A Month of Thanksgiving

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Beverly McDowell
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November 2015 The View Vol. 60 No.11 A Month of Thanksgiving Okay, I know Reformation Day is in October, but October 31 st (Reformation Day) through November 30 th is one month.

Thankfully it is to God s credit we are saved (Christ Alone Grace Alone).

Paul wrote, 1 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Thank the Lord Martin Luther brought us back to Scriptures Alone as the source and norm of all doctrine and truth. St.

1 November 2015 The View Vol. 60 No.11 A Month of Thanksgiving Okay, I know Reformation Day is in October, but October 31 st (Reformation Day) through November 30 th is one month. These three celebrations can easily be tied together. REFORMATION DAY Day of Thanksgiving: We thank God for the saint, Martin Luther, to bring the church back to the Word and the Truth. Thankfully it is to God s credit we are saved (Christ Alone Grace Alone). Should salvation be based on work righteousness, our efforts, NONE of us would be celebrating All Saints Day as no one would be a saint and saved. St. Paul wrote, 1 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. (Romans 5:1, ESV) All Saints are made right before God through faith alone in Jesus Christ as their Savior. Thank the Lord Martin Luther brought us back to Scriptures Alone as the source and norm of all doctrine and truth. St. Paul wrote, 15 and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scriptures is breathed out by God. (2 Timothy 3:15, 16a, ESV) Jesus prayed on the night in which He was betrayed, Sanctify them with the truth, Your word is truth. (John 17:17) We thank God for the faith He gave us which made us saints and saved us. (Ephesians 2:8-9) ALL SAINTS DAY Day of Thanksgiving: We thank God for the saints who have gone before us. They let Christ s light shine (Matthew 5:16), they proclaimed His excellencies (1 Peter 2:9-10), and they led the way paving a path to the Cross of Calvary Glory to God Alone. We thank God for: Beatice Sawn, Carrie Hartjen, Herman Lehman, Beverly Pasch, Fred Forster, Justin Maloney, Dorothy Blacker, Martha Toce, and Jeanne Irmischer. We thank God that someday, because of His grace and mercy, we will be joining the saints who have gone on before us to paradise. Yes, thank God as He has made us saints and has given us the hope of eternal life. St. Paul wrote, 11 And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified [made holy made saints], you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. (1 Corinthians 6:11, ESV) The symbol above (center) with the Chi Rho and Fish (ICTHUS) means through Christ we have been saved/ sanctified and made saints. ICTHUS [ἰχθύς] is the Greek word for fish. The acronym for ICTHUS [ἰχθύς] Jesus Christ God s Son Savior. This symbol was used to identify Christians/Saints during a period of Christian persecution under Roman rule. The saints stood tall during persecution. THANKSGIVING DAY EVERY Day is a Day of Thanksgiving Every church festival is a Thanksgiving Day: We have one day set aside, but as you see above every celebration is a time of THANKSGIVING. We do take special time to thank God from Whom ALL blessings flow. St. James wrote, 17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. (James 1:17, ESV) We live in a world where Christians are being persecuted daily. We live in a world where Christians are being killed daily. Even, no, ESPECIALLY, during these times EVERY day is a day of Thanksgiving! Yes, lives are taken, but are they really? St. John records Jesus telling Martha after Lazarus died writes, 25 Jesus said to her, I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, 26 and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this? (John 11:25 26, ESV) Christains/Saints, because of Faith Alone live even though they die. No one can t take life from God s children. This is the greatest reason for thanksgiving. God makes it clear in Scriptures Alone He has cleared the path for all people to be saved because of Faith Alone. God does this purely because He loves YOU and the world Grace Alone. Needless to say, but I will, you have blessings upon blessings added to the blessings just mentioned: family, friends, jobs, country. Have an awesome month, lifetime, of Thanksgiving! Praise God from Whom ALL blessings flow! Yours brother in Christ, Pastor

Mission of the Month for November, 2015 ORPHAN GRAIN TRAIN Organized: April 1992 First Shipment Overseas: March 1993 Semi-loads Worldwide: 2,505 John 14:18 I will not leave you as orphans; I will

This would not be possible without the monetary donations from you to help with the shipping costs.

For many children this may be the only meal they eat that day and the meals are an incentive to attend school. Orphan Grain Train changes lives through the shipping of food.

2 Mission of the Month for November, 2015 ORPHAN GRAIN TRAIN Organized: April 1992 First Shipment Overseas: March 1993 Semi-loads Worldwide: 2,505 John 14:18 I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Millions of Meals Served Orphan Grain Train is proud to announce that nearly 3.5 million meals and 146,855 pounds of edible beans shipped last year! This would not be possible without the monetary donations from you to help with the shipping costs. These meals and beans have helped to feed children and families within the United States and around the world. Many schools do not offer a meal until OGT becomes involved and a feeding program starts. For many children this may be the only meal they eat that day and the meals are an incentive to attend school. Orphan Grain Train changes lives through the shipping of food. Will you give to Project Feed 500? $15 ships 500 meals, $150 ships 5,000 meals! Help us reach our goal of 4 million meals this year. Special Projects Sponsor a Box Orphan Grain Train s avg. cost to ship an apple-box full of relief supplies. = $11 Project Feed 500 The goal is to ship meals to feed hungry people all over the world. $15.00 ships food for 500 over the world. $ ships food for 5000 Adopt An Orphanage Sponsor an orphanage in Russia. $280 per month These funds will provide medicine, medical supplies, vitamins, hygienic supplies, school needs, bedding, and some clothing items. School Kits for children around the world Fill backpacks with spiral notebooks, pens, pencils, construction paper, crayons, ruler, glue sticks, blunt scissors, washable markers, and protractor. Hygiene Kits for disaster survivors Fold sides of towel over a bar of soap, two small packs of tissues, toothbrush & toothpaste, solid deodorant, large comb, and a washcloth. Roll towel length-wise and bind with two large rubberbands.

Thank you for blessing the children in Laotchikit! Thank you to everyone who attended and supported the Bavarian Fest held to benefit the school in Laotchikit, Haiti.

We greatly appreciate Thrivent for their support, and all of you who donated crafts, art, baked goods, quilts, plants, wood cravings, and other items.

Everyday children come to school in Haiti; they receive an education and the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

3 Thank you for blessing the children in Laotchikit! Thank you to everyone who attended and supported the Bavarian Fest held to benefit the school in Laotchikit, Haiti. Through proceeds from this event, Mt. Pisgah is now able to support the staff s salaries for the entire school year. We greatly appreciate Thrivent for their support, and all of you who donated crafts, art, baked goods, quilts, plants, wood cravings, and other items. This effort will educate 320 children for an entire school year by paying the teachers, cooks and gatekeeper s salaries. Everyday children come to school in Haiti; they receive an education and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Pastor Walta tells us, The only thing that will change Haiti is education of the children and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Thank you for blessing these children. Our Missionaries: Please continue to keep our Missionary families in your prayers: Rev. Roger and Amy James, serving the Lord in Sri Lanka Bill and Nicole Lohmeyer with daughters Kiersten and Karissa, serving the Lord in the Dominican Republic Follow Pastor Phil on the Israel/Holy Land Trip Blog Below is the blog address for the daily journal that Pastor Hammer, a member of the tour group, will be posting each night after he has settled in and can hopefully connect to the internet. Follow Pastor Phil and our own Mikki Reinicker on their Holy Land adventure: eslc.wordpress.com

Voters Assembly - On Sunday, November 22nd The annual Voters Assembly meeting will be held on Sunday, November 22nd, during the Sunday School hour at 9:15am.

4 Voters Assembly - On Sunday, November 22nd The annual Voters Assembly meeting will be held on Sunday, November 22nd, during the Sunday School hour at 9:15am. At the Voters Assembly, members will review committee reports, elect new officers, determine the budget for 2016 and consider other business items. Call Committee Report As Rev. Cartwright returned our call, we experienced many feelings. Let us take heart and remember we seek the shepherd that the Lord has chosen to lead MPLC. I have contacted our Circuit Visitor / Counselor and he is requesting a new list from the Southeast District. Paul Mincer CHURCH FINANCES We are continuing to show a positive financial picture as of September We are running $74,220 over the proposed budget for the year. Of course, as we have said in the past, we have saved at least $44,000 by not having a full time pastor. Your continuing contributions are making Mt. Pisgah a financially healthy Church. Preschool is also showing a positive net income. They are having a good year with enrollment and with finances. Income and Expense Year to date as of August 30, 2015 Church Exclusive Of Preschool Preschool Income $182,103 $376,373 Expenses $133,403 $354,605 Net Income $ 48,700 $ 21,769 Dedicated Income - Year to Date $ 49,147 Cash on hand Operational Accounts $132,439 Dedicated Accounts $109,170 REMINDER The November Council Meeting is scheduled for Thursday, November 5th at 5:30pm in the Church Library Welcome to the MPLC family! Eleanor Claycomb

If you have extra Christmas cards please leave them in the narthex.

5 d our security system. Operation Christmas Child filled shoeboxes must be returned to the narthex by November 15. THANK YOU! Ladies Guild will meet Nov 9th and will be addressing Christmas cards for servicemen and women. If you have extra Christmas cards please leave them in the narthex. If you wish to address some of them yourself, leave them also in the narthex. Pecans are coming! The Ladies Guild annual fundraiser will be here this month. You are invited to attend Mt. Pisgah Lutheran Preschool s 2015 Christmas Program Friday, December 4th at 5:00pm Reception following program

Service Opportunities at Mount Pisgah Greeters and Ushers Serve on Sundays at 7:45 a.m. Contact Tony Selius at 692-5489 or anth5489@bellsouth.net Serve on Sundays at 10:30 a.m. Contact Chuck Ginter 685-0112 Quilting Group Meets on 1 st and 3 rd Thursdays at 9:00 a.

Although the church secretary does the formatting and composition, some basic computer skills are needed to submit articles. Contact Jim Volk at 693-5692 or e-mail jvvolkmd@ioa.

Contact Jean Siebold at 692-7535 or jsiebold@bellsouth.net Prayer Shawl Ministry Meets on 1 st Wednesday at 1:00 p.m. Contact Jean Siebold at 692-7535 or jsiebold@bellsouth.

6 Service Opportunities at Mount Pisgah Greeters and Ushers Serve on Sundays at 7:45 a.m. Contact Tony Selius at or Serve on Sundays at 10:30 a.m. Contact Chuck Ginter Quilting Group Meets on 1 st and 3 rd Thursdays at 9:00 a.m. Contact Jan Tharp at or hvilletharps@bellsouth.net Newsletter Coordinator To coordinate the submission of articles about church activities and issues for the monthly newsletter, The View. Although the church secretary does the formatting and composition, some basic computer skills are needed to submit articles. Contact Jim Volk at or jvvolkmd@ioa.com Altar Guild 1st and 3rd Saturdays at 10:00 a.m. Contact Ann Cheadle at Members Needed to Count the Offering on Mondays at 11:00 a.m. Time is flexible in accord with participant needs. Contact Jean Siebold at or jsiebold@bellsouth.net Prayer Shawl Ministry Meets on 1 st Wednesday at 1:00 p.m. Contact Jean Siebold at or jsiebold@bellsouth.net Memorial Garden A person or committee to oversee the management of the Memorial Garden; maintenance of the Garden, facilitate advance purchase contracts, arrange for inurnments and handle finances. Contact Jim Volk or jvvolkmd@ioa.com Please see the flyers in the hall for the IAM November food and clothing needs. FALL CLEAN UP Saturday, November 7th from 9AM to 12PM Come on out and lend a hand as we clean up behind the two sheds in the upper parking lot. Wear long sleeves and bring a pair of work gloves. Coffee and donuts will be served from 8-9AM (rain date will be Saturday, November 14th). Praise God from whom all blessings flow Thanksgiving Day Worship Service Thursday, November 26 th at 10:00 AM

November SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT 1 Communion 8am Bible Classes 9:15am Communion 10:45am 8 Worship 8am Bible Classes 9:15am Worship 10:45am 2 3 4 Women s

Study 8 am 12 13 Men s Bible Study 8 am 7 FALL CLEAN_UP 9AM 12PM 14 15 Communion 8am Bible Classes 9:15am Communion 10:45am 16 17 18 Women s Bible Study 10am

9:15am Worship 10:45am 23 24 25 Women s Bible Study 10am 30 26 Thanksgiving Service 10:00AM 27 Men s Bible Study 8 am 28 B I R T H D A Y B L E S S I N G S!

Amato 17 Ann Cheadle 30 Peter Kawa 21 Ed Bertram 3 Clarence Blythe 3 Helene Wunderlich 5 Larry McLinley 6 Elise Cavicchio 6 Marie Harms 6 Wendy Maloney 8 Jan

Hamilton 21 Lee Marquardt 22 Hardy Feige Weekly Bible Studies Wednesday @ 10:00 a.m. Women s Bible Study: led by Pastor McLain in the church library.

7 November SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT 1 Communion 8am Bible Classes 9:15am Communion 10:45am 8 Worship 8am Bible Classes 9:15am Worship 10:45am Women s Bible Study 10am 9 Ladies Guild 1pm Prayer Shawl Ministry 1pm Women s Bible Study 10am 5 Quilters Ministry 9am Church Council 5:30pm 6 Men s Bible Study 8 am Men s Bible Study 8 am 7 FALL CLEAN_UP 9AM 12PM Communion 8am Bible Classes 9:15am Communion 10:45am Women s Bible Study 10am 19 Quilters Ministry 9am 20 Men s Bible Study 8 am 21 22Worship 8am VOTERS MEETING 9:15am Worship 10:45am 29 1st Sunday in Advent Worship 8am Bible Classes 9:15am Worship 10:45am Women s Bible Study 10am Thanksgiving Service 10:00AM 27 Men s Bible Study 8 am 28 B I R T H D A Y B L E S S I N G S! NOVEMBER 1 Yvonne McLellan 24 Bob Morin 4 Ed Duszak 25 Dave Marquardt 7 Alan Clancy 25 Herb Spies 9 Paul Mincer 25 Kathleen Weege 11 Margi McLain 29 Gary Amato 17 Ann Cheadle 30 Peter Kawa 21 Ed Bertram 3 Clarence Blythe 3 Helene Wunderlich 5 Larry McLinley 6 Elise Cavicchio 6 Marie Harms 6 Wendy Maloney 8 Jan Nelson 9 Larry Rabon 11 Wallace Mooney DECEMBER 11 Troy Rappley 13 Mary Reid 14 George Fuchs 15 David White 16 Laura Reinhold 19 Joan Ginter 20 Robert Hamilton 21 Lee Marquardt 22 Hardy Feige Weekly Bible Studies 10:00 a.m. Women s Bible Study: led by Pastor McLain in the church library. 8:00 a.m. Men s Bible Study at Denny s Restaurant (with breakfast). 9:15 a.m. Adult Bible Study Pastor McLain The New Life in Christ. Have a Blessed Thanksgiving!

Opossum X 2 A pair of juvenile possums, seeking refuge in the back office storage room, provided an

The uninvited guests were each caught a day apart.

preschoolers. The kids thought the possum was cute.

unsure of its encounter with the group of small humans.

8 Opossum X 2 A pair of juvenile possums, seeking refuge in the back office storage room, provided an unusual diversion for MPLC staff during the week of October 12th. The uninvited guests were each caught a day apart. Possum #2, dubbed Awesome, became the star attraction of an impromptu wildlife exhibit for our older preschoolers. The kids thought the possum was cute. The possum however, though grinning (a defensive expression to exhibit its many teeth), seemed a bit unsure of its encounter with the group of small humans. Since possums do not carry rabies, both were safely transported and released to a new location near Brevard, thanks to local wildlife expert Tyron Phillips. Mt. Pisgah Lutheran Church & Preschool 2606 Chimney Rock Road Hendersonville, NC PH FAX Rev. Philip McLain Vacancy Pastor

The View. Pastor. with you all. (2 Corinthians 13:14)

The View. Pastor. with you all. (2 Corinthians 13:14) January 2016 The View Vol. 61 No.1 14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. (2 Corinthians 13:14) What will the New Year be like?