Gracelines. From our Pastor GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH & SCHOOL INSIDE GRACELINES. Sanctification. Rev. Michael Mueller

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1 GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH & SCHOOL October, 2015 Volume 14, Issue 10 Gracelines INSIDE GRACELINES From Our Pastor 1 From Our Pastor 2 Offering & Attendance School News 3 School News 4 LWML 5 Prayers & Squares Thrivent Chapter 6 Action Teams Abundance Sunday 7 Reformation Day All Saints Day Spanish & German Crossfit Church Information 8 Sanctification From our Pastor Rev. Michael Mueller Have you ever thought about what the Bible means when it uses the word holy? In the Old Testament the word used is kodesh a process which causes something to be consecrated, dedicated or hallowed. In the New Testament the word is hagios and it means something is sacred (physically pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially consecrated). To be consecrated is to be set apart from everything else. To be sanctified is to be made holy, and the Bible uses this concept regarding the believer in two ways. First, it refers to the work of the Holy Spirit in bringing faith to the believer. Second, it refers to the process by which the Holy Spirit directs and empowers a godly life. I Corinthians 6:11 says, But you were washed, you were sanctified [hagiazo to make holy, that is, (ceremonially) purify or consecrate; (mentally) to venerate], you were justified in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. Now, what has this to do with our salvation? To Lutherans, nothing. To Calvinists Presbyterians, Reformed, most Baptists a lot. You see, the Calvinist sees the Law as necessary to secure hold on to or keep their justification. That is, if one doesn t see a person keep the Law, then they are not justified, so there is no salvation. They believe in the necessity of good works to receive the benefits of their relationship with God. Louis Berkhof says in his book Systematic Theology, 'holiness, or conformity to the divine law, is the indispensable condition for securing favor, attaining peace of conscience, and enjoying fellowship with God. This is called total sanctification, and has the core principle that a believer is now totally holy. Thus, they find themselves on the constant tread mill of trying to earn or prove they have salvation. The Bible, however, has a different teaching. It says that believers still have the Old Adam living in us. Paul says in Romans 7:19, For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. Continues on page 2 Gracelines Calendar and Gracelines are monthly publications of Grace Lutheran Church & School 856 W. Newgrove Street, Lancaster, CA Telephone Fax

2 Gracelines Page 2 of 8 Sanctification (continued from page1) My mind belongs to Jesus. He redeemed it with His blood. When evil thoughts torment me, I choose to think on good. (See his entire thought in Romans 7:14-24.) If Paul, who wrote a good deal of the New Testament could not keep from sinning and never lived a sinless life, we cannot even dream to do so ourselves. Now, God the Father may see us as sinless, but that is because we are dead and it is Christ who lives in us (Galatians 2:20). Thus, the Bible teaches that we are 100% saint and 100% sinner, at the same time! St. Paul comments on his own progress towards sanctification like this, Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me His own (Philippians 3:12) And that, too, is how we should view our own faith-life progress. Don t expect perfection this side of heaven, but press-on nevertheless to become so. Forgive all that seek forgiveness from you, and seek forgiveness from all that you offend. Serve the least of these, and love God and your neighbor. But, don t do it because it earns you something, just remember who you are an adopted child of God and what Jesus did for you and then act of that nature. Offering Aug 23 5,472 Aug 30 7,019 Sept 6 8,400 Sept 13 8,108 Building Fund (BTBC) Collected 852,756 Available funds 287,487 Average Attendance August Attendance Aug 23 Sun 121 Aug 26 Wed 7 Aug 30 Sun 143 Sept 2 Wed 10 Sept 6 Sun 124 Sept 9 Wed 5 Sept 13 Sun 190 Sept 16 Wed

3 Page 3 of 8 DID YOU KNOW? School News Gracelines As Grace Lutheran School nears its Accreditation visit next April, many stakeholders from the church and school have gathered over the last few years to take a reflective view to ensure a focus on learning at the school. An important look was into the school's Mission Statement - a public declaration of the goals of the school. This is 'unpacked' further by describing what we mean by 'today, tomorrow, and eternity'. MISSION STATEMENT (MS) Grace Lutheran Christian School is preparing children in a Christ-centered education for today, tomorrow and eternity. Today... exploring and demonstrating knowledge of God s world by encouraging the highest level of excellence Tomorrow... empowering students for the future as problem-solvers, life-long learners, and leaders Eternity...developing and sharing a personal relationship with Christ as Lord and Savior while serving others. Next, we took a look at the school's Expected Schoolwide Learning Results - represent the cumulative skills we believe critical for children to develop during their time at our school. EXPECTED SCHOOLWIDE LEARNING RESULTS (ESLR s) Grace Lutheran Christian School will meet the needs of the whole child: Spiritually - students will give a faithful witness to Jesus Christ, understanding and respecting Christianity. Academically - students will think critically, creatively, analytically and be able to apply their knowledge and effectively communicate. Socially - students will demonstrate positive character in the school and community. Physically - students will care for their bodies in all areas of physical health and be encouraged to be active and fit. Emotionally - students will grow in self-esteem and confidence.

4 The MS and ESLR's are based on our Beliefs and Vision BELIEFS: Gracelines Page 4 of 8 Grace Lutheran Christian School was founded to share the message of God s love, grace, forgiveness and promise of eternal life through meeting the educational needs of the whole child: spiritually, intellectually, socially, physically and emotionally. VISION: Grace Lutheran Christian School desires to reach out to families in the Antelope Valley community, sharing our beliefs through excellent teaching to empower our students as global leaders. OCTOBER EVENTS: We believe all students are gifts from God and our teachers are gifted by God. Oct 2 - End of 1st Quarter...Fall Break October 5-9 Oct RED RIBBON WEEK activities - supported by a Thrivent Action Team! The theme this year is: Respect Yourself - Don't do drugs! Saturday, Oct 31 - TRUNK OR TREAT! - supported by a Thrivent Action Team! Decorate your 'boot' (as our British families call it!) and join the PTL sponsored event with a hay ride, super slide, pumpkin decorating contest and more! HEIFER PROJECT The first semester chapel and service projects this year are going to support Heifer International. Heifer International's mission is to work with communities to end world hunger and poverty and to care for the Earth. The 'teach a man to fish' philosophy drove Midwest farmer Dan West to found Heifer International nearly 70 years ago. The goal of the school is to raise $5,000 to buy an 'ARK'. An Ark includes two water buffalos, two cows, two sheep and two goats, along with bees, chicks, rabbits and more. This will care for communities with milk, eggs, honey and wool. It will provide income by supplying an abundance of goods to sell and sustain farming by providing livestock to work the land. By improving the lives of families, the next generation will be able to multiply and pass on the gifts. In addition to our chapel offerings, we will hold a service project in which we hope you will join us! Friday, November 13 will be a Color Run / Walk! OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD... start gathering those items to put into your boxes! Collection will be in November.

5 Page 5 of 8 Gracelines LWML WEEKEND AT GRACE Saturday ~ October 3 ~ 9:30 to 2 Sage & Sand Zone LWML Fall Rally Celebrating our Faith with Hymns and Banners Sing to the Lord a new song. Psalm 98:1 Grace Lutheran Church - Lancaster Cost $10 - includes brunch & lunch Ingathering for Lutheran World Relief: Fabric, Used bedsheets, Thread SUNDAY ~ OCTOBER 4 10 AM ~ Special worship service praising God for LWML Dedication of Lutheran World Relief Quilts, Pillowcase Dresses and Shorts Following Worship: Boutique, Opportunity Quilt, Blind Auction & Ice Cream Wear purple ~ The LWML color OPPORTUNITY QUILT SPONSORED BY PRAYERS & SQUARES This Eyelash quilt could soon be yours. An Eyelash is a special type of applique that when laundered has frayed edges that resemble eyelashes. Tickets are available every Sunday through October in the Parish Hall for $1 each or 6/$5. Proceeds from this fund raiser will be used for shipping quilts to Lutheran World Relief and pillowcase dresses & shorts to Orphan Grain Train. Stop by the display and purchase your tickets or see any member of LWML. PRAYER QUILTS are always available. Prayers and Squares have now given 280 prayer quilts to members and friends of Grace. A quilt is available by completing a request form from the Parish Hall Bulletin Board and taking it to the church office. A quilt be ready for tying with two weeks. Ladies meet every Monday to work on quilts. Join us at 9 AM in the modular.

6 Gracelines Page 6 of 8 California High Desert Chapter of Thrivent Invites you to hear Opal Singleton speak on How to Prevent Human Trafficking Thursday ~ October 22 ~ 6 PM ~ Dinner at 6:30 PM Crystalaire Country Club ~ Boca Raton ~ Llano, CA Opal Singleton is President and CEO of Million Kids and Training & Outreach Coordinator for River Side County Anti Human Trafficking Task Force. She is a leading authority helping teens and families affected by the Sextortion of a generation that has never NOT known the internet and parents who techno phonic. Anyone with teens in their families parents & grandparents or anyone who knows teens or works with them is especially urged to attend. This is a free event and a delicious dinner will be served at 6:30. (You do not need to be a Thrivent member to attend.) Attendees will receive an autographed copy of Opal s book, SEDUCED THE GROOMING OF AMERICA S TEENAGERS. Seating is limited RSVP to Pat by October 12 foto@inreach.com or ACTION TEAMS ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING Sunday ~ October 11 ~ 11:15 AM THRIVENT MEMBERS: you can lead an ACTION TEAM EVENT! Please join your Thrivent leaders on Sunday, October 11 after worship service to learn more how you can take action to help your community with $250 Seed Money from Thrivent. There are needs in the AV to put homeless veterans and other homeless individuals into apartments of their own but help is needed to supply them with some of the necessities of life kitchen items (dishes, pans, silverware etc.), bathroom needs (towels, soap, TP and more), bedding needs (pillows, blankets etc.). Anyone interested in helping, mark your calendar for October 11 and spend 30 minutes learning what you can do. Details will be explained at this meeting. Direct your questions to Marge Barckholtz or check out to find out more.

7 Page 7 of 8 Gracelines October Abundance Sunday Collection for Grace Resource Center is shampoo, hand lotion, soap, and feminine hygiene. Bring them to the narthex any time during the month of October. Reformation Sunday- Sunday, October 25 at 10:00 a.m. One of the great highlights of the Church year. Come dressed in red. All Saints Sunday- Sunday, November 1 at 10:00 a.m. Please call or the church office with names, birth & death dates, and a Bible passage for those who have passed since October Spanish & German class will not meet the month of October and will resume again Tuesday, November 3 at 3:00 p.m. for German and 6:00 p.m. for Spanish. In His Service, Stan Daugherty Crossfi We are looking for kids who like to have fun, play games and discover the way to a fit life with Christ! Crossfi is a youth group that will meet every other Friday in the modular for fun, snacks and Bible talks. The adventure continues Fridays, October 23 th and November 20 th from 3:15-4:30 p.m All 5 th -8 th graders are invited to come and check out another way to find out about Christ s love for you! If you have any questions you may call Pastor Mueller or Teri Morgan in the church office.

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9 GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH & SCHOOL 856 W. Newgrove Street Lancaster, CA NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION PAID LANCASTER, CA PERMIT No. 200 We re on the Web! See us at: CHURCH STAFF CHURCH BOARD OF DIRECTORS Pastor Rev. Michael Mueller President Scott Smith Church Secretary Teri Morgan Vice President Brad Norris Treasurer Bob Petersen SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION Recording Secretary Marge Barckholtz Principal Karen Markin Member at Large Owen McCallister School Secretary Christine Calvert Council of Elders Donald Crane Pastor Mueller Church Office