Saint Mark Lutheran Church. Where do you Stand?

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1 Volume 1 September 2017 Issue 6 Saint Mark Lutheran Church Special points of interest: Where do you Stand? Trinitas Classical School begins September 5. SMLS Preschool begins on September 11 & 12. Learning Hour Kickoff, September 10 all parents invited. Children s Learning Hour begins September 17! 500th Reformation Worship in Lansing on October 15, RSVP by September 5! More information will be available in the weekly news & notes. Inside this issue: The Word of the Lord Endures Forever 2 50K for 50 Years 2 Our Preschool Community 3 MOPS News 3 Loneliness is Difficult 4 to Handle Serve Fearlessly Update 5 Learning Hour Info 6 Here I stand, I can do no other, God help me. happened? What beliefs were challenged? And maybe most importantly, are those beliefs still relevant today? From September 10, our kickoff Sunday, to October 31, we ll be focused on Reformation times and topics in worship, and in our primary adult study class. I m looking forward to rehearsing with you, just where These words were spoken by Martin Luther, for whom Saint Mark stands today. the Lutheran church is named, as he stood before the In Christ our cornerstone, Emperor of Holy Roman Empire accused of writing books containing false doctrine. His assertion was that unless God s Word and sound reason were the source and foundation of Christian thought, any other source, human opinion, popular sentiment, etc., must be rejected. In the statue pictured, Luther has his hand on a Bible. Here he stands. As we Lutherans honor the 500th anniversary of the Reformation together. We honor that same principle. Here We Stand, has been adopted by the Michigan district churches of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod because that is where we stand also, on God s Word as the sole source and prime determination of all Christian understanding of life under God. The 500th anniversary of the Reformation of the Christian Church in the 1500s, is a monumental pivot point in Western history. Independence of thought and the freedom of ideals were cherished over and above the absolute authority of an often corrupt hierarchy. It has been argued that modern democracies and even the principles of the American Revolution can be traced directly to the Reformation. On October 31, 1517, Martin Luther, a Catholic monk at the time, nailed a notice for debate on the chapel door of Wittenberg s Castle. Apparently this was an accepted way to begin an earnest debate on theological issues. This fall we want to follow in Luther s footsteps. What made the Reformation a world changing event? What Sunday, October 15, 2017 East Lansing, MI Michigan District-wide Reformation Worship Service ut! RSVP by Tuesday, September 5 to Fred Fish at or at 500th Worship Service at O Sold

2 Renew The Word of the Lord Endures Forever The times we live in seem so uncertain. You can see how hate and the fear of war and terrorism floods the media and news outlets. And it is easy to get swept up in all that is shown and posted on social media. I myself can feel the fear sweep in for the well-being of my family and all my loved ones when I see horrific images of riots, hate and terror on my television and in posts on my Facebook feed. I often worry about where our world is going and what it will look like for the generations to come. In my office, I have a sign of the Reformation hanging up just to the right of my desk. The letters on the sign say in Latin, Verbum Domini Manet in Aeternum which translates as The Word of the Lord Endures Forever. This symbol was first introduced in the court of Frederick the Wise in 1522 when he had it sewn into the right sleeve of the court s official clothing. It quickly spread to be used by members of the Reformation. It was placed above the entryways of churches, inside the church building, on armor and many other places where Reformation members could be reminded of where St. Peter quotes Isaiah 40 in 1 Peter 1:24-25 and he writes, All people are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord endures forever. And this is the word that was preached to you. I believe right now we all our church family and community need to be reminded of this Reformation symbol The Word of the Lord Endures Forever. While so much seems unsteady, we as God s children can remain confident that while so much might wither and fall, He is steady and faithful. With our feet planted in Him, upon Christ our Solid Rock, we can show the love of God to our families, community and the world. This is a truth that we can confidently pass on to the generations to come that God s word endures forever. Every promise He has given in His word will stand firm, no matter what happens in this world. No promise of God s will wither and fall. I pray that all of us will confidently cling to this truth and not let fear keep us from trusting in God alone. In Christ s love, Jamie Knopf Director of Family Life Ministry 50K for 50 Years We have two months remaining for our $50K for 50 Years campaign. Although we are nearing the halfway point of our goal, with a current balance of $24,954.40, we have a long way to go by October 31 to reach our $50K goal. The primary purpose of these funds will be to purchase and install a new electronic sign out by the roadside. Remaining funds, as well as any matching funds for which we might qualify through Church Extension Fund, will be used for repair of our parking lots. We would love to reach, if not exceed, our $50K goal well before our October 31 deadline date so that the new electronic sign and parking lot repairs can be completed long before the snow flies. If you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact Mike Guis, Jim Laidlaw, or Jim Stadler. Page 2

3 Volume 1 Issue 6 Our Preschool Community The theme of the newsletter is Reformation, and as I reflect on that word as it relates to preschool, I see a reformation of the ministry. The reformation or renewal that is occurring is in the community of families that have joined us. We are serving families that have relocated to the Exploring God s Word and His World Kentwood community from all over the world. This is not a new phenomenon in Kentwood. The schools have been serving the needs of immigrant families for years. However, the large number of families we are serving in preschool is somewhat new to our ministry at Saint Mark. There is a second reformation I am observing in the preschool. It has to do with our staff. We have always been welcoming and willing to serve all who come to us. I think the change is more in our understanding of the hardships and challenges our families face and the unwavering faith that is their foundation. We are in awe of their dedication to their Christian faith. This dedication has opened our eyes to our own lack of commitment and the many ways in which we take the privilege of freedom to worship for granted. It is renewing our zeal for living our faith, in setting our priorities, in serving and for worship. They are blessing us! With the word reformation in the context of preschool, I really think we are mostly in the business of formation. As we begin a new year with so many new families, as well as many returning families, I am reminded that each year we must strive to form a community: The community of the classroom where we form minds and hearts, the community of families where friendships of support and care are formed, the community of staff as we form a team that works together and supports the unique gifts we each bring, the community of church and preschool as we form ministry together, and most importantly the formation of the greater community of believers who worship and serve the same Triune God. MOPS (Moms of Preschoolers) News Blessings, Chris Stodola Preschool Director Our Get to Know You gathering will be held in Chapel Hall. Please park in the lower level parking lot and enter through Door R (by the flagpole). You will be directed to Chapel Hall. All Moms welcome! Please invite your friends! Page 3

4 Renew Loneliness is Difficult to Handle Dealing with Loneliness Pastor, in a recent sermon, explained the difference between wants and needs; with wants being what we would like to have and needs being what we require in our lives. Loneliness is a result of a basic need for belongingness/love that is not being significantly met in today s crazy, hectic and fast pace society. Loneliness exists in God s church too, and I have witnessed its negative affect on spiritual growth. He is always with you. You re never fully alone. It is great to know that God is there, but it is also true that you cannot see or touch him yet. I am sure that many lonely people appreciate that God is there but they still long human interaction. I visit senior citizens regularly, and I can tell you that they appreciate visits. God s Word with conversation, laughter, a hand shake and/or a hug helps in getting a person through another lonely day. Let us make a serious attempt to using our cell phones less and having more face to face interactions within our various community circles. The expression to reach out and touch someone seems so important today in what can be such an impersonal world. The sense of being alone; that no one is there for you, is a difficult situation to deal with. Everyone has moments when you feel separated from everyone, a sense that there is no one there for you. I know that I have experienced times like that more so before I met my wife Kathy. It can be very difficult to come home to an empty house where there is no one there to talk to, cry or laugh with. This situation becomes extremely difficult when it becomes the norm rather than the exception. It is vital to satisfy our need for human interaction. Remember God created us in his image; desiring relationships and seeking social interaction is part of our DNA. Loneliness sets in when people do not sense they are loved and feel isolated from the community. This is a major problem today especially, but not limited to, older people. Our world operates at such a fast pace, that we just don t seem to have time for quality social interaction. We desire speed in our interactions over quality. Senior citizens are deeply affected by the changes in social interaction because of their upbringing. I remember when visits with aunts and uncles were weekly and how enjoying it was to sit down as a family and simply talk about our lives. Today face to face visits are obsolete because we now can text one another life has become so impersonal! In all of this, where does God fit in? Scripture tells us that God is always with us. Jesus says, I am with you always, to the very end of the age (Matthew 28:20b NIV) In the great commission, Jesus tells us to make disciples of all nations; but that is difficult when people have an unresolved need for belonging and being loved. We all know that God is love, but we are God s chosen means for sharing His love and the best way is through face to face interaction. In a recent sermon, Pastor quoted Jesus words, Jesus replied, They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat. Matthew 14:16 Something to eat is indeed the Gospel, the promise of eternal life with God. However, it also includes His command to love our neighbors and we cannot do that from long distance. I suggest making a commitment today to reach out to someone who needs love and attention; so that they will see Christ in you. With the help of God, let us fight the battle against loneliness. Deacon Chris Rubino Page 4

5 Volume 1 Issue 6 Learning to Serve Fearlessly Recycling at Comprenew Funtivity Night with our Seniors I have so many great memories at previous Holy Sweats and this year was no different. It was very fun interacting with kids at the community party during the ring toss game. I also enjoyed packing food at Kids Food Basket for the children who are less fortunate than me. I loved spending time with the older members of the congregation at the Funtivity event. Holy Sweat makes it very easy for me to get excited about serving. I find much joy in serving God and others. This experience is rewarding and gives me the opportunity to share God s love...payton Godbold Working in the Community H.U.G.S. Ranch Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9 Packing dinners at Kids Food Basket Page 5

6 Saint Mark Lutheran Church September 2017 Attention Parents! Kids Learning Hour Kick-Off Sunday, September 10, 9:30-10:25 a.m. Kick-Off Sunday is just weeks away! September 10, will NOT be a regular Learning Hour where you drop off your child and head to adult class. This special Learning Hour is for parents to register their children, find their classroom, and meet their teachers. Your child s teacher will have a very important item to give each child. We invite you to visit, register, and ask questions about our curriculum. DON T FORGET TO SEE YOUR TEACHER Our Ministry Staff would warmly invite you to check out Sunday School this Fall, as we take a journey through the Bible with Jesus. This year s curriculum is called the Gospel Project. Our prayer is that your child will: See every part of the Bible as it relates to Jesus See what God s whole story through the Bible means Understand the main teachings of the Bible about life and the world This particular resource gives us many tools to involve YOU! As your child s parent your voice is always the one that they will remember most. There are at home apps to go through as well as study sheets that you can discuss at home. We are very eager to share Jesus with your kids. We want to help you give them the best possible gift they ll ever receive; affirmation of their salvation in Jesus. Children s Learning Hour begins September 17! Chris Stodola Children s Ministry Coordinator Kentwood Community Events Kentwood Farmer s Market Stop by the Farmer s Market in the Kentwood Library parking lot on Saturdays throughout September from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. for delicious, local, farm-grown fruits and vegetables. Bike to the Market on September 16 Ride your bike to the Farmer s Market! See the Kentwood Farmer s Market Facebook page for more details. World s Largest Food Truck Rally - September 16 The city of Kentwood has partnered with GR Loves Food Trucks and Generation Entertainment to bring the World s Largest Food Truck Rally to Kentwood. With over 40 food trucks, live music, yard games, and cornhole this event is sure to be fun for the whole family. Event is at the Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Rd. Fall Festival with Trunk or Treat - October 21, 10 a.m. This event is designed to give community members a safe and fun environment to trick or treat. Held at the Kentwood Public Works facility at 5068 Breton SE, kids can dress up in their favorite costume and collect treats from a number of decorated trunks. Our preschool staff will be there handing out goodies! Renew is a publication of Saint Mark Lutheran Church nd Street SE Kentwood Michigan (616) (616) (fax) Worship Times: Sundays 8:15 a.m. & 10:30 a.m. One Body Seeking Christ Teaching His Word Sharing His Love