Visiting Latvia and Germany. In This Issue... January/February The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod

Transcription

1 The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod January/February 2007 Visiting Latvia and Germany In This Issue... Visiting Latvia And Germany President s Letter Will They Always Be There... Pt Redeemer, Peoria, Celebrates Plans For Continued Growth Official Notices Luther Hostel 2006 Participants... 4 Wellness Conference Info LWML Twenty-Eleven Fund Camp CILCA Summer Camp Installations Keys to Faithful Church Interpreting New Mission at St. Joseph St. Paul s Lutheran Church Receives National Award Church Extension Fund Form Bible Study Twenty seven members from Central Illinois District and a representative of Bethesda Lutheran Home took an early November trip to Latvia and Germany. President David Bueltmann planned the trip for Circuit Counselors and members of the District Board of Directors to get acquainted with the Evangelical Lutheran of Latvia. The District is giving support to the church in a variety of ways. A check was given to Archbishop Janis Vanags at the District Convention. The group worshiped each morning of their three day stay in Riga, Latvia, at the Lutheran Dom Cathedral, one of the largest cathedrals in Europe. They visited the seminary and the church headquarters. Officials and pastors explained ways help could be given to assist them in their work. Latvia has only been an independent nation for 37 years in its entire history. German and Russian occupations created serious suffering for the Lutheran and other churches. Visits were also made to the Diakonia Center. This organization provides the social ministry of the church. Two children s centers provide for daily needs of children. Pastor Rollie Meyer presented a check to its director from The VBS at St. John s, Louisville. This organization also provides soup kitchens, which the American group visited. Many congregations of the District have been gathering knitting needles and yarn for them. Local women make caps and mittens for needy children. President Bueltmann took some at this time. Pastor Melvin Weseloh had the privilege of presenting some given by Mt. Zion Lutheran Church of Mt. Zion. Tours were given of churches, including one church where they celebrated 800 years of use in The group also visited historical Luther sites in Germany. After the long flight to Frankfort, the first stop was the Wartburg Castle, where they climbed 247 steps to see where Luther took refuge and translated the New Testament into German. They spent a full day in Wittenberg and worshiped at the City Church, where Luther was the pastor. President Bueltmann delivered the Continued on Page 3. The church in Aluksne.

2 2 The GatePost January/February 2007 From the President s Desk Being a Member of the Team As I write this, I am sitting in the airport in Bloomington having arrived here only to find out my flight had been cancelled. I was to attend a meeting with the placement directors of our Concordias, but I will not attend the team meeting this year. Because I could not get to the meeting until it was over I decided not to go at all. Speaking about teams, the day before Thanksgiving one of my sons called his mother and reserved our TV for watching his favorite football team. We also read in the newspaper about the Illini Basketball Team and wonder how they will rate compared to previous years. Everybody seems to have their favorite team, be it the Rams, the Packers, the Bears, the Cowboys, the Cardinals, or the Cubs. It is interesting to discover how these teams became the favorite of our friends. There are all kinds of teams basketball, football, cheerleading, wrestling, soccer, volleyball. How do players get chosen for these teams? Usually it is the owners or managers who do the selecting. The players are not usually asked what team they would like to play for. How do we get picked for God s team? He does the selecting. He calls us through our baptism. What are the requirements to be a part of God s team? It is not like being selected for other teams. In Acts 10:34-36 we are told, Then Peter opened his mouth and said: In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him. There is no favoritism shown here. He does not select us because of the color of our skin, or where we live, or that we have special talents. The requirement is that we know Jesus Christ as our Savior. That we know the One Who suffered, died, and rose from the dead to take away our sins. God has chosen us to be His people, His team. We are blessed because God has chosen us and has accepted us unconditionally. Rev. David J. Bueltmann, President Jesus came into the world for everyone he has no favorites. When you are reading this we will be in the Epiphany season. We know about the Wise Men. They came seeking Jesus. They were not of the Jewish race. Their seeking Jesus shows us that Jesus came for all. They came and heard the Word of God quoted by Herod who wanted to murder Jesus. They followed the star to see the Savior of the world. They were surprised when no one in Jerusalem knew about the birth of the Child. We are blessed because we know that Jesus came and why He came, so we could be on His team and be His children. We are blessed because God has chosen us and has accepted us unconditionally. How does it feel to be picked to be on the team? It means someone thinks you can benefit the team. We benefit God s team when we share the Word with others and tell them how they too can be a part of God s team. Have a blessed Epiphany. Will They Always Be There?... Part 3 Mr. Dave Rohe has written two previous articles asking the question... Will they (Pastor s, Teachers, DCE s, Deaconesses, and other trained church workers) always be there? And by God s abundant grace, the answer is YES! But at what cost? With the ever increasing cost of higher education, both at the college and seminary level, many of the young men and women who are currently studying for full time church work will exit one of our Synodical institutions of education with much debt. At a time when they should be sharpening their skills as pastor, teacher, etc., they have to worry about debts. Wouldn t it be great to lessen that load? We have the opportunity to do that in the Central Illinois District. In the past, the CID has been blessed richly from the generosity of many sources, especially from the Clara and Spencer Werner Foundation. It is time for us to not rely on their generosity, and rise up and fund this important mission ourselves. That is why we are trying to raise upwards of two million dollars for the CID CEF Endowment Fund. One vehicle for raising these funds will be held on Sunday, April 29, We are calling it Church Worker Scholarship Sunday and are asking your help. Please call the District Office and speak with Dave Rohe s office and request the special Scholarship Envelope printed for this occasion. They will be distributed to each congregation at the Spring Church Workers Conference on April 16-17, Please prayerfully consider having your congregation participate in this important part of preparing future church workers. Consider asking Dave or one of the CID Endowment Board members to visit between now and April 29. And ask yourself this question as you ponder Will they always be there? Rev. Bruce Osborne, VP CID Endowment Board

3 Telling The Good News About Jesus 3 Redeemer, Peoria, Celebrates Blessings, Plans For Continued Growth Celebrate the Blessings is the theme of the biblically based capital stewardship campaign at Redeemer Lutheran Church that highlights the steady growth of this Peoria, IL, congregation and also the challenges created by that growth. We re worshipping increasing numbers of people of all ages, from the very young to older adults, which is a great blessing, said Rev. Ronald Miller, senior pastor. But we ve outgrown our space. Plans are in the works to add a multipurpose facility that will enable the expansion of adult, youth, and children s ministries that need additional space and to accommodate preschool and childcare programs that have long waiting lists. Members also need more room for their Care Ministry that reaches into the community with a food pantry and counseling services. To help make its vision a reality, the congregation is partnering with Capital Funding Services (CFS), the capital fundraising arm of The Lutheran Church- Missouri Synod (LCMS). A ministry of the Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF), CFS helps congregations and agencies raise funds for capital needs. This is the second major campaign we ve done with Redeemer, a congregation that Launching the biblically based stewardship campaign to help Redeemer Lutheran Church, Peoria, IL, build a multipurpose facility are, from left, Rev. Ronald Miller, Capital Funding Services Rev. David Schmidt and Congregation President Gary Ebeling. continues to grow and serve its community, said Rev. David Schmidt, the CFS Regional Consultant who is working with the church on its capital stewardship campaign. A decade ago, members built their main sanctuary and family life center with the help of money raised in their first capital stewardship campaign. Today, they hope to raise $2 million for the new multipurpose facility. Construction is expected to begin in spring Since 1996, Redeemer has begun adult small groups, and the church s high school youth group has grown from about 10 teens to as many as 70. This year s vacation Bible school program drew 300 youngsters. God is opening so many doors right now, Pastor Miller said. We want to add the new facility not just to serve our congregation but to increase opportunities to serve our community. Visiting Latvia and Germany Continued from Page 1 sermon. Pastor Michael Mohr was the liturgist and Pastor Joel Cluver the lector. Tour participants learned Lutheran history. The main lesson was the work of the sister churches today. Those who took the tour are all excited about what they learned and are willing to speak to churches and organizations about what they saw and learned. If you want a presentation, contact the CID office for information. The Dom Church in Latvia as seen from the Archbishop s office. The winning youth soccer team played this group of pastors including the Archbishop and Deputy Archbishop.

4 4 The GatePost January/February 2007 LutherHostel2006 Participants Official Notices: Calls Accepted: Rev. Mark Thompson St. Paul, Sac City, IA to Zion, Lincoln Calling Congregations: Our Redeemer, Bloomington Trinity, Cissna Park St. John (Associate), Decatur St. Paul (Associate), Decatur Holy Cross/St. Paul, Golden/Bowen Trinity, Manito St. Paul, Sadorus St. Peter, St. Peter Trinity (Sr. Pastor), Springfield Our Savior, Washington Christ/Immanuel/Trinity, Winchester/Arenzville/Bluffs Changes of Pastors: Rev. Micheal Strong (Trinity, Springfield) retired Rev. David Likeness (Our Savior, Washington) retired Wellness Conference Information More LCMS church professionals have health issues because of weight complications and diabetes than the average U.S. population.* Health issues can shorten the service time and productivity of those serving the church. The Commission on Ministerial Growth and Support (CMGS), partnering with Concordia Plan Services (CPS), is focused on helping church professionals address health and wellness goals. The Commission on Ministerial Growth and Support (CMGS) is sponsoring a Wellness Conference in February of 2007, to gather district wellness advocates and representatives in order to energize and develop strategies for helping LCMS church professionals realize their goals for a healthy lifestyle, leading to a longer and more productive and joyful ministry. Look for more information from your District Advocate for Ministerial Wellness after the February Conference. *CareAllies analysis reported to CPS, November, Central Illinois District members, from left, Walter and Alma Pierce, from Immanuel Lutheran Church, Springfield, IL, and Vicky and Paul Davis, from Our Savior s Lutheran Church, Springfield, IL, were among 28 adults who participated in LutherHostel2006, held Oct on the campus of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. Living Well in Christ was the theme for this year s LutherHostel, an educational event for adults 55 years of age or older. Twenty-Eleven Fund Established by LWML The CID LWML has established a Twenty-Eleven Fund. The National Convention hosted by CID LWML will be Peoria in Please save your ink jet cartridges for this purpose. Contact Carolyn Wilson, 172, Arcola, IL or your LWML Zone President. You will find her address at Camp CILCA Summer Camp Schedules Now Available Camp CILCA Summer Camp Schedules are now available online at or by calling Camp CILCA (217)

5 Telling The Good News About Jesus 5 Installations Rev. Mark Eddy Installed at Zion, Taylor Ridge The Rev. Mark Eddy was installed as Pastor of Zion,Taylor Ridge on July 30. First row (left to right): David Anderson, Greg Michel, Mark Eddy (center), Daniel Olson, Robert Hagen. Back row: Robert Yount, Gary Wright, Kent Umbarger, Robert Fisher, and Wilfred Karsten. Earl Brown Installed at St. John s, Effingham Earl Brown was recently ordained and installed as Assistant Pastor at St. John s Lutheran Church in Effingham, IL. Those pastors taking part in the ordination/installation ceremony are pictured above. They are left to right in the front row: Rev. Stephen Gillet, Rev. Glenn Strohschein, Rev. Earl Brown, Rev. Ted Gall, Senior Pastor at St. John s, Effingham and Rev. Paul McGhghy. Those in the back row left to right are: Rev. Richard Bremer, Rev. Michael Mohr, Rev. Wesley Reimnitz, Rev. Dr. Wayne Hoffman, and Rev. Geoffrey Robinson Keys to Faithful Church Interpreting Saturday, January 13, 2007 Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Sherman, Illinois Here is a workshop for those who support or serve as interpreters for the Deaf in a Christian church setting. Find resources for beginning or expanding your local deaf outreach. Sectional choices include beginning, intermediate, and advanced topics. Learn to cultivate good working relationships with the pastor and other interpreters. Learn the theology of signs, of the worship service and of the Scriptures. Round Table Discussion (learning from each other), panel includes D/HH individuals. Presenters: Rev. Ron Friedrich (chaplain at Gallaudet University and pastor of Christ Lutheran Church of the Deaf in Silver Springs Maryland) and Paula Willig (ITP professor at John A. Logan College). For more information: Central Illinois Deaf Ministry 104 Finley Jacksonville, Illinois (217) (VP/TTY/Voice) CID_Deaf@hotmail.com

6 6 The GatePost January/February 2007 Christ s New Mission at St. Joseph And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem when they had completed their service, bringing with them John, whose other name was Mark. These words from Acts 12 are a good reminder for me that none of us can do the Lord s work alone. My name is Scott Weiler and I am a vicar in St. Joseph having been blessed with the challenge of planting a mission church there. My time is divided between the blessing of the opportunity to vicar at Trinity Lutheran in Danville with Pastor Tibben and the family of Christ at Trinity and the blessing of the mission plant. The Lord has opened the door for us, as we will begin services on Christmas Eve in the band/choir room of the St. Joseph middle school. He has blessed us as of this writing with 8 families who have committed to the mission start and 11 unchurched families who are strong prospects with 2 months remaining before we begin weekly services. I have been able to make about 50 cold calls per week with almost 10% of the families having no church home. And that is our mission the unchurched in the St. Joseph area that is experiencing explosive growth 30% in the last 5 years with anticipated growth of another 10% over the next 5 years. However as I consider that it is only two months before our services, I also know we are in need of day-to-day church operational items. I thought this would be a good time to make requests of mission needs since you are probably doing your fall cleaning of your church basements and storerooms and may be able to move some of your blessings to the St. Joseph mission. If you can spare any of these items for the mission we would be eternally grateful. Please contact me at the church office (my home) (217) , by at jswknock@yahoo.com, or at my second home Trinity in Danville at (217) We wish you God s blessings from Christ s new mission at St. Joseph. Communion set: chalice, flagon, individual communion trays, ciborium, host box, paten Paraments: purple, black LSB Hymnals LSB Altar Book LSB Lectionarys - 3 yr. And 1 yr. + LSB Agenda LSB Hymn Accompaniment Lutheran service builder ESV Bibles Shepherd s Staff User s guide Offering plates/baskets Record of fellowship - covers and pads Altar book stand Two candle sticks Candle lighter-wicks Baptismal font Lectern (used as pulpit) Altar - approximate size 42 Lx24 Wx36 H- must be on casters or easily movable for weekly storage Did You Know Jesus is the Son of God. Old Testament prophets spoke of His coming and described the eternal and life-changing impact He would have. Jesus is both God and man. He stilled the seas and walked on water. With a touch of His hand, he cured incurable diseases. He restored life to those who had physically died. Jesus personifies love. He paid the ultimate price so that we could live with Him forever. He sees us through the eyes of love. Because of his love, He suffered, died, and rose again. We are forgiven. All who believe in Jesus are guaranteed eternal life with Him in heaven. Why did Jesus do this? Because Jesus is love. Home Delivery of Do you want to receive the GatePost at home? If your church has not provided a mailing list, but you would like home delivery of the GatePost, please fill out this form and mail to: GatePost C/o Concordia Lutheran Church 3303 E. Maryland St. Decatur, IL Name Address City State Zip Church

7 125 St. Paul s Lutheran Church Receives National Award for Year Long Celebration St. Louis, MO - St. Paul s Lutheran Church, two miles east of Dorans, was one of four churches to be nationally recognized by the Concordia Historical Institute of The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod. This award was bestowed on St. Paul s for its 2005 year long Quasquicentennial celebration 125 Years of God s Blessings. Telling The Good News About Jesus 7 Dr. Martin Noland Director of the Concordia Historical Institute said of the numerous nominations received the seven member Awards Committee had a monumentous task but selected four that were head and shoulders above the rest. The Awards committee commented that St. Paul s Our Quasquicentennial: 125 Years of God s Blessings was a very well thought-out collection of commemorative and historical materials that says clearly that this congregation wanted to do everything well in remembrance of God s grace over its 125 years. CENTRAL ILLINOIS DISTRICT CHURCH EXTENSION FUND, INC. INVESTMENT FORM North Grand Avenue West, Springfield, IL (217) cef@cidlcms.com The mission of The Church Extension Fund, Inc., is to make funds and services available to congregations for building efforts in support of The Great Commission (Matthew 28). The enclosed $ investment in CID-CEF should be issued as follows: TERM % RATE* MINIMUM Flexible 1.00 $25 (Passbook Savings Account) 1 Year 5 Year $100 $1,000 3 Year 6 Months 5.00 Variable $100 $5,000 Interest Check Semi-Annually (if over $25) Accumulate Interest and Add to Note Balance *RATES SUBJECT TO CHANGE. Individual Ownership - Name (print) PLEASE CALL TO CONFIRM CURRENT INTEREST RATES. Joint Ownership - Name and/or Name (As joint tenants with right of survivorship and not as tenants in common) Minor Owner- Adult as custodian for Child (Under the Illinois Uniform Gifts to Minors Act) Address City State Zip Phone Congregation Matt Homann, chairman of St. Paul s congregation said the honor of this award reflects not only the entire congregations efforts to record our rich history in God s service but also the endless hours and care of the congregation s members and especially the celebration committee to accurately record and celebrate our history. Social Security or I.D. Number Signature Apply Investment for Benefit of Lutheran Church towards meeting its supporting investment requirement: 25% of loan. CERTIFICATION: Under penalties of perjury, I certify (1) that the number shown on this form is my correct taxpayer identification number and (2) that I am NOT subject to backup withholding under the provisions of section 3406(a)(1)(C) of the Internal Revenue Code. (Allow two weeks for delivery of note.) USA PATRIOT ACT of October 26, 2001, says we must verify the identity of any person seeking to open an investment account with us. We will follow this law by obtaining picture identification of all new investors. Therefore, if you are a new investor, please include a photocopy of your drivers license or other state issued photo identification. The protection of our customer s identity and confidentiality is CEF s pledge to you. We proudly support all efforts to protect and maintain the security of our investors and our country.

8 Bible Study Messianic Prophecies Epiphany means to be made known. One of the ways the Savior (Messiah, Christ) was made known is in Old Testament Prophecy. Below are a few of the Old Testament prophecies and their fulfillment in the New Testament. He was to be the seed of the woman. Genesis 3:15 Matthew 1:18 He would be the Son of God. Psalms 2:7 Luke 1:32-35 He would overcome the serpent. Genesis 3:15 Hebrews 2:14 NASB The Seed of Abraham. Genesis 12:1-3 Genesis 17:7 Genesis 22:18 Galatians The Seed of Isaac. Genesis 21:12 Hebrews 11:18 The Seed of Judah. Genesis 49:10 The Seed of David. Psalms 132:11 Jeremiah 23:5 Acts 13:23 Romans 1:3 The time of His coming and death. Daniel 9:24-27 Luke 2:1 Born of a virgin. Isaiah 7:14 Matthew 1:18 Luke 2:7 He was called Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14 Matthew 1:22-23 Born in Bethlehem of Judea. Micah 5:2-5 Matthew 2:1 Luke 2:4-6 Great men shall come and bow down to Him. Psalms 72:10-15 Matthew 2:1-10 Children slaughtered in an attempt to kill Him. Jeremiah 31:15 Matthew 2:16-18 Introduced by John the Baptist. Isaiah 40:3 Malachi 3:1 Luke 1:17 He was anointed by the Holy Spirit. Psalms 45:7 Isaiah 11:2 Matthew 3:16-17 John 3:34 Acts 10:38 He was a prophet like unto Moses. Deuteronomy 18:15-18 Acts 3:20-22 The GatePost for The Central Illinois District of the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod is published 6 times per year. It is a supplement to congregational newsletters. Submit all articles to the Editor: Rev. Robert L. Bruer 3303 E. Maryland Decatur, IL gatepost@insightbb.com Layout and Design by: Deverman Advertising Pekin, Illinois Printing and Distribution by: Martin Graphics Champaign, Illinois Deadline for March/April 2007 Issue: January 20, 2007 Communications Committee Rev. Dr. Rodger Abatie, Chairman Rev. Robert Bruer, Editor Jim Deverman Lisa Dippel Joel Fletcher Rev. Dr. Wayne Hoffman Rev. Wesley Reimnitz, Advisor Mike Smith