 Palm Sunday 8 AM Worship 9:15 Fellowship & Ladies Guild Meeting Holy Week 27 The Resurrection of Our Lord 8 AM Worship with Lord s 9:15 AM Bible PM Elders Meeting :30 PM 24 Maundy Thursday at Messiah, Omro 6:30 PM 25 6:30 PM Good Friday w/ Lord s The Feast of St. Joseph, Guardian of Jesus 26 6:30 PM Easter Vigil The Annunciation of Our Lord 31 But now at God s right hand He stands And brings us life from heaven Alleluia! ELH 343 Page 5