It s Still All about Jesus!

Transcription

1 Trinity Lutheran Ministries 600 Water Street at Fillmore Edwardsville, Illinois Trinitylutheranministries.org Inside this issue: From the Pastor 1 From the Associate Pastor 2 From the Minister of Music 3 School News 3 Eric Dunn, DCE 4 News You can Use 5 Official Acts 11 Financial Report 11 Proud Member & Supporter of Metro-East Lutheran High School Association Making Connections within our Christian Family It s Still All about Jesus! Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. (Hebrews 13:8) The 500 th anniversary of the Reformation is here! It is a time to celebrate and a time to give thanks. It is also a time to reflect on the real meaning, point and purpose of the Reformation. As Lutherans the Reformation should have deep meaning for us, after all we are called Lutheran. Though sadly for many, that is all that they think about when it comes to the significance of the Reformation, Luther. Now Luther was an amazing man, theologian, musician, professor, pastor and confessor of the faith, but the Reformation was not about Luther. Yes, you heard me right. The Reformation was not about Luther. I know it might sound crazy because he was so influential. Through the study of Scripture, he was brought to see the truth of our salvation, all by grace through faith. Even with this, it s still true, the Reformation was not about Luther. Nor was it about the laymen that confessed Christ at the risk of their own lives. They are the ones who taught us all, that there is something worth more than anything else, something worth dying for and it s the truth of the Gospel. Yes, they are the ones who boldly made this confession to the emperor himself, that they would rather lose their heads than lose the Gospel. But even with this great example of fidelity, the Reformation is not about them. Instead, it was and still is all about Jesus. That is why it was a Reformation and not a new church. What was being reformed was everything that got in the way of the clear proclamation of Christ Jesus. Our salvation in him alone, not by our works but solely by Christ s work are we saved. This is the chief doctrine of the faith, Justification. Justification is that we sinners are justified (declared righteous) solely because Jesus lived a perfect life, and died to pay for our sins and then gives us what he accomplished as a gift. This is the amazing grace we love to sing about, the radical love of our God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. This is also why the Reformation was and is all about Jesus. It s also why we want to be all about Jesus in our lives too. What better truth to teach our children than the truth of Christ? None. This year we will be teaching, celebrating and rejoicing with our children that the Reformation was all about Jesus and our lives still are all about Jesus too. God s blessings to you and yours as you celebrate with us this everlasting truth of the Reformation! God s blessings, Pastor Shank Hebrews 13:8 Our mission is to lift high the cross of Jesus Christ by Preaching, Teaching, and Sharing God s love and unchanging Word.

2 From the Associate Pastor: The Word of the Lord Endures Forever All flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls, but the word of the Lord remains forever. 1 Peter 1:24-25 The motto of the Lutheran Reformation, Verbum Domini Manet in Aeternum (The Word of the Lord Endures Forever), served as a bold expression of faith in God s Word and His authority. It first appeared in the court of Frederick the Wise in He had it sewn onto the right sleeve of the court s official clothing, which was worn by prince and servant alike It was found inscribed inside churches, over doorways, on foundation stones, even on horse s helmets! 1 As we look forward to another school year it may appear that 2017 is just like any other. In many ways this is true. Students will come to Trinity for an education that strengthens what has been learned by building upon it with new new knowledge. Weekly students will go to their classes with friends, and yes make new ones too, but the pattern of learning and relationships will quickly become normalized. This is good, consistent and reliable education. Education is important to passing down knowledge both tested and true, whether its new, innovative, or what has always been taught. Students will at Trinity learn amazing things about themselves, others, and the material they engage in. What they learn at Trinity will prepare them to be successful in high school and beyond! But there s something that sets Trinity apart, even beyond the above-average public school testing scores, and that s the good news of the Gospel! To be quite forward, like school years begin, so does life and conversely, like school years end so also does life. As the Word of God declares, all flesh is like grass [and] the grass withers Now, Pastor, that s not a very encouraging welcome back to learning statement! Or is it? You see, this is the 500th year of the Lutheran Reformation. It s a special year, and we ll have may wonderful celebrations! But what about next year? Does this year make next year less special, less about the Gospel truth of Christ? By no means! You see what makes coming to Trinity special isn t only the amazing things you get to learn in all the subjects but the amazing Christ who saved us from our sins. Our students at Trinity get to learn that in our school, and while you maybe reading this article far removed from the days of your own formal education the same is true for you. We at Trinity in the school and in church hear the Word of God in all its beautiful truth! Today the Lutheran Reformation means we look back at a heritage of faithfulness which remains as a blueprint to our future. While grass withers, flowers fall, and all flesh dies, in Christ the creation is restored and we are redeemed! That s the everlasting truth our children and church get to learn; to believe in, teach, and confess Christ on earth and into eternity! Peace in Christ, Pastor DeBlieck SCHOOL NEWS Trinity continues to collect Box Tops. There are boxes in the narthex and school hallway to place your box tops. Trinity is also continuing the Scrip program. Orders are placed once a month, on the second Monday of the month, with the order being received that Friday. The school receives a percentage of each gift card purchased please consider this worthwhile fundraiser. It s especially helpful for your everyday needs such as gas and grocery. Order forms are available in the narthex, school office, church office, and online. 2 Check the calendar on Trinity s website for important dates!

3 Wes Jones, Principal Dear Friends in Christ, As the summer comes to an end, it is with great excitement that I write to you today. The school year is approaching quickly. Our theme for this year will be It s Still All About Jesus based on Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. This theme is part of the larger Reformation 500 celebration that will be taking place throughout the LCMS this year. The teachers are getting the last preparations for the school year together. The building looks fantastic. I would especially like to thank Scott Winte and the Property Board for all of their hard work on our new preschool 2 s room. I believe that our youngest students will be thrilled with their new location. There is a lot of excitement in the building in anticipation of the new school year. Even though this is a new year, one thing will stay the same. Christ will be leading us as we partner together with families to develop their children as they grow physically, intellectually, socially, emotionally, and spiritually. It is my prayer that this school year be filled with many great blessings from our Lord. I thank you for your prayers and support as our ministry together grows. In HIS Service, Wes Jones Jan Arneson, Minister of Music Ancient Words by Michael W Smith Holy words long preserved for our walk in this world, They resound with God's own heart Oh, let the Ancient words impart. Words of Life, words of Hope Give us strength, help us cope In this world, where e'er we roam Ancient words will guide us Home. Ancient words ever true Changing me, and changing you. We have come with open hearts Oh let the ancient words impart. Holy words of our Faith Handed down to this age. Came to us through sacrifice Oh heed the faithful words of Christ. Holy words long preserved For our walk in this world. They resound with God's own heart Oh let the ancient words impart. Ancient words ever true Changing me, and changing you. We have come with open hearts Oh let the ancient words impart. This has been a favorite song since the first time I heard it. We always need to go back to the source, the Bible- all is in there for the complete story of God's love for us and how He redeems us. How we live now, but also into eternity. I hope that your summer is being a time of rest and relaxation, but a time also for reflection on God and all the blessings He has brought into your life. Blessings! Jan 3

4 Eric Dunn, DCE Greetings Brothers and Sisters in Christ, It s hard to believe that the school year is getting ready to start back up, but that is the case. We are excited to have the kids back in the building. The youth groups have been very busy over the summer. In addition to their normal meetings, we have gone to Raging Rivers, Six Flags and Edisons. We have one more summer event going on for sure and that is the trampoline park in Glen Carbon. Here are the dates and times for that: Jr. High: August 9 from 1-3 pm. We will meet at the trampoline park. Sr. High: August 20 from 6 to 8 pm. We will meet at the trampoline park. We may also try to have a pool night at the Montclair pool. I m working on that as we speak. I will keep you all informed on that front. The church picnic is right around the corner on September 24th here at Trinity. There will be more information upcoming on that event, so watch the happenings and your for more information as that comes closer. All other facets of my ministry are going well. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns for me please don t hesitate to stop by, send an , or give me a call. Blessings on the rest of your summer, Eric The Greatest Night in Baseball Please join us on Sunday, September 3rd at 6:05pm for our annual trip to the Gateway Grizzlies for their "Greatest Night in Baseball". The evening will be full of fellowship, baseball, fireworks and TPing the ballpark! The office will have free tickets available, but tickets are limited so sign up early! Please contact the church office for more information. A Special Voters Meeting... will be held on August 6, 2017 after the 10:30am Church Service. The Board of Christian Schools will be presenting recommendations to fill the vacancies of the Pre-School 4 s teacher and the Daycare Director. Please make every effort to attend this meeting. 4

5 News You Can Use AUGUST LADIES AID MEET- ING The August Ladies Aid meeting will be held Thursday, August 3, at 1:00 p.m. in the lower level of the church. The guest speaker will be Carol Genteman, owner of Carol Genteman Floral Design. She will be giving us tips on fall decorating. Anyone is welcome to attend. Wednesday Bible Study...Pastor Shank s Tuesday Bible Study will now be held on Wednesdays beginning August 23. The study will be moving to the 1st, 3rd, and 4th Wednesday mornings of each month at 9:30am in the church basement. You can listen to Pastor Shank on KFUO on the 2nd Wednesday of each month where he will be covering that week of the bible study. Simple Salad Supper... A Simple Supper will be held Saturday, August 19, 2017 and will include salad with all of the trimmings, bread, dessert, and drinks. This is a free supper but please RSVP by August 17, 2017 to Brenda in the church office The supper will be at 6:30 pm in the church basement following the church service. Everyone is welcome. Please join us for an evening of fun, fellowship and great food. Coming Attraction - Kaffee With Kate Save the Date (October 8th at 2pm) for a delightful family friendly Sunday afternoon and become acquainted with Katie Luther (aka Barb Kay). This will be a presentation of her life with Martin Luther. There will be music, coffee and cake, along with fellowship, celebrating the 500th anniversary of the reformation. With the posting of the 95 Theses, our Lutheran heritage took root. THANKS BE TO GOD! Watch the Happenings for more information. Ladies Aid Quilting...Join us on Thursdays at 9:30am in the church basement, weather permitting. We meet every Thursday with the exception of the first Thursday which is the Ladies Aid Meeting. Questions? Call Sarah Yates Coach Needed...John Scheibal, Sr. is seeking a new high school church league basketball coach. John has done it for many years now but would like to pass it on to someone else. He is willing to meet with the new person and let them know what needs to be done. Games take place on Sundays during the winter time; the season is about 2 months long. Please contact John at Concordia Seminary Food Bank.The Seminary Food Bank continues to be open during the summer months, making sure to provide food to graduating students who will be leaving the Seminary soon and new students just arriving at the Seminary. There is a list of items needed in the online Happenings and on the bulletin board in the Narthex. MELHS Host Families Needed...MELHS is in need of HOST FAMILIES for the school year for a number of International Students from Germany and China who would like to call Metro-East Lutheran High School home for the year. Please pray about this and consider opening up your home to a student from another country. If you are interested in considering this, please call Dr. Jay Krause at MELHS Accepting Applications...Metro-East Lutheran High School is now accepting applications for the school year. Any new students (freshmen or transfer) interested in seeking enrollment at Lutheran High school please go to the school website at and download the admission and enrollment packet or contact the school office at If you have additional questions please contact Dr. Jay Krause, Principal, or him at jay.krause@melhs.org. Lutheran Older Adult Retreat...An event you won t want to miss! In Christ Alone We Stand - Redeemed, Reformed, Renewed. Lutheran Older Adult Retreat - Growing In Christ XVII - October 25-26, 2017, Pere Marquette Lodge, Grafton, IL. Excellent presenters offering workshops covering topics such as: Music of the reformation, Aging is an opportunity, Gospel outreach today, World issues for the church, and many more! Registration is $100, lodging is additional. For more info, contact Margo Wolf at or dmwvette74@gmail.com. SEPTEMBER LADIES AID MEETING The Ladies Aid luncheon will be held on Thursday, Sept. 7 at noon. The speaker will be Carol Melka from Lutheran Senior Services on the topic "Ways to Improve Your Memory." The meal will be catered by Chef Bob's and the menu will include chicken salad or turkey & cheese on a croissant (select one), potato salad, pasta salad, Italian salad, and cheesecake. The cost will be $10 which is due when you rsvp. Jean Seaburg will be available at the August meeting to receive your rsvp and payment. RSVP by Friday, Sept. 1st. Women s Activities Ladies Aid Ladies Aid meets the first Thursday of the month at 1pm in the church s lower level Ladies Aid Quilters Meets every Thursday from 9am 1pm in the church s lower level except for the 1st Thursday of the month Dorcas Society Dorcas Society meets the third Thursday of the month at 7:00 pm, unless otherwise noted in the happenings, in the church s lower level, Don t forget to save your box tops and Coke rewards turn them in to the school or church office for our school to reap the benefits! 5

6 V B S F U N 6

7 VBS FUN Volleyball Camp Volleyball Camp 7

8 Pastor Shank on KFUO Thank you so much for your financial assistance and for your continuing prayers as I begin my seminary studies. I look forward to receiving God's gifts with you again when I return home as well as thanking you all, in person, for all you have done and continue to do for me. --Ian Kinney Nice clean and shiny floors! 8

9 Fatherhood...This series on Fatherhood is hosted by the Trinity Men s Club (using material provided by the Lutheran Hour Ministries "Men's Network") on the second Saturday of each month. Please consider attending this fellowship opportunity with the men of the congregation. Questions? Contact Jason Volle at jason@jvolle.com or IMPORTANT MEETING FOR TRINITY DORCAS/LWML SOCIETY Thursday, Aug.17 7pm. Ladies, it is imperative that you attend this meeting for consideration of the future involvement of Dorcas/LWML Society at Trinity. Currently new officers for position of President, Vice President and Secretary are needed. Agenda will include presentation for Bylaw revisions. Trinity Dorcas/LWML Society was organized in 1948 as an evening group for women unable to attend a daytime group. The purpose was to promote Christian fellowship and perform deeds of Christian love and charity. Trinity Dorcas/LWML Society funds and maintains the Cradle Roll Baptismal ministry and The Busy Bags for Toddlers, offers Bible Study and service projects. In addition the Society also supports the mission and ministry of the Lutheran Women s Missionary League (LWML). The LWML is the official women s auxiliary of the LCMS whose mission is to assist women to grow in their relationship with God, to use their gifts and talents in service and to support mission grants and spreading the Gospel. The Dorcas/LWML Society has much to offer women of all ages who are serious about their faith life and the faith of their family. Please prayerfully consider what gifts or talents you have to offer for the Dorcas/LWML Society. 9

10 ANGEL TREE ENDING Angel Tree, a ministry of Prison Fellowship, provides Christmas gifts for children whose parents are incarcerated. Trinity Lutheran Ministries has been a partner with Angel Tree for many (approximately 34) years. Our members have generously provided gifts with beautiful wrapping which have been delivered to many area churches for distribution. We can look with pride at our expressions of love and compassion. Buying gifts, while a worthwhile endeavor in and of itself, does not, however, address the more important issues of the children and caregivers spiritual and physical needs. These needs can best be met by churches in the communities in which the children and caregivers reside. One of the goals of Angel Tree is to provide the opportunity for these churches to reach out to the children and caregivers who live in their communities and develop nurturing relationships. To fully involve such congregations in this ministry, they should be afforded the opportunity to involve their own laity in the entire scope of Angel Tree. Simply put, children whose parents are incarcerated, as well as their caregivers, can best be served by the churches where they live. They are much more likely to attend services, come to faith, and be assimilated into the local congregation. In order to optimally serve these children and caregivers, as well as enable the local churches to experience the rich blessings of full participation in Angel Tree, Trinity Lutheran Ministries will end its involvement. Our thanks to Pat Harmon and Gary Schumacher, long-time coordinators of Angel Tree, who wholeheartedly agree and fully support this decision. Putting up the fence Complete with garden gutters Finished fence 10

11 Official Acts Financial Reports May, 2017 Baptism Jackson Dean Winkler 5/14/17 Parents: Corey Winkler and Nicole Gustafson Ezra Jon Rombach 5/27/17 Parents: Nathan and Lacey Rombach Members Released or Transferred The Maine family, transferred to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Collinsville, IL 5/17/17 MAY, 2017, FINANCIAL SUMMARY Month YTD Offerings $ 58,524 $ 788,318 School, et al 46, ,037 Transfers 20,000 Total Income $104,938 $1,568,355 Total Expense $126,182 $1,613,160 New Members Nancy Reiter, affirmation of faith 5/10/17 June, 2017 Baptism Cooper Bennett Hoelscher baptism: 6/4/17 Parents: Caleb & Cassidy Hoelscher Daniel Jo Fuhrmann baptism: 6/10/17 Parents: Colin & Taylor Fuhrmann Micah Adam Case Helmers baptism: 6/11/17 Parents: Adam & Ellen Helmers Alaina Kate Lunn baptism: 6/25/17 Parents: Daniel & Marcy Lunn Funerals Barbara Powell dod 5/27/17 funeral: 6/2/17 Officiant: Rev. John Shank, Rev. Mitchel Schuessler Peter Marks dod 6/4/17 funeral: 6/9/17 Officiant: Rev. John Shank Members Released or Transferred Jason & Katie Kosten & family, transferred to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Collinsville, IL 6/6/17 Peter & Kathy Enge, transferred to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Collinsville, IL 6/6/17 Zach and Dawn Schnare & family, transferred to St Paul Lutheran, Hamel, IL 6/21/17 New Members Julie Hanser Carey, transferred from Salem Lutheran Church, Affton, MO 6/30/17 Scrip is available to order once a month. Orders are due on the second Monday of the month, with orders being available the following Friday. Order forms are available online and in the office. **New** - You can also download the Benefit Mobile app through ITunes or Google Play to purchase giftcards through your phone. Right click and open hyperlink on the following link: to check it out. Just be sure to pick Trinity Lutheran as your beneficiary! Any questions? Contact Brenda in the church office. 11

12 Reverend John Shank Senior Pastor H: C: Reverend Jared DeBlieck Associate Pastor C: Eric Dunn Director of Christian Education C: Jan Arneson Minister of Music C: Wesley Jones Principal C: Della R.K. Field Business Manager H: Website: trinitylutheranministries.org 12