The Sound of Morning Star Newsletter of Morning Star Lutheran Church ~ Missouri Synod Lakeside, California

Transcription

1 The Sound of Morning Star Newsletter of Morning Star Lutheran Church ~ Missouri Synod Lakeside, California SEPTEMBER 2018 If You Listen Closely.. My office is clean now. It was a bit of a clutter spot prior to this week, and although I had gotten pretty skilled at climbing in and out from behind my desk, I must say that I am really enjoying the clean and organized work space. I wish I had myself to thank for this little task accomplished, but the truth is that I married a great, great woman -- the kind who takes part of her morning off and organizes my office so that the clutter magically vanishes. Clutter in the workplace, the home, and in other areas of life can weigh on you very quickly. It s not just about the stuff that seems to be in the way, it s also about the feeling of unrest or anxiety that can come when there seems to be clutter and mess all around us. I live in a house with three small children, so parts of me have made their peace with some bits and pieces of clutter, but having things clean and in their place sure is great, too! I m sure that simply calling to mind a time when you had the space around you neat, tidy, and in order puts a smile on your face, just like it does for most people. Today I wanted to call to our minds another time when a life was full of a different type of clutter. Not the physical type, but the kind of chaos and upheaval that can surely come about when everything in your life, personal safety included, is suddenly put at risk. If you open your Bible to 1 Kings 19, you ll see again the story of Elijah. The chaos in his life was centered at that time around a woman named Jezebel, wife to Israel s King Ahab, and also the person who was threatening to take his life. Not surprisingly, Elijah fled the situation, quickly coming to a full reliance on God to either protect him, or to just take his life mercifully. That s how desperate things had gotten for Elijah. His story is one where God reveals Himself in the midst of chaos and uncertainty. Scripture tells us that Elijah witnessed a great wind, a great earthquake, and even a great fire -- but the Lord was in none of these! There was chaos everywhere, sure, but God wasn t speaking in the midst of it. Where was God? Well the Bible goes on to reveal that after those things there came a low whisper -- a still, small voice -- and it was in that quiet voice that God came to Elijah. Our lives can be filled with all kinds of clutter, all kinds of chaos, and sometimes those things even prevent us from hearing God s voice. When we feel Spiritually hungry or thirsty, we can call upon the very same God who revealed Himself to Elijah, AND we can be assured that He will speak in our lives, too. It may not be in a great or grand fashion. But God s voice comes to us, too, and it may be in a time when we are to listen very quietly, very closely. Listen for God s voice this week. You may hear it through the encourage of a friend. You may hear it in the kind acts of love and service that you do, or that are done for you. But, however, you do hear the Lord speaking, listen closely.his Words are always sure and certain for you. In Him, Pastor Justin

2 Page 2 The Sound of Morning Star President s Message Family and friends of MSLC, The September Newsletter.Summer is over, kids are back in school.it went too fast time to be serious This summer we had an important get together to look at our Church and how we are functioning; that was the purpose of the World Café. A month later, the BOD had a mini retreat on a Saturday to take the results of the World Café, put them in perspective, and proceed with a plan of action. The plan included three different parts: what we can fix right now, short term ministry, and long term goals. Today, I am focusing on the what we can fix right now. Below is a list, determined by the World Café results, that the Board is taking action on. During our retreat, we determined what kind of action was necessary and members volunteered for that specific task. During the next couple of months, the tasks-list will be seen each Sunday on the screens before church. As the tasks are completed, the results will also be displayed on the screen. Some of the tasks will be completed very easily, while some will take time. The BOD has volunteered to complete these tasks. If you feel you have an expertise in any of the fields, please contact me and I will get you in touch with those members of the board who are working on them. Jerry Grambow, President One Time Projects: Climate Control A/V Balance Update Website Resource Library Update Pew Bibles Large Board/Display for Missions Handicap Accessibility (in Worship, etc.) Short Term Capacity Building: VBS Stephen Ministry Social Ministry Coordinators Enhanced Security/Emergency Preparedness Community Engagement (Local Pregnancy Center) Long Term Ministry Growth: Youth * Youth Adult Ministry Adding Focal areas for Bible Studies and Care Groups New Facility Planning Prayer meeting August 19 th keep this in our daily prayers

3 The Sound of Morning Star Page GriefShare will begin on October 20, 2018 and will end on February 16, GriefShare will be held on Saturday mornings from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. meeting in Room 4. (We will not be meeting on the weekends of the holidays. We will not be meeting for Thanksgiving weekend and the weekends of Christmas and New Year s.) One of our Saturdays will feature GriefShare Surviving the Holidays which will be presented before Thanksgiving on November 17, These two programs are featured on DVDs that explain what is going on in the life of someone who loses a spouse or family member and how to deal with the loss from a Christian perspective. If you are not able to make it for the first session, you can participate at any point of this support group. My wife, Chris, and I have facilitated GriefShare groups for over 15 years and are blessed with each new group that we meet. I am a licensed Deacon and I assist at Morning Star Lutheran Church. We have made many new friends and are privileged to watch how our Lord Jesus Christ touches each individual, as they go through their transition of mourning to His promised Joy. For questions or more information, please contact Tom Kuwazaki at or by tkuwazaki_mslc@cox.net or for more information about GriefShare go to website: The 2019 Tournament of Roses Parade theme is The Melody of Life and the Lutheran Hour Ministries float is entitled: Joy to the World, the Lord is Come! This hymn proclaims the greatest of life's melodies, the sweet song of salvation victory over sin, death, and the evil one - and the eternal reign of Christ. Let trumpets sound, let choirs in heaven and on earth rejoice and "repeat the sounding joy!" This treasured hymn is a summary of the overarching narrative of salvation. Please go to and sign-up to decorate Tournament of Roses Parade floats. Called. Equipped. Sent. Lou Marting lmarting@cox.net

4 Page 4 The Sound of Morning Star Battle continues off field for veterans, Triple Threat arms them for success By Steven Williams LAKESIDE, Calif. Veterans trained hard for battle while serving in the Armed Forces, but none of that training helps in battles many of them face beyond military service. A biweekly program called Triple Threat East County kicked off at Morning Star Lutheran Church here in June to support them through those beyond-service battles. TTEC is based on the original Triple Threat, an Alcoholics Anonymous-style program for veterans suffering from Alcoholism, Drug Addiction, and PTSD, hosted by Veterans Village of San Diego located just outside of downtown San Diego. But that San Diego group meets twice a week at 7 p.m. which makes it difficult for veterans living in East County with families and responsibilities to attend on a regular basis. Enter Retired Marine Master Sgt. Steven Williams and his wife, active duty Navy LT Miranda Williams. Steven has attended several Triple Threat meetings in San Diego as he struggles in his battle with alcohol and PTSD. Triple Threat was different from all of the AA meetings Steven attended because he felt that he connected with the others in the room and it was easier to discuss the difficult topics which include the perils of war and loss of friends. However, it took years for TTEC to develop. Steven became heavily involved in the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Miranda is incredibly busy as an active duty Sailor, and they have two children to take care of at home - one making her way through elementary school and the other college-aged but dealing with the day-to-day challenges of Asperger Syndrome. It has been a roller coaster for the entire family, and they have all done what they can to support Steven. Then, the VFW introduced a program called Change Direction which brought together several agencies and organizations dedicated to help veterans and their families battle mental health issues. In fact, the VFW National Headquarters made it very clear during their National Convention in late July that mental health was an enormous priority and hosted a number of workshops and booths dedicated to mental health awareness. The VFW has used their relationship with multiple mental health organizations across the country to express the importance in their campaign to #stopthestigma behind PTSD and other mental health struggles, and encourages everyone who interacts with veterans to watch for five very important signs that they may be struggling - personality change, agitation, withdrawal, poor self-care, and hopelessness. So, as Steven and Miranda learned more about supporting veterans experiencing these difficult and oft misunderstood problems, Miranda decided to pursue TTEC as a special project for the VFW Change Direction mission. Steven and Miranda spoke to many doctors, therapists and suffering veterans who were ecstatic at the idea, then worked with Triple Threat San Diego organizers to design TTEC. The Williams couple sent dozens of letters and visited several facilities, but Morning Star Lutheran Church was the clear home for TTEC. The supportive, empathetic staff and comforting meeting space was the perfect fit for a place for veterans to gather and approach the struggles they are having. Alcoholism, addiction and PTSD never go away, but when those who are afflicted have a team they can depend on, the battles become more bearable. TTEC is there for them every Monday at 6 p.m. and Thursday at 10 a.m.

5 The Sound of Morning Star Page 5 Please join us in Classroom 4 at 10:30 a.m. on SUNDAY MORNINGS Star!ng September 9th and be blessed by Studying God's Word with Pastor Jus!n Laughridge. FACILITY REQUEST FORMS are now located in the back of the church (by your mailbox). These are used to help us keep the church calendar accurate and avoid a double booking. (Please allow for set-up time also.) If you need help filling one out, any member of the Board of Directors will be happy to assist you. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR THE AUDIO/VISUAL TEAM It takes a TEAM! If you are willing to serve during Sunday morning worship on the soundboard, the Pro Presenter slide program, or both (though not at the same time), PLEASE the Church Office morningstarlc@mslc.sdcoxmail.com or speak to Pastor Justin or Tom Kuwaszaki. Thank you so much! On Vacation Senior Citizen Bingo Resumes October 8th at Morning Star Lutheran Church. This Ministry is led by Luis & Char Aldas. The next WIDOWS, WIDOWERS, & FRIENDS GATHERING FOR DELICIOUS FOOD (no charge) and BINGO is Saturday, September 29, 2018, 4:00 p.m.-5:30 p.m.

6 Page 6 The Sound of Morning Star And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation (Luke 1:50 ESV). W! " B#$% S'()* Wednesday, Sept 12th at 7PM at the home of Kara Birren Santee Lesson #7 Bless These Lips W! " B#$% S'()* F %%2"3#4 Our next fellowship/dinner will be on October. 24th Men s Bible Study / Breakfast Saturday, September 8th at 7:30 AM Location: Denny s Restaurant CFGHIJ CFIFKF, EL CAJON B#$% S'()* C67 G7(4" Ask Helen Lewin, Parish Ministry Assistant, for dates, times, & locations. A)(%' B#$% S'()* Sunday Mornings at 10:30 AM Classes resume September 9th. Led by: Pastor Justin Laughridge C3#%)7! " S(!)6* S93% Sunday Mornings (Sep-May) at 10:30 AM Classes resume September 9th. In addition to The Lutheran Hour airing in San Diego on KCBQ-1170AM radio every Sunday morning at 8:00 a.m. or listening to The Lutheran Hour 24/7 at Lutheranhour.org, shut-ins can watch sermons on-line at: Worshipforshutins.org. Share this information with those you know who may have difficulty attending church. CONTEST CONTEST CONTEST As we know, Morning Star had a sign installed in front of the church. It has a religious quote placed in the marquee. If you believe you have an interesting quote from scripture or even the depth of your mind, feel free to submit your quote to the Board of Directors/Morning Star Lutheran Church by for consideration. Periodically, one of the many submitted and approved quotes will be drawn and be honored by having it displayed on our church sign. Interested? Start now. Submit your quotation, rhyme or riddle to Jim Birren.

7 The Sound of Morning Star Page 7 WORSHIP ASSISTANT SCHEDULE SEPTEMBER 2018 Date LayMin Usher Usher Lector Acolyte Greeter Altar Children's Sermon Treats Teller 2-Sep Jerry Jim Kara Gail Phil/Ruth Chris Pastor Alicia Wanda 9-Sep Travis Char B-A Luis Bill Z Isabella Mozelle Liz H Mark/Gail Chris H Dave 16-Sep Jim B Phil E Chris H Kara Helen L Nancy Linda Chris K Char C 23-Sep Tom Dick C Travis Jim Isabella Char C Kara Jim Ella K Char B-A 30-Sep Dick Chris H Jim Gail Jim Kara Helen Emily B Dave MORNING STAR HIGHLIGHTS for SEPTEMBER 2018: September 2 Food Drive Lakeside Christian Helps Center September 5 BOD Meeting 6:30 p.m. September 8 7:30 a.m. Men s Saturday morning Bible Study at Denny s September 9 Pre-Conf, Adult and Youth Sunday School RESUME Installation of Christian Ed. Leaders during the Worship Service September 12 Women s Bible Study 7:00 p.m. at Kara Birrens (See page 6.) September 23 Newsletter Deadline September 28 Sewing for Charity 11:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m. September 29 4:00 p.m. Widows, Widowers & Friends Bingo/Dinner (See page 5.) Morning Star Lutheran Church hosts: Triple Threat East County at 6:00 p.m. on Monday s; and 10:00 a.m. on Thursdays. (See article page 4.) A Men s Bible Study Group on Friday mornings at 6:00 a.m. View Newsletter in color at morningstarlcms.org NEXT NEWSLETTER DEADLINE: SEPTEMBER 23, 2018 Send ARTICLES and corrections directly to: liddle2@cox.net For Birthdays, Anniversaries, and Other Special Dates in SEPTEMBER see the calendar on the last page. Thank you to all who Celebrate their Birthday with a donation to the mortgage principal....having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart (2 Corinthians 4:1b). The Editor Joan

8 Page 8 The Sound of Morning Star 2018 Oct. 6 Fall Celebration for Zone 23 at St. James in Imperial Beach. SEE FLYER WITH DETAILS BELOW LWML.org lists *national events and mite info. Oct. 7 LWML Sunday service at Morning Star Lutheran Church In-reach: WE WILL BE COLLECTING RICE AND BEANS FOR MEXICO. psdlwml.com Dec. 1 Lakeside Spirit of Christmas on Maine Avenue For WOW (Women of the Word) The official newsletter June 20-23: *LWML National Convention is in Mobile, Alabama ALL MISSION GRANTS AND MULTI-CULTURAL MINI-GRANTS WERE APPROVED AT THE LAS VEGAS PACIFIC SOUTHWEST DISTRICT CONVENTION IN JUNE.. This is a FIRST. Saturday, October 6, 2018 Registration begins at 9:30 AM Program at 10:00 AM St. James Lutheran Church 866 Imperial Beach Blvd. Imperial Beach, CA Do not rebuke an older man but encourage him as you would a father, younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, younger women as sisters, in all purity ( I Timothy 5:1-2 ESV). SPEAKER: Maria Calle, is a Victim Advocate Supervisor with the San Diego District Attorney s Office, and an active member of San-Di Can which is a multidisciplinary group, whose goal is to educate and improve the life of Seniors in the City of San Diego. INGATHERING: INVITE: Gift Card/Monetary Family & Friends donations will be Lunch is a SALAD POTLUCK. collected for the Each Society is to bring a Refugee Families from SALAD to serve 12. Burundi, Congo, Contact Zone 23 President Rwanda, and Uganda, Mary Corklin for suggestions, currently worshiping at so we can get a St. James. variety of salad dishes.

9 The Sound of Morning Star Page Ha Hana Road Lakeside, CA Phone: Reverend Justin Laughridge The people of Morning Star believe in the One True God Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We believe that everything God says in His Word, the Bible, is true. And we believe in God s promise that He will give us the free gift of eternal life through faith in Jesus, who died on the cross and rose again to save us. Morning Star s 2018 Board of Directors: President Vice-President Treasurer Financial Secretary BOD Secretary Director Christian Education & Youth Director of Evangelism Director of Lay Ministry Director of Operations Director of Social Ministry Director of Stewardship Deacon Deacon Parish Ministry Assistant Jerel Grambow vacant Wanda Lewellen Alicia Grambow Nikki Edwards Emily Braun Chris Kuwazaki Jim Birren Tom Yeager vacant Char Baum-Aldas Dick Collingwood Tom Kuwazaki Helen Lewin Ongoing Prayers for members and friends of Morning Star: Mary Allene Birren Jeff Birren Jeromus Birren Char Collingwood & Dick Collingwood s Sister Joan Liddle s friend Sheila The Ninteman Family Aloha Renwick s Family David Ristau Lauren Stephenson William & Yareli (w/child) Farnese-Stephenson Val s parents: Dallas & Lavonne Ullrich Pearl Walker The Walwick family The Yeager Family -that God bless the Dominican Republic ministry mightily. We also pray for our Pastor, BODs, Parish Workers, our individual families, and those everywhere who need to know that Jesus loves them no matter what. To Update This Page, contact the Church Office. Pray for those in the Armed Forces Cody Harmon, US Army, (Dave & Rose Walwick s son-in-law) Harold Kuwazaki, US Marines (Tom & Chris Kuwazaki s nephew) Lucas Nelson Davis, USN (Chris Hill s grandson) Morning Star also has an On-Line Prayer Program Login to: morningstarlcms.org and click on the tab: Contact Us With Your Prayer Requests Type in your prayer, and tap send. ~ Jim Birren, Prayer Coordinator