The St. Paul Messenger

Transcription

1 July 1, 2018 Volume 20, Issue 7 St. Paul Lutheran Church The St. Paul Messenger FROM THE PASTOR I ll Be Back 14 Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. 2 My Father s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. (John 14:1-3 NIV) I ll be Back. These words sprang to life when Arnold Schwarzenegger, playing an android assassin from the future asked to see his target at a police station. When the officer said he couldn t see her as she was being interrogated he stated, I ll be back and he came back, not to bring peace, but to strike terror in the hearts of many. How different it is when Jesus says, I will come back. In chapter 13 of the Gospel of John, Jesus begins to prepare His disciples for His departure. He begins to get deep in the doctrine of His going to the cross for the sins of the world. Jesus knew His disciples were beginning to wonder, and were becoming afraid at what He was teaching, so He says to them, Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. 2 My Father s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. Jesus wanted His disciples, and this includes us, to turn away from living in fear, and to live by faith, in Him. Jesus says, You believe in God, believe also in me. The disciples were followers of Jesus, but one and all were having difficulty trusting Jesus. Let s admit it, ok? You, and I aren t much different. We say we believe in God, but when the hard times come, (remember Jesus s parable of the sower and seeds) we begin to fail in fully trusting in Jesus. This is why James would later say, to those who proclaimed they had faith; yet their actions were saying something else. 19 You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that and shudder. (James 2:19 NIV) James was trying to show, saying we believe in God is not enough! We need a living, vibrant, and active faith, a faith which can be seen by what we do. In short, we understand, that is to take to heart the teachings of Jesus. As James says, Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. (James 1:22) It is true, we get ourselves into situations which bring us pain and hurt! We are called upon to face losses, sickness, and even death! But God, through the out pouring of God the Holy Spirit has given us the source of strength. For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. (2 Timothy 1:7) This means that it is God Who has given us the most precious gift of faith! He reminds us that because He did, we do not have to live in fear of our circumstances: We read: There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. (I John 4:18 NIV) So, when we are in faith, (an active and not passive faith) we have, the fruits of the Spirit! But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, (Galatians 5:22) Because Jesus keeps His promises, you and I are now able to conquer our fears. When you come to His Altar and feed on His Holy Body and drink His Precious Blood, the gift of faith you have been given is strengthened. He reminds you in the eating and drinking of the Lord s Supper, that you are Forgiven of all your sins, even the sin of fear and your doubting Him. Cont. on page 2

2 P a g e 2 T h e S t. Pa u l M essenger V olume 20, I s s u e 7 Jesus reminds you just as He did His disciples, that when He goes away, you will not be alone: 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever (John 14:16 NIV) Each Sunday as you enter Church you are reminded of His love. You see standing front and center, (or you should see) the Baptismal font. This is where you were washed in the Holy and cleansing flood, your Baptism and were given the precious gift of the Holy Spirit, Just as He promised. As a result, you have peace, and are able to call upon the Lord. St. Paul says, 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (Philippians 4:6) So, when you hear, I ll be Back, it s not the evil one or a character like Arnold Schwarzenegger played, to create fear in your heart, but rather it is the Lord Jesus Christ coming to fill you with His love, and on that last day, when Jesus appears and takes you home, you will continue to hear His sweet and peaceful Words, I forgive you all your sins, in the name of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. To God be the Glory. Pastor Martis (All Scripture references were drawn from Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide). My dearest family and friends here at St. Paul. This will be the last article I ll be writing for your newsletter. It is with a heavy heart that the time has come for me to fade into the background. Your new Pastor will now pick up the pen and do his best to encourage you each month in these pages. I pray that I was able to do so. Joyce and I will need to be gone for a couple of months, returning Lord willing in the fall. It has been a joy serving you for this short time, and Lord willing, I ll look forward to serving you in another capacity when Joyce and I return, (Lord willing). God s peace be with you all. Don t forget, Lord willing, I ll be back! Pastor Alvia M Martis St. Paul Shut-Ins We keep in our prayers the following: DELORES ATKINSON Alpine Village Assisted Living #317, 1032 S. Perry St., Napoleon, OH BETTY BARTELS Home 610 East St., PO Box 73, Liberty Center, OH GLADYS DEMALINE Home 479 Independence Dr., Apt 1, Napoleon, OH RITA KESSLER Home 6859 Co Rd U, Liberty Center, OH 43532

3 V olume 20, I s s u e 7 T h e St. Pa u l M essenger July Birthdays P a g e 3 Kassidee Bergstedt 1 John Overmier 2 Shanda Rumsey 4 Maci Bostelman 6 Jerry Miller 7 Bill Glanz 8 Pearl Petteys 8 Hayden Phillips 8 Brenda Bartels 9 Kathy Slee 9 Renee Meyer 9 Gayle Lewis 10 Macie Cordes 10 Tom Davis 11 William Zeiter II 12 Jamie Snyder 13 Tyler Conmay 14 John P. Fredrick 14 Derek Heath 14 Nicole Myers 16 Jason Sonnenberg 16 Jeena Kosier 16 Matt Meienburg 17 Peyton Nash 18 Liam Nash 18 Van Brandt 18 Carson Kosier 18 Kara Dyett 19 Krista Robinson 19 Madison Overmier 19 Karla Spengler 20 Kent Snyder 20 John Engler 22 Jeffery Zacharias 22 Tim Bartels 23 Chelsea Meister 25 Logan Meyer 25 Ahna Pittman-Nash 26 Tory May 26 Dan Seedorf 27 Vic Plassman 29 Brenda Smotherman 29 Susan Wyckhouse 29 Leah Ross 30 Andre Atkinson 30 Karen Bergstedt 31 Brad May 31 July Anniversaries Casey & Mandi Mohler 5 Tom & Amy Davis 8 James & Karlyn Feffer 9 Jason & Laura Gonder 20 Tom & Patsy Mohler 24 Oliver & Amber Phillips 25 Mike & Cheryl Mann 26 Tim & Brenda Bartels 31 Ken & Deb Glanz 31 M. Scott & Peggy Mohler 31 July Baptismal Birthdays Patsy Mohler 2 Lori Bostelman 9 Kate Busick 11 Melissa Carnahan 12 Katie Zeiter 12 Sarah Butcher 12 Chloe Mohler 12 Shanda Rumsey 13 Jerry Hartman 18 Ken Bergstedt 20 John Overmier 22 Brady Chapa 27 Meganne Miller 27 Gerald Miller 31 Linda Myles

4 P a g e 4 T h e S t. Pa u l M essenger V olume 20, I s s u e 7 WORSHIP ASSISTANTS SCHEDULE July 2018 DATE ACOLYTES CRUCIFER DEACON USHERS July 1 Jadelyn Seiler Kaden Bergstedt Tom Mohler LeVerne Gerken Sam Zeiter Jason Noaker Ray Carpenter July 8 Mariah Bostelman Brian Baker Tom Mohler Haley Mohler Lee Sonnenberg Jeff Nash July 15 Riley Chapa Miles Wittenmyer Ken Glanz Harold Smith Jeff Zacharias Paul Bergstedt Tyler Bergstedt July 22 Maci Bostelman Erv Sonnenberg Mike Mann Peyton Armey Mike Elling Bill Glanz July 29 Jadelyn Seiler Kaden Bergstedt Tom Mohler Bill Zeiter Zaine Pittman Cole Zeiter John Engler July Greeters Selected The Board of Evangelism has selected the greeters for July. Greeters are requested to greet for Sunday morning worship service. Greeters are asked to be on hand by 9:30 a.m. If there are handouts for that day, they will be labeled as such. Greeters should welcome all who come to worship, and request visitors to sign the Registration Book. If a person is unable to greet, please call Dan Seedorf at , and he will see that a greeter is in place. A big Thank You! goes out to all who help to make our worshipers feel more welcome. July Greeters are: July 1: July 8: July 15: July 22: July 29: Loretta & Dan Seedorf The Harold Smith Family The Kevin Bergstedt Family The Victor Smotherman Family The Seth Izor Family Serving on the Altar Service Team for July are: Ken & Karen Bergstedt, Kim Bergstedt, Scott & Tracy Armey, Nikk & LuAnn Hogrefe, Jeff & Sandy Rice Providing flowers are: Mike & Cheryl Mann

5 V olume 20, I s s u e 7 T h e St. Pa u l M essenger P a g e 5 Stewardship for May/June DATE ATTENDANCE COMMUNION S. SCHOOL CATECHISM OFFERINGS 5/27 67 $ 1, / $ 2, /10 80 $ 1, / $ 2, SUNDAY SUNDAY SUNDAY SUNDAY TOTAL TOTAL AVERAGE AVERAGE AVERAGE AVERAGE OFFERINGS $ 7, Special Projects/Memorials for May/June-$ 2, BG Concessions $ Mission Door Offering May $ Has your contact information changed recently? Your phone or address? Please remember to call the church office ( ) with your updated information. Thank you! STEWARDSHIP THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH Ephesians 2:13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. What all of mankind s efforts, works, and scheming could not do, the blood of Christ did: we have peace with God, we are brought near to the Father. This lifegiving sacrifice of Christ sets the pattern for the sacrifices we are called to make for others within our vocations in home, church, and society.

6 P a g e 6 T h e S t. Pa u l M essenger V olume 20, I s s u e 7 Sign-Up for Families Serving Families What: A weekend of service including construction, painting, and cleaning for people in need in our communities. Where: Henry & Fulton County When: August 3-5 Participants can register for 1 day or a whole weekend. Details: Sign-up sheets are in the narthex or call the church office. A Big Thank You To Those who helped in June: Paul & Linda Bergstedt, Howard Kessler, Bill Glanz, Jason Noaker, John Engler, Ryan McClure, Ken Barnes, Brenda Bartels, Mike & Jackie Elling Also a big thank you to the Youth who helped out: Jacob Croninger, Kaden Bergstedt, Lauren Phillips, Eli Phillips, Zaine Pittman, Delilah Chapa TRUSTEES PROJECT OF THE MONTH: Stripping and Waxing the Education Building and Church Floors We will need furniture movers and helpers to clean and wax floors the week of July 9th 10am till? each day until done. Thank you! If you can help in any way, please contact Marilyn Sonnenberg ( ) or Lee Sonnenberg ( ).

7 V olume 20, I s s u e 7 T h e St. Pa u l M essenger P a g e 7 OFFICIAL ACTS Holy Baptism LOGAN MICHAEL JAMES NOAKER Son of Jason & Mara Noaker On June 3, 2018 Logan s sponsor is Kim Bergstedt. We praise the Lord for bringing Logan saving faith through the waters of Holy Baptism TRANSFER OUT Suzanne Overmier transferred her membership to St. Paul Lutheran Church, Napoleon, on May 23, CHURCH OFFICERS (New officers and board members elected at the June 10 congregational meeting are italized and in bold print) Executive President Paul Bergstedt Vice-President Bill Zeiter, Jr. Secretary Cheryl Mann Treasurer Dan Seedorf Boards Christian Education Elders Evangelism Parish Fellowship Stewardship Trustees Youth Carrie Zeiter, Pastor Martis, Marilyn Johnson, Deb Nash Howard Kessler, Jr. Scott Armey, Kirk Rumsey John Swearingen, Jr., Bruce Sonnenberg, Trudie Sonnenberg Carol Carpenter, Peg Vollmar, Myrna Gibson, Betsy Zeiter Mary Smotherman, Linda Bergstedt, Penny Shamy Lee Sonnenberg, Rob Mohler, Carl Pippin, Ryan McClure, Marilyn Sonnenberg Tabitha Bergstedt, Amanda Burmeister, Kim Bergstedt Our sincere thanks to all of the departing officers and board members for their years of service, and another thank you to those members who said Yes when asked to serve.

8 P a g e 8 T h e S t. Pa u l M essenger V olume 20 Issue 7 FROM THE BOARD OF STEWARDSHIP For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery (Gal. 5:1). We celebrate this month because of the freedoms and liberties our country has afforded us. We are right to do this. We should be thankful for these liberties: the freedom to gather together to worship and to live out what we believe in our daily lives. But freedom and liberty in our age has devolved. It has become a freedom from duty instead of a freedom for it. Indeed, freedom and liberty in our age has turned into licentiousness: a license to do what we want, when we want. This license is a submission, again, to a yoke of slavery. For freedom as license to do what we desire when we desire it means we are slaves to our desires, slaves to our passions. Christ died to set us free from our sinful desires. In Holy Baptism, our Old Adam is drowned and put to death along with all sin and evil desires so that a new man may arise and live before God in righteousness and purity. In Christ, we are a new creation. We are set free from the passions of the flesh so that we are free to do our duty and bear fruits of the Spirit. Our duty is what God calls us to do as members of a family, society, and the church. God calls us to believe in His Word and gladly hear and learn it. He calls us to pray for all people. He calls us to live in faith toward Him and in fervent love for our neighbor. He calls us to put the gifts He gives to us in His service. God calls parents to provide for their children and raise them in the fear and admonition of the Lord. And God calls children to honor their parents and provide and care for them when they are no longer able to do so themselves. God calls the government to punish those who do evil and to reward those who do good. He calls citizens to pay their taxes and honor the governing officials as God s servants. He calls pastors to preach and teach the Gospel as well as repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And He calls hearers to support those who teach them with every good thing. Christ died to set us free from the works of our selfish flesh, giving us the freedom and liberty to do our duty. Stand firm, then, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. YOU ARE INVITED TO The Installation of Pastor Jeremy Kleino At St. Paul Lutheran Church, Liberty Center Sunday, June 24 at 3:00pm (Dinner to follow Installation)