Pastor s Pen Thanksgiving or Thanks-Living

Transcription

1 Pastor s Pen Thanksgiving or Thanks-Living November 2018 Messenger Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you (1 Thess. 5:16-18). November is the month the national holiday of Thanksgiving hits the calendar; (for me, beginning the season of overeating rich wonderful food). Many families have the tradition of going around the supper table to say what they are thankful for this year. I want to propose that Thanksgiving should not be relegated to one-day per year, but rather an attitude; a way of life. Thanks-living. In St. Paul s letter to the Thessalonians he lists three things that is in the life of every Christian; not a list of things to aspire to. Just as it is God s will for all to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Tim. 2:4), it is God s will for every Christian to Rejoice, Pray, and Give Thanks. These are not man-made guidelines. They are from God Himself. The world may scoff at many of these as being nonsense, or as being impossible, or as restricting one s freedom too much. For those who are in Christ Jesus, they are vital and the way of true freedom and happiness. It might seem impossible to live a life in which one is rejoicing always. It is easy to be joyful in good times, but what about all the trials and tribulations which cause us sorrow? The answer is for the Christian that there is joy even in sorrow because Christians know that Christ rules heaven and earth, and so the pain which enters our lives is not a matter of fate. Sorrows draw us closer to Jesus (Romans 5:3-5); they purify our faith like refining gold in fire (1 Peter 1:7); they provide us with opportunities to confess before others the hope that is in us (1 Peter 3:13-15). There is, however, one thing sorrow cannot do. It can never, ever separate us from God s love (Romans 8:39). God s Spirit helps us and prays for us in our weaknesses. And we know God will keep His promises to watch over us and care for us in our sorrows. When St. Paul urges pray without ceasing, he is not suggesting that we sit at all times with hands folded and heads bowed in conscious prayer. The Christian either consciously or unconsciously commits all things at all time to him who care for us. When this is the inward spirit of a person by faith, he will also express it outward in words of petition, praise, and thanks. Thankfulness is not limited to words. We can express it in all circumstances by our actions. Whatever you do, Paul wrote in Colossians 3:17, whether in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. The Christian mother who cares for her children, cleans the house, prepares meals and mends clothes is expressing her thanks to God in all these actions. contents Continued on next page Daily Devotions-Lutheran Hour Ministries/ Monday Night Bible Study Joyful Faith Circle/ Men s Bible Study/ 2 Spirit of Christmas 7 3 Deacons Meeting Minutes/ Missions Update 8 Christ Lutheran School Update 4 Acolyte Duties 9 5 Acolyte Duties/ Acolyte Schedule 10 Birthdays and Anniversary 6 Devotional Study 11 Calendar Mitten Tree/Thanksgiving Dinner Boxes/ Christmas Poinsettias

2 Since she does them as a child of God who rejoices in her Savior, her simplest task is an act of faith which God looks on as an expression of true gratitude. That s how it is with the simplest action of every Christian. Whether we eat or drink whatever we do God wants us to do it all to His glory. That is how we give thanks in all circumstances, or live in a spirit of Thanks-living. These three are God s will for us: Rejoice always; Pray without ceasing; Give Thanks in all circumstances. This is His sweet gospel will in Christ Jesus for you, in connection with all that is embodies in the Anointed One. In God s love and mine, Pastor Greg Joyful Faith Circle Submitted by Janie Rhody Bible study focused on how we have nothing to offer God and how we need to reply completely on him. Despite this, Jesus is delighted to give us great gits when we come to him in prayer. We are free to ask in Faith for God to meet our needs. He glories in our reliance on him. Next month we will start on page 154, question 7. The Joyful Faith Christmas get together was discussed at our last meeting. Flower Ray made arrangements for our Christmas brunch at Bridgewater 10:30am on December 5th. Men s Bible Study Submitted by Dan Rhody The Men's Bible Study met Thursday, October 9, and read 1 John 3: The main subject of this passage is Christian love, which is manifested by actual deeds - in contrast to cheap and easy words - 3: Next meeting: Thursday, November 8, 6:30 PM. We'll pick up at 1 John 3:21, and the subject matter will move into that of the Spirit of God versus false spirits in the world. N e x t m o n t h : W e d n e s d a y, D e c. 5 t h a t 1 0 : 3 0 a m Joyful Faith s Christmas outing will be held at Bridgewater Ave GIVING TREE Spirit of Christmas Christ Lutheran Church will once again be participate in the Spirit of Christmas of Chippewa County. The gift giving tree is up in the narthex with tags representing the gift wishes requested of children in Chippewa County. If you would like to participate, choose a tag and write your name next to the corresponding number on the tag list. Gifts are due back to the church by Friday, December 2nd and should be unwrapped with the original gift tag attached. The organization depends entirely on the generosity of the community. What a great way for the children in Chippewa County to feel the presence of our hearts! 2

3 Highlights from the Deacons From Deacons meeting October 16, 2018: 1. Motion passed to identify the various bank accounts currently being maintained by various groups within Christ Lutheran Church, with the purpose of better enabling the Board of Deacons to track their amounts and usage. 2. Motion passed to keep existing funds from the Sunday School and KICK bank account (now closed) in the general fund with their amounts being tracked in subaccounts by our Treasurer. 3. Motion passed to approve use of reimbursement vouchers provided by our Treasurer for charges to the general fund. the vouchers will identify which subaccount to be charged for the expenditure. Similar vouchers for Building and Grounds maintenance were also approved. What this amounts to is that, rather than having a number of bank accounts, all operating under the name of Christ Lutheran Church and maintained by a number of people, we propose to keep the various accounts in the general fund and their amounts maintained as subaccounts within that umbrella account. This is already being done with some funds, but not all. 4. Motions passed to (a) elect Josie Steltenpohl as Secretary and (b) accept Josie's resignation as Deacon. We now have a Secretary but with a vacancy on the Board of Deacons. 5. Shirley Rosenow, at the request of the Elders, has accepted the volunteer position of Sunday School Superintendent. 6. Mike Bodine has replaced treasurer's and secretary's computers with donated replacement computers. Dick Bergevin reported that carpet in the sanctuary is worn and has plies separating, and that the exit doors in the sanctuary also must be replaced. Roughly estimated expenses for these items are $16,000 for the carpet and $5000 for the two doors (last month). 7. Pastor Stenzel asks for prayer about the following: THESIS: Evangelism is the Mission of the Church. Next meeting: Tuesday, November 20, 6:00 PM Daniel Rhody, President CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH Missions UPDATE Joyful Faith Circle would like to thank all who donated items or purchased items at the Mission Festival. It was a great success and brought in $1, which will be sent to the missions Christ Lutheran Church supports. Along with mission support from the church body, the following will benefit: Christ Lutheran School Wittenberg Door Campus Ministry Faith Comes By Hearing 3

4 Acolyte Duties As your new Pastor I want to say Thank you for your involvement in the life of Christ Lutheran. What you do as an Acolyte is certainly a blessing and a gift to us as we gather from week-toweek as God s people. As you participate as an Acolyte it is my prayer that you will grow in faith and in a deeper appreciation for worship; that it will make a difference in your own life of faith. It will be one of those gifts that go out with you into the future, to help shaping your involvement and appreciation for God s grace for you each, and every day. My goal here is to expose you to give some detailed, written instruction as you serve God by serving as acolyte at Christ Lutheran Church. This is being published in our congregational newsletter so that the entire congregation is aware of what an Acolyte does. You see, an Acolyte does much more than light the Altar Candles. You are symbolically bringing the light of Christ into the worship space. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Pastor Stenzel, as I am always ready and eager to assist you. Your service as Acolyte is important, for which I give you my thanks. Acolyte's Prayer Be present, Lord Jesus, that I may faithfully and loyally serve you in love and through my service proclaim, "The Lord is my Light." Amen PLACER To help you remember your duties during worship the acronym PLACER might be helpful: P rocess into the Nave L ight the Altar Candles, then sit in the front pew near the Pulpit A ccept Offering from the Usher C ollect Communion Cups E xtingish Altar Candles R ecess out of Nave during Sending Hymn REMEMBER THE THREE Ps: Punctuality is important. When you arrive on time, everything flows more smoothly. Pay Attention. Take a few minutes before the service to familiarize yourself with the order of worship found in the bulletin. This will help you stay on top of things and know where you are in the service so that you will be prepared; it will also help you anticipate any last-minute changes. You may want to use a pencil to check off each section of the service to help you follow along. Participate. Most importantly, don t forget to worship God. That s why we are here! As a leader in the service, you are a role model to others, especially younger children in the congregation. BAPTISMS If someone is to be baptized during the service, be prepared to assist the Pastor. The help you provide will usually be to hold the Pastor s service book during the washing portion of the Baptism. 4

5 THE OFFERIING When it is time for the offering, do the following: CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH Pick up all four plates from the Altar, walk to the center of the Chancel, and face the congregation. When the Ushers arrives, offer all four plates to the Usher. Note that the Wednesday evening service we only use two plates. Stand next to the Altar, on the Pulpit side, as the offering is being collected, watching the progress of the Ushers When the Ushers are almost finished walk back to the center Altar rail and wait for the Ushers to return the offering plates to you. When they arrive bow slightly and then receive the plates from the Ushers Turn and face the Altar, watch your step as you approach the Altar. Place the Offering Plates on the right side (Pulpit side) of the Altar. Return to your seat. COMMUNION If you have had your first communion, you will take communion at the altar with the Communion Assistants. Be prepared to help with whatever you are asked to do. The Pastor will always begin the distribution with the Body of Christ from the Pulpit side. The Communion Assistant follows a few steps behind with the Blood of Christ. Your main responsibility is to pick-up the empty cups using an empty tray. As you collect cups, keep a space of about four worshipers between yourself and the Communion Assistant. This will give the worshipers time to consume the elements. Do not stack the empty cups. While waiting to collect cups, stand on the left side of the Altar and face the congregation with your hands folded. November Acolytes November 4 November 11 November 18 November 25 November 28 Abbigail Volrath and Carlee Chittendon Peyton Volrath and Kelcey Benson Landon Alexander and acolyte needed acolyte needed and Carlee Chittendon Emma Marek and Britton Belonge November 7 November 14 November 21 November 28 Meal Provider Marek Family Belonge Family NO Confirmation Alexander Family 5

6 Why Go to Church? A Devotional Study Several years ago, a Lutheran Pastor from Michigan did a study of religious tracts that deal with the topic of Why Go to Church. He ordered about 50 such tracts from various groups, Reformed and Lutheran. The tracts gave any number of good reasons to go to church including to learn God s Word, to be spiritually enriched and strengthen, to enjoy Christian fellowship, to offer praise to God, etc. The primary reason for going to church, however, was entirely ignored by the Reformed tracts and barely mentioned by the Lutheran ones. I m referring, of course, to the forgiveness of sins. We go to church for the forgiveness of sins. We go to church to get saved. We go to church so that we may find Jesus the Savior who gives us eternal life. Two of our Lutheran confessional documents are the Smalcald Articles and the Augsburg Confession. The Smalcald Articles (III, XII) Martin Luther wrote, Thank God, today a seven-year-old child knows what the Church is, namely, the holy believers and lambs who hear the voice of their Shepherd (John 10:11-16). And what does that voice give us? Let Jesus answer: My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand (John 10:27-28 EHV). How Jesus gives eternal life to his sheep is His voice, His Word. The Augsburg Confession gives us the biblical definition of the Church in these words: The church is the assembly of saints in which the Gospel is purely taught, and the Sacraments are correctly administered (AC VII). I have noticed in my reading of Luther and the Lutheran Confessions that the church is never defined simply as believers or saints; instead, the believers or saints who hear the voice of the Shepherd or among whom the Gospel is preached, and the Sacraments are administered. There is no church nor are we the church except as God himself has called, gathered, enlightened and sanctified us. Christ, the head of the church, sends the Holy Spirit. Jesus said, The Spirit is the one who gives life. The flesh does not help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life (John 6:63 EHV). There is no church without Christ, his Spirit, and his Word. Through his Word, we are born again. Through His Word God serves us in what we call the Divine Service. The Germans have a word Gottesdienst often mistakenly translated as worship, when in fact it means Divine Service. The Divine Service is often called the Liturgy, which comes from the Greek word for service. The Divine Service is what takes place Sunday mornings, and has happened for dozens of generations. If I restate the topic of this article, Why go to church, what I m asking is, Why must God serve us? The answer, because it s a matter of life and death. In the historic Gospel reading for Maundy Thursday recorded in John 13, Jesus, the Lord, does the task of the servant, by washing his disciple s feet. When He comes to Peter, Peter objects. In response to Peter s objection, Jesus says, If I do not wash you, you have no part with me (John 13:8 EHV). One need not insist that this washing is an allusion to baptism to make the more basic point: Jesus must serve you or you have no part with him. You cannot be his disciple. You cannot be a child of God. You cannot know God. And you cannot worship God. Indeed, your worship will be a vain boast or failed bribe or useless discharge of meaningless words unless and until Jesus has served you; and when He does, you get saved. If God doesn t serve us, we have no part of Him at all. Jesus promised that he would be present with His church forever. Popular American Christianity argues: Going to church won t make you a Christian, to which the Lutheran replies, if going to church won t make you a Christian then what will? If being served by God won t do it, what hope do we have? And, of course, this is how we come to church. We come as those who have in themselves nothing to offer and nothing in which to hope. 6

7 CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH There is an epidemic in our society. What is it? An understanding that says, Church attendance is optional. The flesh rationalizes, If something more exciting, or fun, is taking place and I don t attend the service God will understand. The unfortunate reality is those individuals are missing out on the one thing they need more than anything in life: to be served by God where He distributes the forgiveness of sins. Today our children are overloaded with events and activities, and then we have our recreational ambitions. But, as your Pastor I am asking you, please make the worship service your highest priority. Further, don t forget that if attending the Divine Service on Sunday at 9:30 AM is not possible, Christ Lutheran also has a Wednesday evening Service at 6:30 PM. Remember, it is God s service to us through His Word and Sacrament that we get our sins forgiven; and, as Luther was fond of saying, Wherever there is the forgiveness of sins, there is also life and salvation. In subsequent issues of The Messenger I will address the various elements of the Divine Service and why they are essential. In God s love and mine, Pastor Greg Daily Devotions for Lutheran Hour Ministries Needing a easy devotional? Maybe something you can use on your smartphone or tablet. Lutheran Hour Ministries is a congregational outreach ministry supporting churches worldwide. It is independently funded by generous Christians who want to spread the pure and powerful message of the Savior's love in their own communities and throughout the world. For more information, visit They offer resources such as daily devotionals, podcasts, Bible Correspondence Courses or their flagship radio ministry, The Lutheran Hour. Recommended by Muriel and Pastor Stenzel. Monday Night Bible Study Monday evenings, from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM, we gather in the Fellowship area to study and discuss segments of God s Word. At present we are exploring St. Paul s letter to the Philippians; good stuff there like, Continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling (Phil. 2:12). The goal is to be found in Christ as we seek to be content in all circumstances. This study will soon end, at which time we will explore St. Paul s letter to the Colossians. The objective of this writing is to guide the Colossian congregation away from heresy and into the truth about Jesus and His saving work. The doctrines of men always seem to percolate into our lives, which are still contrary to faith, so St. Paul encourages us to be fruitful in the pure gospel, doing the good works that God has given us to do. 7

8 Christ Lutheran SCHOOL Update Join us for Christ Lutheran s School s Fall Expo on Saturday, November 17th from 9am-3pm. Come and get your Christmas shopping done with our local arts and crafts vendors. There is also a Chili Cook Off and for a suggested gift of $5.00, all visitors will get a chance to take all of the different bowls of chili and then vote on your favorite! Christ Lutheran School Christmas Program As you plan your holiday outings, please join the students and teachers of Christ Lutheran School for "An Unplugged Christmas." This praise and worship musical promises to be entertaining! Among the lights and rockin' (even rapping) carol medleys, an unexpected turn of events will make us stop and turn our minds and hearts to Christ, the true Light of Christmas! An Unplugged Christmas will be presented on Monday, December 10th, at 12:30 and again on Tuesday, December 11th, at 6:00. A cookie walk and bake sale will be available as well as refreshments following each program. Just in time for the holidays, take home some Christmas baking with out being in the kitchen. Christ Lutheran School will be hosting its annual Bake Sale and Cookie Walk from December 9th- 11th. Watch for signs to be hung up in the narthex with more information. 8

9 CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH CLC Mitten tree Donate new or gently used, store bought or handmade mittens, gloves or hat/mitten sets for any age to the Mitten Tree located in the narthex towards the end of November. Items will be delivered to the Chippewa County Public Health and Human Services Departments to be given to local individuals and families in need. A soft deadline has been set for Sunday, December 10th. Please stop in the church office with any questions. Thanksgiving Dinner Boxes Help feed a local family in need this Thanksgiving. This month we are collecting food items for the less fortunate in Chippewa County. Items needed are frozen whole turkeys, bags of potatoes, stuffing mixes, canned cranberry sauce, canned green beans, heat & serve buns and pre-packaged dessert mixes. You can sign up and drop off food items at the designated area in the Narthex. Food items are due to the church by Thursday, November 16th. Turkey meals will be boxed and delivered the week of Thanksgiving. Christmas Poinsettias We will decorate the sanctuary with poinsettias again this Christmas season. If you would like to donate a poinsettia in honor of or in memory of a loved one, please fill out a form in the narthex Make your check payable to Christ Lutheran Church and write poinsettia on the memo line. You may put the form and check in the offering plate or turn it in to the church office. We will purchase and display the poinsettias! Please Note: the deadline is Sunday, November 25th. Names will be printed in the Christmas Eve bulletin. If you plan to take your poinsettia home, please note that on your order form, you are welcome to do so after the Christmas Eve service. 9

10 November Birthdays and Anniversaries CELEBRATE WITH US FOLLOWING SUNDAY SERVICE NOVEMBER 18TH Daniel Rhody 4 Lisa Myers 4 Tory & Misty Freed 4 Carson Sedivy 7 Maddy Buckwheat 8 Mike Myers 8 Jeffrey Dutter 10 Julie Anderson 10 Kayla Bodine 11 Leitha Swanson. 13 James Ledebuhr 14 Elijah Volrath 14 Joanne Tanner 16 Connie Cesafsky 17 John & Josie Steltenphol..19 Kathy Likar 21 Sally Sommerfeld 21 Gene Morse 23 Carson Knutson. 23 Tory Freed 24 Landon Alexander 24 Brian Sommerfeld 29 Sheila Kvapil 30 Eric Volrath 30 Yvonne Hedrington 30 USEFUL Information and Dates Nov. USHERS Don Lucas Prayer CHAIN Shut In Volunteers NEEDED Newsletter SUBMISSIONS If you find a need for prayer in your life or in the life of a friend, you are invited to put our Prayer Chain to use. Please call Carol Johnson at We are in need of volunteers to visit shut ins. Please contact Dave Solum or the office for further information. The deadline for submissions for the December Newsletter is Monday, November 26th. Please submissions to secretary4clc@gmail.com. Thank you! Church WEBSITE christlutheranchippewafalls.com Check it out! Access this newsletter, most recent Sunday sermon, worship times, church Facebook page and much more. contact INFO 10 CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH 467 E. Colome Street Chippewa Falls, WI secretary4clc@gmail.com PASTOR GREG STENZEL pastorstenzel@mac.com

11 CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH NOVEMBER 2018 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 2 8:30AM Willing Workers 3 8:00AM Men s Club Breakfast/Meeting 6:30PM Praise Group Practice 4 8:15AM Praise Group 9:30AM Worship/SS/ Communion 10:30AM Fellowship 10:50AM Bible Study 5 7:30AM Elders Meeting 9:00AM Peacemakers 5:30PM Bible Study 6 7 8:00AM Chapel 9:30AM Joyful Faith Mtg 4:30PM Confirmation 5:00-6:00PM K.I.C.K. 6:30PM Worship/ Communion 8 6:30PM Men s Bible Study 6:30PM Praise Group Practice 9 8:30AM Willing Workers :15AM Praise Group 9:30AM Worship/SS 10:30AM Fellowship 10:50AM Bible Study 12 5:30PM Bible Study 13 7:00PM CLS School Board Mtg 14 8:00AM Chapel 9:00AM Peacemakers 4:30PM Confirmation 5:00-6:00PM K.I.C.K. 6:30PM Worship 15 6:30PM Praise Group Practice 16 8:30AM Willing Workers THANKSGIVING DINNER DONATIONS DUE TO THE CHURCH OFFICE 17 9am-3pm CLS Fall Expo 18 8:15AM Praise Group 9:30AM Worship/SS/ Communion 10:30AM Fellowship/ Birthday & Anniversary Celebration 10:50AM Bible Study 19 7:30AM Elders Meeting NO Bible Study 20 6:00PM Deacons Meeting 21 NO Peacemakers NO Confirmation NO K.I.C.K. 6:30PM Thanksgiving Eve Service 22 HAPPY THANKSGIVING! 23 NO Willing Workers 24 NO School 25 8:15AM Praise Group 9:30AM Worship/SS 10:30AM Fellowship 10:50AM Bible Study 26 Newsletter Submissions Due to the Church Office :00AM Chapel 9:00AM Peacemakers 4:30PM Confirmation 5:00-6:00PM K.I.C.K POINSETTIAS ORDERS DUE 5:30PM Bible Study 6:30PM Worship 6:30PM Praise Group Practice 11