From Our Senior Pastor

Transcription

1 September 2017 Edition INSIDE THIS ISSUE TOPIC Pastor Krueger Article Hurricane Relief Welcome the Hardaway Family Martin Luther Movie Castle Daytrip Pastor Albers Article Handyman Position Page 1-2 Prayer Guide 4 Classes for All Ages 5 Senior Adults Worship Servants for the Month Texas CEF Rates Offering/Attendance Official Acts DCS Krahn Article 8 Bd. of Directors LaVega Thank You Stewardship Story Music Notes 10 Children & Youth Activities 11 Calendar/Servants Annual Church Picnic Insert Back Cover Sunday Worship 8am & 10:30am Bible Class/Sunday School 9:15am What s Next? From Our Senior Pastor Rev. Larry Krueger pastorkrueger@splcwaco.com The day I sat down to write this article, I made a special effort to look at the statue of Jesus that stands in front of St. Paul Lutheran Church. I made this effort because the news has been filled recently with a removal of Confederate statues that has been sweeping the country, along with ensuing protests, riots, hatred and violence accompanying those removals. While there are many viewpoints in regard to whether or not these statues should be removed or allowed to stand, my thoughts have been more focused on What s Next? What is next to be removed from the landscape of what we know as these United States of America? Will any statue that is deemed offensive by a people group be a target for removal, either with or without force? Will the statue of Jesus in front of St. Paul be subjected to graffiti or be torn down by those who find it offensive? What s Next? I do not claim to know the answer to What s Next? However, I do know that whether statues stand or fall the Lord is good and his love endures forever. The psalmist wrote in Psalm 118, Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever! (ESV). This is certainly good news in a constantly shifting and changing world. It is good to know that God s love does not depend on whether a statue stands or falls for that matter, neither does my faith. In my lifetime I have witnessed sweeping changes in our country. But through every change, every time of turmoil, every time of peace, God s love never changes. His love was confirmed in His Son on a cross and through an empty tomb. Knowing that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever, gives me strength and hope in an uncertain present and an even more uncertain future. continued on page 2 HURRICANE RELIEF At the time of printing this newsletter, assessments were really just beginning of the extensive damage caused by Hurricane Harvey. St. Paul Lutheran Church will be collecting special offerings to assist the many in need resulting from the damage and devastation of this massive storm. These offerings will be channeled through the disaster relief efforts of the Texas District of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. Be watching for further details regarding offering collections, plus volunteer opportunities to assist in recovery efforts.

2 PAGE 2 MESSENGER SEPTEMBER 2017 Pastor Krueger continued... So, What s Next? How about this? Instead of waiting to see, we take the initiative to shape the future. We proactively share His love with one another. As I see it, the tumultuous events we are witnessing are not so much about statues, but about hatred and fear. And, as God s Word states, Perfect love drives out fear. Maybe this should be the next change that sweeps across our country a movement of sharing the love of Jesus to fill the landscape of our country with the love of Christ. After all, God s love endures forever. Share His eternal love! This is What s Next! To God be the glory! Love God and love your neighbor, Pastor Krueger Pastor Matthew Hardaway has accepted the Divine Call to serve as Associate Pastor at St. Paul Lutheran Church. He and his family will be moving here in September. He will begin serving upon arrival. His Installation Service is being planned for 3:00pm on Sunday, September 24, which will be followed by our Annual Church Picnic. MARTIN LUTHER: THE IDEA THAT CHANGED THE WORLD, the full-length feature film that premiered in selected theaters in February, is set to air nationally on PBS on Tuesday, September 12, at 7 p.m. Central time. Funded by Thrivent Financial, the film dramatizes the events that shaped Luther and examines the questions he wrestled with, such as Who am I?, What is my purpose? and How do I get right with God? Included are insights and commentary from LCMS theologians and historians. Newman s Castle Belleville, Texas A daytrip is being planned for mid-to latter September, cost will be $20 per person (including a box lunch). Leaving church at 7:30am and returning around 7:30pm. Experience the old world charm of Newman s Castle, a one-of-a-kind custom creation hidden just outside of Bellville in the rolling countryside. The castle features a moat (watch out for gators!), a massive working 3,000 lb. drawbridge with an accompanying portcullis, a chapel, five round corner turrets, a courtyard, and a central keep with a dramatic view of the surrounding lands. A perimeter wall encompasses the castle, ensuring you are safe from oncoming marauders during your visit. We will also visit some shops in Belleville and a knife shop in Kenney, Texas. To sign-up, or for more information please see Deaconess Krahn or deaconesskrahn@splcwaco.com.

3 SEPTEMBER 2017 MESSENGER PAGE 3 A Message From Our Pastor Emeritus Rev. Walter F. Albers pastoralbers@splcwaco.com The story is told by Dr. Norman Vincent Peale about walking by a tattoo parlor along one of Hong Kong s narrow streets. In the shop window there was a display of decorations that could be imprinted on one s skin - flags, patriotic slogans, anchors, daggers, skulls, crossbones, and mermaids. There was one however, which caught Dr. Peale s eye with the somber phrase: Born to Lose. He was curious and went inside the shop. He found that the proprietor spoke a little English. He asked if people really did have that message permanently imprinted on themselves. Yes, was the answer. The last customer who wanted it had it emblazoned across his chest. Why on earth would anyone want to be branded with a gloomy slogan like that? Dr. Peale asked. The old Chinese man shrugged his shoulders and said, Before tattoo on chest, tattoo already on mind. I think too few of us stop and consider that whatever is on our mind, the way we think and feel, is going to direct our actions. And that is why it is important the way we think the way we look at things is influenced by our Lord. Jesus, from the moment of His birth, knew one day he would have to die He believed that in His death, mankind could have salvation in addition, He believed, without a doubt, His Father would raise Him on the third day and thinking like that, He went willingly through all of the trials and hurts of life, and finally, to the cross. The same is true of you and me when we think it s important enough, we go to worship when we think we don t need it, we stay home when we think communion will be a rich blessing to us, we attend when we feel confident about life without it, we stay away. When we think our gifts will help reach lost souls and spread the kingdom, we help support the work of the church, when we think others can do it without us, we keep everything to ourselves when we think we can t handle a situation, we call upon God but when we think we can handle life without Him, we forget about Him and so on and so on. That is why it is so important what we feed our minds so important how we nurture our children. A major superstar had his daughter run away from home wanting nothing to do with her dad. When questioned why, she replied, He doesn t care for me he never has time for me he doesn t even love me. When the superstar was told this, he replied, How can she say such a thing? Why just last month I offered to buy a car for her. She thought love was best expressed by his presence, his attention, sharing his life he thought buying her a few things would take care of everything. What is it that is tattooed on your heart when you think of the Lord Jesus and worship when you think of Bible study and your personal devotional life when you think of your spouse children or parents? May God help each of us to tattoo the love of God on our hearts. To serve Him and worship Him to put the Sacraments first and spouse, children and family second. When that is the way we live our lives, we will be a richer and happier people for it. HANDYMAN POSITION: We are happy to congratulate John Banta on accepting the position of Handyman for St. Paul Lutheran Church. He officially began working on August 1. He will perform maintenance, small repairs, and oversee any work or repairs that is outsourced.

4 PAGE 4 MESSENGER SEPTEMBER 2017 The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; He delivers them from all their troubles. Psalm34:17 Lord, Hear Our Prayers: We pray for continued healing for all those who have suffered physical problems in the last month, including: (a complete list is available through the church office). We pray the Lord lay His healing hand upon them. We pray for all who struggle with ongoing health concerns, including: (a complete list is available through the church office). We pray the Lord keep His healing hand upon them. We pray for those who have lost loved ones, including: (a complete list is available through the church office). We pray the Lord give them comfort in their time of sorrow. We pray for all of those recently affected by the recent flooding and damage of Hurricane Harvey in south-east Texas. We pray the Lord keep them safe and prepare a way for them to be able to return and rebuild. We pray for those serving in our Armed Forces (a complete list is available through the church office). We pray the Lord keep them safe in their stead as they defend our freedom and safety. We pray for those who are bound to their homes or in nursing homes (a complete list is available through the church office). We pray the Lord keep His healing hand upon them. We pray for those serving in the mission field may God continue to bless and keep them safe as they minister to the world as an extended outreach of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Waco, Texas. Please contact the church office if you, someone in your family, or a family friend is in need of prayer. If you have a friend or relative listed as those serving in the Armed Forces, please keep the church office advised of their status. If you have any questions, please contact the church office. In Happy Moments ~ Praise God In Difficult Moments ~ Seek God In Quiet Moments ~ Worship God In Painful Moments ~ Trust God In Every Moment ~ Thank God

5 SEPTEMBER 2017 MESSENGER PAGE 5 Join us for Sunday morning Bible Classes at 9:15am each week: Adult Bible Class, in the Family Center This group is studying the Biblical doctrines taught in the Augsburg Confession. Men s Bible Class, in the Men s Bible Study Classroom (next to the Chapel) This group is studying various topics, applicable to everyday life. Ladies Bible Class, in the Conference Room This group is going through a study entitled, Seamless: Understanding the Bible as One Complete Story by Angie Smith. In 7 sessions, Seamless covers the people, places, and promises of the Bible, tying them together into the greater story of Scripture. Experience the Bible as a whole as you gain clarity and confidence in your understanding of Scripture. Discover a biblical context that reshapes and brings to life stories from the Old and New Testaments. Nursery thru Sixth Grade, in specified areas Each grade level (Nursery through 6th) has a unique theme every quarter that teaches a mix of classic and uncommon Bible stories that kids haven't heard before which impacts their faith and changes their lives. Grades 7-8, in specified areas This group is utilizing an exciting LIVE Bible study with technology based aids. High School Youth, in the Youth Room This group is utilizing an exciting LIVE bible study with technology based aids, led by Jerry Tucker. Other Bible Study Opportunities: Men s Tuesday Morning Bible Class, in the Parish Hall This group works through selected studies, meeting every Tuesday morning at 6:30am followed by a shared breakfast and fellowship. Young Adult Bible Study This group meets every Monday evening at Klassy Glass at 6pm. College Student Evening Bible Study/Fellowship This group meets on Tuesday evenings at 7:00pm, on the Baylor campus. This group also engages in community service projects throughout the year. Ladies Wednesday Morning Bible Class, in the Conference Room This group meets on the first and third Wednesday of each month. They study varied books of the Bible. Youth Confirmation/Catechesis Training These classes meet on Wednesday evenings. Confirmation Classes for 7/8 Grade, 6:30-7:45pm Midweek School for 5/6 Grade, 6:30-7:30pm There s a place for EVERYONE to be immersed in God s Word and fellowship with other Christians!

6 PAGE 6 MESSENGER SEPTEMBER 2017 ST. PAUL SENIOR ADULTS will come together for a communion worship service on Wednesday, Sept. 13, at 11:00am, followed by a fellowship luncheon. ST. PAUL SENIOR ADULTS SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAYS A complete list of member birthdays is available in the church office. We do not publish this information on our Website out of respect for the privacy of our members. Out of respect for the privacy of our members, they will be identified by the initial of their first and last name only. If you have any questions, please contact the church office. ACOLYTES 8:00am Worship 10:30am Worship Sept. 3: S.M. H.T. Sept. 10: E.L. E.W. Sept. 17: K.P. A.M. Sept. 24: M.S. R.E. NURSERY VOLUNTEERS 8:00am Worship 10:30am Worship Sept. 3: D.R. J.K. Sept. 10: L.K.J. K. & M. S. Sept. 17: M.D. M. & P. P. Sept. 24: J.H. J. & R. R. USHERS 8:00am Worship 10:30am Worship Group 5 Group 6

7 SEPTEMBER 2017 MESSENGER PAGE 7 Texas District Church Extension Fund: How can you save for tomorrow and help save souls for God with the same dollar? Invest that dollar with the Texas District Church Extension Fund (CEF). Every dollar you invest with CEF earns a competitive rate of return and provides low-cost construction loans to Texas congregations for buildings that help enlarge God s kingdom of believers. Your investment is a wise personal savings plan that allows CEF to make loans that serve others and show God s love actively. Sept. Rates (Fixed) (Floating) One Year CD 1.500%APY 1.250%APY Three Year CD 2.000%APY 1.500%APY Five Year CD 2.250%APY 1.875%APY Flex Savings.500%APY Cong. Savings 1.000%APY For more information call Texas CEF at , online at Attendance and Offering for August 2017 A complete list is available in the church office. Official Acts for August 2017 A complete list is available in the church office.

8 PAGE 8 MESSENGER SEPTEMBER 2017 A Message From Our Deaconess Dcs. Suzanne Krahn Do you know your triggers? dcskrahn@splcwaco.com Tired of the heat yet? Well never fear, fall is almost upon us. Cooler temperatures should help ease those of us who have to stay indoors to avoid heat related issues. If you are depressed about the heat, I have a few ways to avoid depression in general. I found a good article on the healthline.com website about depression and ways to avoid it. Depression is a serious condition that can affect your quality of life from irritating to serious and life-altering consequences. Depression is a common condition, affecting around 15 million Americans every year. Most non-life threatening depressions can be prevented. Life-style changes and stress management techniques can help prevent and/or reduce depressive episodes. Certain triggers will cause episodes of depression (while different for everyone), some of the best techniques will help avoid episodes. 1. Exercise Regularly increasing body temperature has a calming effect on the central nervous system, endorphins boost mood; and reducing immune system chemicals will avoid worsening depression. Be active, join a group, take the stairs whenever possible; and make exercise a habit (part of your daily routine). 2. Cut back on social media time research shows increased usage can cause or contribute to depression and low self-esteem. Stay connected to your family and friends (even co-workers) by face to face time. 3. Build Strong Relationships have a strong support system and an active social life. Attend social events and find new hobbies. 4. Minimize you daily choices too many choices can cause stress. Be decisive more quickly, plan ahead 5. Reduce stress chronic stress is avoidable. Avoid overcommitting to things; practice mindfulness or meditation; learn to let things go that you can t control. 6. Maintain your treatment plan practice your coping skills 7. Get plenty of sleep comfortable mattress, avoid caffeine after noon, don t look at any screen two hours before bed 8. Stay away from toxic people stay with people who make you feel better about yourself, negative social interactions increase depression. 9. Eat well avoid high-fat diet, eat balanced meals, avoid high-sugar foods, eliminate processed foods, add more omega-3s in your diet 10. Maintain a healthy weight overweight people have lower self-esteem, 11. Manage chronic condition consult your MD, follow a plan and take you meds 12. Read prescription medications for side-effects carefully certain medications can cause you to become depressed as a side-effect. 13. Reduce alcohol and drug use limit alcohol intake, eliminate any drug use safely, plan or attend events where alcohol is not a central issue, order cranberry juice and let others think it s an alcoholic beverage. 14. Get off nicotine smoking and depression perpetuate each other, stay away from others who smoke, 15. Plan for unavoidable known triggers know what s ahead and plan accordingly, have plans with friends, remind yourself you will get through it. Not all of the above may be right for you, but you can use most of these suggestions. Staying connected with strong and positive people can do wonders for the psyche. Learn to say No if you are feeling out of sorts, or you will end up becoming mad at yourself which is a form of depression. Be sure you have someone with you can talk when you feel down. They may be the difference between good health and bad health. Depression that is not resolved in a couple of weeks needs to be brought to the attention of your family physician. Don t wait! Say something to someone who really cares before it s too late. Stay Emotionally Healthy! Dcs. Suzanne Krahn

9 SEPTEMBER 2017 MESSENGER PAGE 9 Please take a moment to say a word of thanks to those members of the Board of Directors who have completed their term of service to the St. Paul family: President: Duane Schwarz (re-elected) Treasurer: Patrick Ehlers Bd. of Stewardship: Don Savage Bd. of Outreach: Linda Turnbough Bd. of Youth Ministry: Jenni Sterriker/Kendra Tucker Elders: Randal Bolen (re-elected), Lance Payne (re-elected), John Strauch We also ask that you remember in your prayers those who are beginning their term of service on the Board of Directors: President: Duane Schwarz Treasurer: Keith Koester Bd. of Stewardship: Gene Bode Bd. of Outreach: Julie Hahn Bd. of Youth Ministry: Liz Shaw Elders: Randol Bolen, Lance Payne, Brian Strickland We are very grateful for all of the time, effort, and skill they provide to the church family! It is with grateful hearts that we send you our many thanks for the breakfast of donuts and juice for the teachers and staff the week prior to school starting! Thank you, too, for the donations of backpacks and school supplies for our students. Words cannot adequately express the joy and excitement on the faces of little ones who received the supplies you provided. Thank you for investing in the youth of our community. Thank you for your large part in their success. Your generosity is greatly appreciated! Thank you, Shaunti Stewart & Staff LaVega Elementary School The Thank You Poster that was received from LaVega Primary School is reflected in the graphic to the left and was signed by the entire school staff. Stewardship Story by Gene Bode There is a couple in our congregation that is experiencing multiple health problems. Two other couples that found out about it, brought a meal to the sick couple. One couple brought a meal one week and the other couple brought a meal the following week. There may have been others that did this also, but I know about these two couples. That is a great example of good stewardship of time, money, and food. Showing love to another Christian is good stewardship of the love that God has shown us! There are quite a few people at St. Paul that do things like this, and nobody ever knows about it. We are God s hands and feet. BE THE HANDS & FEET of J E S U S

10 PAGE 10 MESSENGER SEPTEMBER 2017 Lift High the Cross By Steve Randolph Refrain: Lift high the cross, the love of Christ proclaim Till all the world adore His sacred name. Come, Christians, follow where our Captain trod, Our King victorious, Christ, the Son of God Led on their way by this triumphant sign, The hosts of God in conqu ring ranks combine. All newborn soldiers of the Crucified Bear on their brows the seal of Him who died. O Lord, once lifted on the glorious tree, As Thou has promised, draw us all to Thee. Let ev ry race and ev ry language tell Of Him who saves our souls from death and hell. So shall our song of triumph every be: Praise to the Crucified for victory! Hymn 837, Lutheran Service Book Next month the Lutheran Church celebrates the 500 th anniversary of the Reformation and St. Paul will serve as the host church for the Circuit Reformation Service. In many Lutheran churches, festival services like this begin with a procession (which includes the acolyte, pastors, and the Word (Bible), all led by a crucifer or cross-bearer), while a processional hymn is sung. When the hymn starts, the congregation rises and faces the rear of the church. During the procession, as the crucifer passes through the congregation, they turn to face the cross, and continue turning until they are looking towards the front of the church. One of the greatest processional hymns sung in the Lutheran Church is Lift High the Cross, written in 1887 by George William Kitchin, for the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel, which was held in 1887 in Winchester Cathedral. Kitchin, who was Dean of Westminster, originally wrote 11 stanzas to the hymn, but in 1916, an Anglican priest named Michael Robert Newbolt revised the hymn and printed it in the Supplement to Hymns Ancient and Modern. The chief music advisor for that publication, Sir Sydney Nicholson, composed the tune, Crucifer. After it was published in Hymns Ancient and Modern, Lift High the Cross became known in many parts of the world. However, it was not really sung in the United States until after 1974, when it was edited by Donald P. Hustad and included in Hymns for the Living Church. Besides writing the hymn as a processional for the festival service at Winchester Cathedral in 1887, it is believed that Kitchin may have been inspired to write Lift High the Cross based on a story about Emperor Constantine the Great s conversion to Christianity. According to the story, Constantine had a vision in which he saw a cross inscribed with the words, In hoc signo vinces ( in this sign [of the cross] you will conquer ). Below are a few stanzas that were not included in Lutheran Worship: Thy kingdom come, that earth s despair may cease Beneath the shadow of its healing peace. For Thy blest cross which doth for us atone, Creation s praises rise before Thy throne. This is the sign which Satan s legions fear And angels veil their faces to revere. Saved by this cross whereon their Lord was slain, The sons of Adam their lost home regain. From north and south, from east and west they raise In growing unison their songs of praise. From farthest regions let their homage bring, And on His cross adore their Savior, King. And I, when I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself. (John 12:32) Please join us to sing in a circuit-wide Reformation Choir! Contact Steve Randolph ( ) for details!

11 PAGE 11 MESSENGER SEPTEMBER 2017 Children & Youth Activities Our annual Trunk or Treat Community Event is scheduled for Saturday, October 28, and we will need LOTS of candy to pass out to the children of our church and the community! Please drop off donations of candy in the Sunday School office. If you have any questions, please call the church office. More details, including volunteer sign-ups to pass out candy & decorate vehicles, will be available soon! Our Youth Group Bible Study gathers on the third Sunday of each month. Our next meeting will be September 17, immediately following the 10:30am worship service. All youth are encouraged to join us for a time of food, fellowship, fun & study of God s Word together. You can follow this group on Facebook for updates and information: StPaul-G1s If you have any questions, please contact Jerry Tucker. Sept Youth Bible Study Oct Trunk or Treat Community Event If you have questions, would like to volunteer to help with events, or have ideas to share for possible future events please send an to: board_of_ed@splcwaco.com

12 NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT 925 WACO, TEXAS Phone: Fax: ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED Label Here September 2017 Edition We re on the Web: Search for StPaulWaco and like our page. Mark your calendars to join us on Sunday, September 24, for our Annual Church Picnic! The picnic will follow the 3:00pm Installation Service of Rev. Matthew Hardaway. There will be plenty of food, games and events for young & old, and fellowship! If you are interested in volunteering to help with this event, please contact the church office.