SHEPHERD S VOICE Monthly Newsletter of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church - LCMS

Transcription

1 D E C E M B E R SHEPHERD S VOICE Monthly Newsletter of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church - LCMS Hope in Christ Grow old along with me. The best is yet to be. Robert Browning Robert Browning, the poet of the 19 th century wrote these lines. There is much truth in them. Even better, the manger dares us to believe the best is yet to be. And it could all begin today. Advent, which simply means coming or arrival, begins each year on the fourth Sunday before Christmas, which is the Sunday closest to November 30. It is a season in which Christians all over the world celebrate the First Advent, Jesus birth, and also look forward to the Second Advent, Christ s return. At Advent, we are invited to immerse ourselves in hope. Biblical hope is not I think I can wishful thinking or believing in yourself. It is the unshakable confidence that God can be trusted. It is that belief that God is always at work for our good (Romans 8: 24-25). It is the assurance that God s promises are true even while we patiently wait for their fulfillment. Our hope is certain. That is why we wait patiently. We don t fret about what is to come. We trust that God is already at work to provide the light we seek, the help we need, and the deliverance we long for! It is a good tradition in the Lutheran Church to light an Advent wreath, and so we do at Good Shepherd. One light for Hope, one for Peace, one for Joy, and one for Love. We have decided to prepare for Advent in our confirmation class, too. On our table is an Advent wreath. Advent is the season to be looking looking for light, for rescue, for every promised good thing. Why not light an Advent wreath in your home this season! Here are some Scripture passages for you and your family to ponder this Advent season. Read them and ponder their message each time you light a candle: Continued on page 2

2 Featured Events 12.7 Heritage Hall 12.7 Advent Dinner and Advent Dinner and Sunday School Christmas Service and Women s Guild Holiday Dinner Advent Dinner and Christmas Eve Christmas Day Continued from page 1 First Sunday: Psalm 80: 1-7 (Hope) Second Sunday: Isaiah 2: 1-3 (Peace) Third Sunday: Romans 13: (Joy) Fourth Sunday: Mark 13: (Love) Each of these Scripture passages reflects some aspect of this eager and hopeful anticipation. The psalmist implored God, Let your face shine, that we may be saved (Psalm 80: 3). The prophet Isaiah charged God s people to walk in the light of the Lord! (Isaiah 2: 5). The apostle Paul roused his readers with the command, Wake from sleep... and put on the armor of light (Romans 13: 11-12). And Jesus urged his followers to keep alert... keep away (Mark 13: 33, 35). At Advent hope fills us with anticipation the King is coming and we want everything in our lives to be ready to receive him! What if you knew Jesus was coming tomorrow! What would you do today? Then do it! Live in such a way that you would not have to change your plans. Allow yourself to imagine that Jesus will make a literal visit to your home and that you have four weeks to get ready. If you want to be at your best and to fully enjoy the visit, how would you prepare? In what ways, if any, would you need to reorder your life or schedule to make this preparation? What would move up on your priority list, and what would move down? In Jesus day, the culture placed a high value on hospitality. They welcomed an honored guest by greeting the person with a kiss, pouring oil on the head, and providing water to wash the feet (Luke 7: 44-46). Together these gestures created a warm welcome so guests felt refreshed and appreciated. What comes to mind when you consider welcoming Jesus in a way that would make him feel not just respected or worshipped but genuinely wanted and appreciated? In what ways, if any, would it change your preparations? If Advent were everything you could hope for this year, what words or phrases would you use to describe them? Advent Prayer: Come, Lord Jesus. My hope is in You. Amen. The offerings for Thanksgiving Eve, four Advent services, and Christmas Eve are designated to be divided among: ½ to MAAG (Life Bridge Lutheran, and Family of Christ Lutheran); ¼ to GSLC Senior Youth; and ¼ to GSLC General for debt reduction. Merry Christmas, Pastor John TELLING LOVING CARING in Christ

3 December 4 Wait Until He Comes! Lutheran Hour Speaker: Rev. Dr. Gregory Seltz A broken world waits, yearns and hopes for restoration. Jesus has already done everything to make that restoration a reality. (Isaiah 11: 1-10) DECEMBER CALENDAR December 4: Second Sunday in Advent Message: New and Greater Text: Isaiah 11: 1-10 December 11: Third Sunday in Advent Message: Patience Text: James 5: 7-11 December 18: Fourth Sunday in Advent Message: He Will Save Text: Matthew 1: December 24: Christmas Eve Message: Whoever Takes the Son Gets it All Text: Matthew 1: December 25: Christmas Day Message: Comfort & Redemption Text: Isaiah 52: 7-10 December 11 Let the Adventure Begin Lutheran Hour Speaker: Rev. Dr. Gregory Seltz In Christ, all of life is an adventure, one that is full of His promise and hope. (Isaiah 35: 1-10) December 18 Peace on Earth, Peace That Lasts Lutheran Hour Speaker: Rev. Dr. Gregory Seltz What is the key to real and lasting peace on earth? Jesus, God with us. (Matthew 1: 18-25) December 25 What We Really Want Speaker Emeritus of The Lutheran Hour: Rev. Dr. Ken Klaus What do you want this Christmas? Jesus is God s greatest gift to a sinful world. (Galatians 4: 4-5) SEEDS OF FAITH I was recently introduced to a podcast that I've found informative and entertaining. The site cph.org/podcast is meant as a lesson preparation for the Sunday School teacher, but I find it interesting even when not using it as a lesson. Select one podcast and you can read or hear a discussion about that lesson theme. Each one lasts about 30 minutes. The Seeds of Faith podcast is a recorded interview that: provides background information on the week s Bible story discusses the Bible story s Law and Gospel points answers the question Where is Jesus in this story? offers ideas for how to discuss the week s lesson with students Submitted by Ann Seider VERSE OF THE MONTH She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins. Matthew 1: 21

4 SERVING THE LORD Readers 12.4 Gary Seider Randy Simmons Ann Seider Karen SERVING Butcher THE LORD Ushers 12.4 Gary Seider and Aaron Seider Dennis Haubein and Matt Hoek Jon Rakers and Danny Hoek Russell Stelzer and Randy Simmons Nursery 12.4 Alane Gronefeld Jacki Stelzer Lori Gesling Alane Gronefeld Tellers 12.4 Randy and Cathy Simmons Gary and Ann Seider John Briggs and Kathy Dickey Jeff and Tracy Jaeger Altar Guild Greeters Karen Richterkessing and Ann Seider Margaret Parker FINANCIAL October 30/31 56/0 Current Building Sunday School 3.00 Total November 6/7 65/0 Current Building Total November 13/14 61/5 Current Building Total SICK AND HEALTH CONCERNS Dick Keil; Eli Bartels; Abby Hoek; Roger Conklin; Ruth Jenkins; Barbara Fischer; Leo Illic great nephew of Pastor and Karen Butcher; Hank Maseman; Norma Remmert sister of Ernestine Ramsey; Faith Parker daughter of Margaret Parker; Darin Moore nephew of Dennis and Patti Haubein; Carol Fox mother of Catherine Simmons; Susan Harris; Arla Benskin daughter of Mary Brechler; Jane St. John; Kay Bettenhausen - daughter of Ed and Joanne Bettenhausen; Michelle Smith daughter of Jane St. John; Carol Hoffman aunt of Russell Stelzer and Palmyra Dubbert; Mark Ramsey son of Ed Ramsey; Kaylyn Trentham daughter of Eric and Kim Trentham. ARMED FORCES Brittany Macklin great-niece of Ernestine Ramsey; Ryan Ball grandson of Betty Ball; Caleb Bohlmeyer; Matthew Bolin grandson of Ed and Jean Morse; Ray Finlay husband of Suzanne Finlay; Ethan Lee son of Steve and Nancy Lee; grandson of Dick and Norma Keil; Zachary Warden grandson of Betty Warden; Jeremy Mitchell; Diton J. Parker son of David and Emma Parker; grandson of Margaret Parker; Thomas Teem husband of Margaret Parker s granddaughter, Kaylyn; Andrew Butler husband of Margaret Parker s granddaughter, Sarah; Justin Thurston. CHRISTMAS TREAT BAGS Ann Seider and Alane Gronefeld are accepting donations for the Christmas treat bags to be handed out to the children at the Sunday School Christmas service on December 18. If you would like to donate candy, toys, fruit or cash please give to them by December 11. SUNDAY SCHOOL CHRISTMAS SERVICE The Sunday School Christmas Service will be held on Sunday, December 18, during the worship hour at 10:00 a.m. Following the service, the Women s Guild will host a turkey dinner. Turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing and gravy will be provided. Please bring side dishes and desserts to accompany the meal. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend our holiday dinner. November 20/21 55/4 Current Building Total OFFERING DESIGNATIONS Current 10% of our current offerings are sent to Missouri District for missions. The remaining 90% is used for GSLC budget expenses. Building 100% of money designated for building stays in our congregation for budget expenses.

5 DECEMBER 2016 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday :30 a.m. Confirm. 8:45 a.m. S. School and Bible Study 10 a.m. 5 6:00 p.m. 6 9:00 a.m. Bible Study 7 3:00 p.m. Heritage Hall 6:00 p.m. Advent Dinner 7:00 p.m. Advent 8 7:00 p.m. Women s Guild :30 a.m. Confirm. 8:45 a.m. S. School and Bible Study 10 a.m. 10:20 a.m. Children s Church 12 6:00 p.m. 13 9:00 a.m. Bible Study 7:00 p.m. Elders Meeting 14 6:00 p.m. Advent Dinner 7:00 p.m. Advent :30 a.m. Confirm. 8:45 a.m. S. School and Bible Study 10 a.m. Sunday School Christmas Service and Women s Guild holiday dinner 19 6:00 p.m. 6:45 p.m. Committee 20 9:00 a.m. Bible Study 21 6:00 p.m. Advent Dinner 7:00 p.m. Advent :00 p.m. Christmas Eve 25 8:45 a.m. S. School and Bible Study 10 a.m. 26 6:00 p.m. 27 9:00 a.m. Bible Study BIRTHDAYS 12.1 Brittany Mechlin 12.4 Norma Keil 12.5 Barbara Fischer 12.8 Danny Hoek 12.9 Jane St. John Cheryl Steffan Jon Rakers Elleigh Wood Jenna Rakers Luke Moss Shirley Nichols Ione Alwin (100) Starr Nadler Palmyra Dubbert Gayle Billings Martin Mahieu Zane Wood ANNIVERSARIES Robert and Geraldine Klingamann 100 th BIRTHDAY Ione Alwin will celebrate her 100 th birthday on December 20, Ione s family is requesting a card shower. Please feel free to send a card to: Ione Alwin 1389 E Hwy 22 Lot 36 Centralia, MO 65240

6 Ione Alwin Charter Member In celebration of Ione s 100 th birthday on December 20, 2016, we are re-printing the following article that was printed in the June 2008 GSLC newsletter by Lora Buckert. Did you ever wonder how tying a shoe and starting a church could be connected? I had a wonderful visit with Ione Alwin one morning and I heard many interesting stories about how Good Shepherd Lutheran Church came to be. Ione is back from her winter home in Texas. She, and her daughter Susan Hulen, took time from their busy day to visit with me about how Good Shepherd Church was started. Ione explained when her husband, Lloyd Alwin, and their family went to church they traveled to Mexico to a Lutheran church. The members at Mexico really wanted them to join their church, but that was not what they had in mind. Commuting to church would not allow them to be as active and they thought it would be difficult for her daughter to be able to participate in youth functions. Lloyd frequently visited with the customers of their department store in Centralia every day. He routinely asked which church they attended and soon realized that there were several families in the Centralia area that were attending different area Lutheran churches. He started remembering how his family had helped to start a Lutheran church in Amery, Wisconsin. This church was started with only five families. Centralia had more than five interested families. They had many impromptu meetings back in the store s shoe department. Mr. Alwin found a temporary location at the American Legion Hall for Sunday services. Mrs. Alwin laughs about having to go to the hall on Sunday morning to clean and air out the place before a service could be held. The group next purchased a house. She recalls how fun those times were when everyone was working at remodeling and making a church on Jefferson. Usually, after a work day the friends ended with several fun games of cards. She fondly remembers those as very special days when everyone worked, prayed and played together. She was thankful that Pastor Warmann agreed to help them get the church started. He was very helpful and supportive of the new church family. Mrs. Alwin also mentioned that way back then when funds were scarce they still donated 10% of the offering to synod mission funds. This is a practice that continues today. Ione s daughter, Susan Alwin, married Roy Hulen in what was the first wedding to take place in the young church. Roy Hulen also worked for the bank that wrote the loan when the members decided to buy the house on Jefferson Street. I found the personal connections that trail throughout the history of this church to represent the strength of the foundation on which it was built. After visiting with Mrs. Alwin, I will always think of Good Shepherd every time I tie my shoe. It is amazing to think how church plans, dreamt of in a shoe department, weathered the loops and twists along the way to pull together into a tightly knotted brethren. The resulting bow; this beautiful church with a new area, provides a congregation of different shoes a common place to build and grow in our Lutheran faith together.

7 SEEN & HEARD Nothing Else Matters By Ray Fowler Pastor Butcher quoted in a sermon in October from Jaroslav Pelikan, the great Luther scholar. I thought you might be interested in reading this article. There are relatively few things in life that ultimately matter. There is a sense in which everything matters, because God is sovereign and Christ is redeeming all of life. But there are also all sorts of things that feel important to you at the time, but you soon forget them. For example, when you are in the middle of a sporting event, it seems as if everything rides on the outcome. But within days of the victory or defeat (sometimes even within hours), you have forgotten all about it and moved on to other things. Or when you are stuck in traffic, it is easy to get upset and lose sight of everything else. But how many of us remember being stuck in traffic even a week later? There is a good rule of thumb I like to apply in my life: if whatever I m going through won t matter 1,000 years into eternity, then I really don t need to spend my time worrying about it now. Sometimes it takes something really big for us to realize that the smaller things don t really matter. I think about the college student who wrote home to her parents: Dear Mom and Dad, I just wanted to let you know that I dropped out of school last week. I met these really neat people who asked me to drive across country with them to join a commune. So I emptied out all the funds from the college savings account you put together for me, and I bought a camper instead. I also sold all my clothing, shaved my head, and bought a robe. We arrive at the commune tomorrow where I plan to donate the camper and the rest of my savings to the group leader. They call him Father Sunshine, and he seems like a really nice guy. Oh, by the way, nothing I just wrote to you in this letter is true. I am still in college, the money is still in the savings account, and I still have all my hair. However, I did get a D in chemistry for the semester. I hope you won t be too upset. Lots of love, Your daughter. I was struck by a quote I read recently by church historian Jaroslav Pelikan ( ). Among the last words he spoke were these: If Christ is risen, nothing else matters. And if Christ is not risen nothing else matters. Isn t that a great quote? Isn t that what we celebrate at Christmas and at Easter? Doesn t that highlight the importance of the resurrection? If Christ is risen, nothing else matters. And if Christ is not risen nothing else matters. TELLING LOVING CARING in Christ

8 THE REFORMATION 12 a Reformation 500 Series PART 4 OF 12 Martin Luther was the central figure in the Reformation that began October 31, 1517, but he never could have accomplished it by himself. Twelve people were essential parts of the rise and the success of the Reformation. Interestingly enough, most of them never confessed the faith that Luther rediscovered: five of them condemned it; one knew nothing of it, and four were indifferent to it. In fact, only two, in addition to Luther, could end up being called Lutherans. But each of them played a necessary role. Last month (November 2016), we covered Frederick the Wise. This month is Johannes Tetzel. Johannes Tetzel was born on an unknown date around 1465 in Pirna, Saxony. He joined the Dominican Order in His superior, Cardinal Cajetan, named him inquisitor in Poland responsible for enforcing church doctrine in that area. As a priest, Tetzel had been selling indulgences since In 1517, Albrecht appointed him sub-commissioner of indulgences and he proceeded to Albrecht s territories of Magdeburg and Halberstadt. The closest Tetzel could get to Wittenberg was St. Peter s in Juterbog because Frederick the Wise, Albrecht s rival Elector, would not permit him to enter Saxon lands, probably to preserve the income from Frederick s profitable relics business. Tetzel made outlandish claims. He claimed that no confession or repentance was necessary on the part of the buyer in order to obtain the benefit of the plenary indulgence. So Tetzel worked across the river from Wittenberg. Among his customers were some of Luther s parishioners. Luther, the priest, noticed fewer people coming to confession! Some members brought their indulgences to him, asking him to confirm that these certificates would perform as Tetzel had promised. When Luther learned of the extravagant claims made about these indulgences he was incensed. These are three of the 12 people who were key to the development of the Reformation: Albrecht s desire to add the diocese of Mainz to that of Magdeburg; Pope Leo X s extravagant lifestyle and his desire to splendidly rebuilt St. Peter s Basilica; and Johann Tetzel s outlandish claims regarding the indulgences he was selling to raise money for Albrecht and the Pope. These three alone were enough to outrage Luther and prompt a response that would change history.

9 Answers: 1. Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. 2. Bethlehem. He grew up in Nazareth. 3. Matthew 7:12: Do unto others as you would have them do for you. 4. Definitely not! Confirmation Checking the List and Preparing the Way for the Lord By Pastor John Butcher Our confirmands are boldly pushing through God s Word through a retelling of God s plan of salvation. We all love checklists. We love to check off things that we have completed. That gives us a sense of accomplishment. And that s what you will find up in our classrooms checklists. You will also find maps and timelines and Scripture verses about Jesus and His gifts for us. For those of you who can no longer climb stairs (or want to!), here are a few pictures of what our classroom looks like. Pictured from left to right: Gillian Smith, Ella Smith, Christina Gronefeld, and Kylee Walters. The Old Testament Stories are the key ones for our confirmands to read and study. We are trying to see the golden thread of Jesus Christ running through these stories from Old to New Testament. We are looking for the Big Picture of salvation in reading stories and in studying the 6 Chief Parts of Luther s Small Catechism. Timeline of Ancient Israel Historic Events The Exodus Dates c B.C. Significant Individual Moses The Philistine Wars 1010 King David Building of the First Temple 960 Israel Divided 930 Fall of Northern Kingdom 722 King Solomon Fall of Jerusalem 586 Jeremiah Jesus says to the disciples on the road to Emmaus, Then he said to them, These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled. Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures (Luke 24: 44). By reading all these stories, and checking them off, one by one, our confirmands will gain a better understanding of how each story in the Bible is about Jesus and God s purpose to save the world through His suffering, death and resurrection for sinners. At Christmas time, we sing, God and sinners reconciled. That phrase comes from the popular song Joy to the World and describes how God saves sinners through the work of Jesus Christ. What a wonderful stanza to have in our hearts this Christmas. God was preparing the way from the Old Testament times to the present and beyond. When you are checking off your Christmas list for gifts bought for loved ones, remember that God Himself checked off the list of all things necessary for the greatest gift of all salvation. He bought the gift for us through the innocent suffering and blood shed for us by His Son Jesus. We need not grow weary in doing good! (2 Thessalonians 3: 13). God is with us. Immanuel! (Matthew 1: 23). Last OT Prophet 430 Malachi Death of Alexander the Great 323 Maccabean Revolt 167 How Well Do Americans Know Their Bible? 1. Name the 4 gospels of the New Testament. 2. Where was Jesus born? 3. What is the Golden Rule of the Bible? 4. God helps those who help themselves. Is this in the bible? Birth of Christ c. 4

10 The 4 th annual Good Shepherd Trivia Night was held on October 29, 2016, in the Fellowship Hall to benefit the Ministerial Alliance Benevolence Fund. A good time was had by all. Thank you to the many people who helped make this night a success. We raised $1,093 for the Alliance Benevolence Fund. Thank you to John Briggs for a wonderful job with the announcing and music. Also, thank you to the Centralia Methodist Church and Holy Spirit Catholic Church for hosting this event with Good Shepherd. We look forward to 2017 Trivia Night and if you would like to be part of our committee we would love to have you join us. -- Dennis, Catherine, Dana, Gary, Ann, and Aaron Senior Youth 2 nd Place Coming soon. Women s Guild will have a new supply of The World s Best Dishcloths. These double layer woven dishcloths are long lasting and washable. They are good for washing dishes, dusting or numerous other uses. The manufacturer recommends washing prior to first use. The dishcloths can be found in the basket on top of the card rack. Cost is $1.50 each. Place money in the wood box located on the card rack. Let a Women s Guild member know if you need more of a color or need more than the basket contains. Women's Guild will host a turkey dinner following the Sunday School Christmas service on Sunday, December 18. Turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing and gravy will be provided. Please bring side dishes and desserts to accompany the meal. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend our holiday dinner.

11 MISSION OUTREACH: TELLING, LOVING, CARING The church is planning on carrying out the mission of Telling, Loving, Caring by visiting the newer subdivisions in our area. We will be especially inviting people to Advent and Christmas services. The goal is to greet people at the door and let them know we are here to serve them. The door hangers are a way of connecting to our neighbors and telling them about the reason for the season Jesus Christ. The Senior Youth hosted a Dance of the Decades party on November 12, 2016 in the Fellowship Hall. There was lots of great food, fun, music and dancing. Abby Hoek won the overall best-dressed contest. Here are some scenes from the decades.

12 Good Shepherd Lutheran Church 120 W. Gano Chance Road Centralia, MO Church Office (573) West Gano Chance Road Centralia, Missouri Staff Pastor John Butcher (573) (573) Hours: 10:30 a.m. 2:30 p.m., M-TH or by appt. Dana Rakers (573) Hours: 9:00 a.m. 2:30 p.m., M-F Elders Gary Seider (573) Russell Stelzer (573) Randall Simmons (573)