What is it we are missing? Could it be the Holy Spirit s power?

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1 Incarnation Image June 2018 The wind blows wherever it pleases. said Jesus on one occasion. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. It would be difficult to imagine a scene more dramatic than the sound of a mighty wind and tongues of fire. The disciples experienced such power, then these uneducated followers of the Lord were able to testify in foreign languages to pilgrims who had come from many lands to celebrate the thanksgiving festival of Pentecost. This series of events and Peter s preaching that day made an impression. With such power behind it, the Good News should have conquered the world. But no one is going to accuse us of being drunk and disorderly. Today, we recoil at the emotionalism of so-called holy rollers. We don t want any violent wind to shake the foundations of our temple. We don t want people jumping around in the aisles. We re content to be refined, respectable, responsible, and rational. And yet, something is missing in today s church. It s not sincerity. We re all sincere in our faith. It s not intellect. We have the best educated clergy and lay people the world has ever known. It s not financial. Sure, we scramble sometimes to make ends meet, but we are an affluent people. What is it we are missing? Could it be the Holy Spirit s power? Today, we pray in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The Father and the Son we are comfortable with, but the Holy Spirit well, we don t exactly know where we stand there. Theologian Henry Van Dusen tells us, The first disciples prayed in the name of the Spirit, Son, and Father. Why the change? Because we have reversed the New Testament strategy in approaching people. We come to people first with the doctrine of the Father, which is the most difficult of the Christian doctrines to comprehend. We then talk about the doctrine of the Son, which is more understandable, and finally, we save the Holy Spirit for those inside the church who are most mature. So, we should begin with the Holy Spirit. An outsider can understand the Spirit of God loose in people. As people respond enthusiastically to the power and warmth of the Spirit, they can be taught about the Son, and finally grapple with God the Father. People today, particularly young people, are turned off by a faith that is simply intellectual and rational. They want a holistic presentation of the Gospel, one that grips the imagination and the emotions as well as the intellect. This is an age that cries out for, Spirit, Son and Father. Christianity without an emphasis on the Holy Spirit is like faith on decaf. A faith that is only intellectual and rational without any trace of what is sometimes called enthusiasm is not faith that empowers people to live out their faith in action and with joy. Some put it this way. We have been trained in fire building, but we have no fire. There is growing recognition that faith must involve the head and the heart if we are going to reach people today with the Christian message. The twentieth century showed a decline in emphasis on the Holy Spirit. It also showed a steady decline in the membership of mainline churches. It is the Holy Spirit that empowers us to do God s work in the world. In Matthew 28, Christ instructs the disciples that they are to take the Gospel to the whole world. How could they possibly fulfill his command? How could 120 people possibly take the Gospel to the whole world? Jesus explains how, Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Jesus would be with them in the power of the Holy Spirit which he promised to send them and did send them. We need the power of the Holy Spirit today. Look at the complexity of the world with rival faiths. Consider the enormous problems the world faces. Do you think that we could make a dent in any of these problems using only our own power? If ever we needed the Holy Spirit to be working through us, it is now. It is in this time and place. Not only do we need the power of the Holy Spirit as a church, we need the power of the Spirit in our individual lives. How do we live a life of integrity in a world where personal values are crumbling? How can we keep our commitments? How do we live a Christ-like life in a world that glorifies greed and materialism? There is only one way, and that is to pray that Christ s Spirit will come into our lives and give us the courage, the conviction, and the compassion to be the kind of person that honors Christ. We have the form of religion, but we lack its power? We bear the name of Christ but lack the will to be Christ s people in the world today. Why? Because we have neglected the third person of the Trinity the Holy Spirit. And so, we pray, Come into our hearts, Holy Spirit, and make us one with Christ. In the name of the, Spirit, Son and Father. Amen. Pastor Ralph

2 P A G E 2 J U N E 2018 COUNCIL NOTES - APRIL 10, 2018 NOTE TO THE CONGREGATION Council Notes will be shared in second month following the meeting. Here are the April notes being shared in June. This allows the full council to approve the minutes before publishing. 1. Meeting called to order by Tim Kesy at 7:00 p.m. 2. Roll Call of Council Officers & Council Members Pastor Hankermeyer- Tim Kesy Judy Trow Myrna Herrbold 3. Devotions - Jean Watson: topic was Life is Good. Thank you. 4. Approval of Agenda a. Motion by Myrna Herrbold, 2nd by Jean Watson. Approval: Yes 5. Minutes from Last Month a. Changes? None b. Motion by Tim Kesy, 2nd by Myrna Herrbold. Approval: Yes 6. Pastor s Report Pastor Ralph Hankermeyer a. Two members recently hospitalized b. Carl Poley requested termination of his membership c. Taku Ronsman s evening programs are going well. i. Motion made by Don Kneisler and seconded by Myrna Herrbold to extend her agreement ii. Approval: Yes d. Pastor Ralph & family will be on vacation Sunday, May 1 through May 19. i. Rev. John Sell will officiate for worship May 6, and will be on call for emergency visitation. ii. Rev. Clarence Harms will officiate for worship May Standing Committees - Action Items a. Stewardship Valerie Tingley b. Evangelism/Social Ministry Don Kneisler Valerie Tingley Jean Watson Don Kneisler c. Finance / Treasurer Myrna Herrbold & Valerie Tingley i. Financial situation gradually getting a little better. (Please see Financial Report on Page 4) d. Worship and Music Myrna Herrbold i. Discussion on the use/nonuse of communion glasses. It was the consensus of the Council to maintain the current practice. ii. Information/direction sheets have been prepared for ushers and acolytes. iii. Wednesday Praise Worship services will start May 30th at 6:30 pm and continue into September. e. Christian Education Jean Watson i. Sunday School will end May 6 ii. End of Adult Education April 29 f. Buildings and Grounds Tim Kesy i. Date of spring clean still to be determined ii. Installation of new church sign: contract has been signed. 8. Old Business a. Cookbook discussed. Valerie Tingley volunteered to assemble recipes. b. Lawnmower replacement plans 9. New Business a. Church celebration of 50th Anniversary of Incarnation establishment to be Sunday, September 9. b. Sunday, June 10th of Carl Peters 60th Ordination Anniversary. 10. Other Business a.the Community Gardens will be supported again. Linda Snell has written a grant for $500 for the garden beds and supplies. b. Hot dogs will be offered again. 11. Next Meeting: a. Tuesday, May 8, 2018 at 7:00 pm b. Devotions 12. Adjournment a. Motion by: Jean Watson Second by: Myrna Herrbold Approval: Yes b. Adjourn at 8:50 p.m. 13. Closing Prayer The Lord's Prayer You can read your Incarnation Newsletter on-line Click Calendar & Events Worship Updates & Schedules Wednesday Evening Praise Worship returns May 30 at 6:30 pm.. See Back Page. SUNDAY SCHEDULE Worship - 9 am Fellowship - 10 am WEDNESDAY EVENING PRAISE WORSHIP 6:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall Scrappy Stitchers Quilting: 1st & 3rd Friday 9:30 am - June 1st & 15th Church Council 2nd Tuesday 7:00 pm June 12th Men s Bible Study 1st and 3rd Monday 6:30 am June 4th & 18th Women s Bible Study 1st and 3rd Thursday -- 9:30 am June 7th and 21st

3 JUNE 2018 PAGE 3 Pastor Carl and Incarnation recognized at Synod Assembly...May 18 & 19 Pastor Carl Peters and Pastor Carl Knitt are congratulated by Bishop Mansholt Please join in the Celebration of Carl s Ordination on Sunday, June 10 Pastor Carl has been a minister for 60 years and Incarnation has been a congregation for 50 years. That s a lot of love for the Lord. More info on Church Anniversary on p. 7. Worship at 10:30 am -- repeat - 10:30 am. Gary Benson, retired lead pastor of American Lutheran Church, Phoenix, AZ. will be the preaching. A son of Carl s Stanley, WI congregation, Pastor Benson was confirmed and ordained by Carl. The congregation is invited to the Service and dinner following. Please, no gifts. Nancy Anderson holds the Recognition Plaque presented to Incarnation for 50 years of sharing the Gospel. Pastor and Marlene Peters, Nancy and Ken Anderson represented Incarnation at the Synod Assembly

4 P A G E 4 J U N E 2018 Date Ushers Reader Refreshments June 3 Wayne & Kate Pagel Nancy Anderson Linda Hankermeyer June 10 Pastor Carl s Ordination Anniversary and Luncheon June 17 Ken and Nancy Anderson Ken Anderson Nancy Anderson June 24 Myrna Herrbold & Karen Nantelle Sarah Kneisler Sarah Kneisler

5 JUNE 2018 PAGE 5 Out reach Bags to Balls??? The Saturday workshops making Mats for the Homeless is suspended for the summer. How about taking home a Bag of Bags and returning with the balls, ready for those who crochet the sleeping mats? Thanks! Bags of bags in the Narthex by Fellowship Hall door. How does our Garden Grow? With the help of Amber and her two children, Daniel and Marcella the little veggies and growing and filling in the raised beds. Alas, Amber had to fence the gardens because of hungry deer. They really enjoyed the strawberries! Now, safe from the deer, Romaine lettuce and carrots are sprouting. And maybe the makings of a Salsa Garden, with jalapenos included. Amber donated a rain barrel...all part of making the most of what the Lord gives us. The continuing support for these garden beds is a great testament to our congregation, as a whole, and to Linda Snell who fostered it last summer. This year she has written for a grant of $500 for the garden beds and supplies. Thanks to Amber, Daniel, Marcella, and Linda Want to see these pictures in color? Read your Newsletter on-line Click Calendar & Events Date Ushers Reader Refreshments July 1 July 15 John and Judy Trow Shirley Haskins and Jean Watson Don and Kaye Sterling John Trow Jean Watson Linda Snell Judy Trow Diane Dombeck Kaye Sterling July 22 Dennis and Jan Finell Dennis Finell Jan Finell July 29 Carl and Marlene Peters Carl Peters Marlene Peters July 8

6 P A G E 6 On the calendar J U N E 2018 Church Calendar and all pictures in color on our website: Pastor Carl Peters Anniversary of his Ordination 60 years! Sunday, June 10 Such a truly special occasion. Mark your calendars for this day of worship and celebration. Worship begins at 10:30 am, please note. Luncheon to follow. All are welcome. Details on page 3. First Dinner and Play of the Summer: Barefoot in the Park Saturday, June 23 Are you ready to get out for the night? What and where you ask? We re going back to the Abrams Spotlight Theater to watch the play Barefoot in the Park. When? Saturday, June 23. Supper at Luigi s at 5:00. Play is at 7:00. Cost? $ Sign up by Sunday, June 10 so that play tickets can be purchased. Come for supper or the play or both. It s going to be a fun night - everyone is welcome!! Watch for these future events: July 19 - Supper & Play Mary Poppins at St. Norbert s August 2 - If Tombstones Could Talk at The Allouez Cemetery September 22 - Progressive Supper Any questions call me at or me. Kaye Great Fun at the Trinity Ladies Luncheon A fund-raiser for the Youth Work Camp, this event raffled, auctioned, and handed out door prizes all evening. There was something for every one, plus a fabulous turkey dinner. Karen Konop and Diane Dombeck bid for and won some good stuff. Not too late to sign up for YAHs last outing Green House Tours -- Wed. May 30-9:30 am Beautiful spring flowers for all to enjoy. Please meet at church at 9:30 am. Out first visit is to Schroeder s Flowers on Webster. Then to lunch at Lorelei from 11:45 to 12:45. And on to Rose-Hill Gardens in Hobart. Thanks to Linda Snell for coordinating this and other YAHs outing throughout the last year. Sign-up sheet in the Narthex.

7 J U N E 2018 P A G E 7 Women s Bible Study continue on the 1st and 3rd Thursday. First Thursday, the Study uses the ELCA Magazine "Gather" as a study guide. On the 3rd Thursday, Pastor continues to share lessons about the Women of the Bible, discovering things about the women of the Bible, about your God, and about yourself. This month, some insight into Leah. Both meet at church at 9:30 am. Pastor explains the transition from Easter Lily to Peace Lily. The change of seasons, the Church Year. Men add an evening Bible Study starting Thurs., June 14 Men of the congregation are invited to join a new Bible Study group beginning on Thursday, June 14. Gathering time will be 6:30 P.M. in the fellowship hall. This topical study will be based on a series entitled: God Has a Plan for You! Yes, this is a bold claim. But it is true. God says in Jeremiah 29: 11-13, For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Lesson 1: God Has a Plan! is available in the Narthex. Please read it and think about the exercises provided so that we can share ideas and grow together. The Morning Studies on the 1st and 3rd Mondays are ongoing. All are welcome. Incarnation was recognized at the Synod Assembly last month. So, the celebration of our 50 year Anniversary has begun. Please see page 3 for our Recognition Plaque. Sunday, Sept. 9 is the date for Incarnation to celebrate its 50th Anniversary. That is also Rally Sunday, so it s a big day for us. That means big plans to be made. Please be part of celebrating our 50th Anniversary. Pastor will head a planning group. Vacation Bible School is coming. Mon. July Thurs., Aug. 2

8 INCARNATION LUTHERAN CHURCH Ninth Street Green Bay, WI ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED WEDNESDAY SUMMER PRAISE WORSHIP : 6:30 pm A mid-week Worship that celebrates the Lord in with an alternative style featuring a new assortment of song and music, drawing on uplifting, modern, and spoken liturgy. This year s theme will be Men and Women of the Word. Faith like love is a many-splendored thing. It cannot be described in one word or with just one picture. Faith, though unseen except to the eyes of God, shows itself in various virtues. Extraordinary trust in God, patience, courage, love, loyalty, and purity, are some of the gifts of grace available to heroes of faith. Although made of clay, they testify to us how strong faith can be and what God can do with one who believes. Wednesday Summer Praise Worship continues through September.Lessons posted on church website: So whether this is a supplement for a substitute for Sunday worship, please join in.