Voice CALC Canadian Association of Lutheran. Victory Lutheran A Church For The City

Transcription

1 Voice CALC Canadian Association of Lutheran Victory Lutheran A Church For The City

2 Page 2 Victory Voice Page 3 Pastor Jim Bredeson pastorjim@victorylutheran.ca Diaconal Minister Lila de Waal ldewaal@victory lutheran.ca This fall we come to the culmination of the 500 th anniversary of the Lutheran Reformation. It is a time to remember and to reflect. But it is also a time to dream! Luther was certainly a man of conviction, determination, and also vision. It took courage to stand up to the authorities of his age, to say this is not right. He could very well have lost his life as others did before him. But he knew where God was calling him. What is your dream? This is the question I asked the elders when we met this summer on retreat. There are many challenges facing us today both in our culture and in our church. But I believe that we serve a God who is much larger than any challenge or difficulty. I am calling us at Victory Lutheran Church to be: UPCOMING REFORMATION EVENTS IN OCTOBER Sunday, October 15: Guest speaker: The Rev. Dan Schmelzer, with Capstone Ministries in Kisumu, Kenya. They are not an orphanage. The reality is that most of the street children they work with are not orphaned but rather estranged from their family. This is a description of their ministry: Over time we have refined our approach to children on the street. Initially we thought a transition center and counseling would be needed before a child could be taken home. We A Church FOR the City To pursue the kingdom of God: By building up the family By impacting the community Each elder will seek to promote this vision within their area of ministry. And each member of Victory will be asked to do their part as well. This requires prayer, time, and, yes, money. The elders and I can see a future in which our congregation becomes an even more attractive place of hope and ministry, a go to church in our city. Will you join us? have found that not to be the case. In fact, it is often better to return a child to his home as soon as possible. This minimizes the western influence and dependency mindset from exposure to a Center. Generally the longer it takes to address the trauma of separation, the more complicated the process of reconciliation. Capstone staff minister directly to boys on the street almost every day, engaging them in conversation about their home and encouraging them to consider reconciliation. Often what a child fears is not poverty or disease. What drove him to the street was a breakdown in relationship caused by his or Be strong in the Lord! Pastor Jim someone s sinful and selfish behavior. What is often needed is encouragement to repent, willingness to change and Capstone staff expressing a willingness to stand alongside the child in this conversation of reconciliation. Follow-up visits with family is the strength of the Capstone program. Each child s situation will be evaluated in the Friday staff meeting and a program of counseling will be recommended. This is where Capstone staff shine. Home visits can be tough, especially when a parent has been irresponsible. (continued on page 2) you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. 16 But do this in a gentle and respectful way. I Peter 3:15-16 Many Christians struggle to explain their faith. One of the ways to address this is to get to know the Bible better. Have you read the New Testament through? If you haven t, now is the time!!! The Bethel class will be coving the New Testament this year. What a great way to read God s Word in community with other people. It is also a chance to work through your own questions about God. Here at Victory there are many opportunities to grow in faith by studying the Bible with others. You will be blessed and that blessing will flow out through you. Growing in Christ together with you, Lila de Waal KICKOFFSUNDAYSEPTEMBER 10 (Capstone Ministries continued) We are in process of developing a Toolkit of Bible Lessons which covers topics on repentance, grace, forgiveness and humility. All staff will be versed in the details of the lessons so that can be applied in a myriad of circumstances and needs. They also conduct: 11 home Bible study groups with parents of reconciled children. Camp & High school sponsorships Saturday, October 21: a seminar on Martin Luther s Life and Theology presented by Jamie Strickler from the Institute of Lutheran Theology, Brookings, SD. This is one of the approved seminaries for CALC and LCMC, our denominational affiliations. The Institute of Lutheran Theology is a Lutheran seminary providing graduate, certificate, and lay level theological education through a fully integrated online campus. Faithful, fully-credentialed teachers lead students deeply into the Scriptures and the Christian tradition through a continual dialogue via live online video conferencing that replicates a traditional classroom. This grants students the opportunity to study at ILT without the inconvenience of relocating. Students immediately apply what they learn to their lives, communities, families, and congregation. Sunday, October 22: guest speaker, the Rev. Jamie Strickler, Dean of Students at ILT. Saturday, October 28 Reformation Walk Higdon Hall Stampede Grounds 2-4 PM The Reformation is not only the birth of our Lutheran Church, it is also one of the greatest events in the history of Western European Civilization. Many things we take for granted today such as education and democracy had their roots in that event. The Reformation walk is an interactive experience of Luther s life and times. Costumed interpreters will describe events from the life of Europe and give us a glimpse into a different time. This is a free event. October 29: Reformation Celebration Services in our normal worship hours. Sunday, November 12 2:00 p.m. at St. Patrick s Church Joint worship celebration with other Christians, featuring a message by the Rev. Canon Gene Packwood.

3 Page 4 TUESDAY 12:00 p.m. Senior s Lunch First Tuesday WEDNESDAY 10:30 a.m. Caregiver s Third Wednesday 12:00 p.m. Revival Prayer 1:30 p.m. VLW (Victory Lutheran Women) Third Wednesday 5:45 p.m. Confirmation 5:45 p.m. Kid s Club (weekly for September) 7:00 p.m. Bethel Series (weekly) 7:00 p.m. WWJD (Youth Band, weekly) 7:00 p.m. When You Hit A Wall: Job, Peter, & Your Identity (six week course) 7:00 p.m. Victory Sowers Of The Spirit (Prayer Shawl Ministry) Second & fourth Sunday church PROGRAMMING THURSDAY 6:15 p.m. Victorians 7:00 p.m. Jubilee Singers 7:00 p.m. Youth Group 8:00 p.m. Victory Quartet SATURDAY 10:00 a.m. Scrapbooking This may become a monthly event so check our calendar and mark yours! 10:45 a.m. Worship Team Third & fourth Saturdays Be sure to check the calendar each month for changes and room location of events. KICK OFF SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 10 Many of Victory s ministries will have a table, where you can collect fact sheets, ask questions and sign up to participate in the Lord s work. Do you know why Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me?" Parents brought their children to Jesus to have his hands lay on them and it was the disciples who wanted to turn the children away. Jesus comment reminds us that children need to be blessed by the Lord. Also the Lord wants to bless children and parents should be encouraged to bring their children to Jesus at an early age and teach them His ways. At SPLASH we would like your children to attend regularly and learn the lessons that Jesus taught. This year we will be focusing on Jesus life. will be Kicking-off the Sunday school season with Build-Your-Own-Sundae or ice cream cone in the Ark. This event is open to the entire congregation on Sunday, September 10th. While in the Ark please visit our pre-school room, on display will be the crafts the children learned from this past year. Our drama room is a busy place where the children enjoy puppets and black-light drama. The computer workshop began slowly last fall. We have 3 computers and two programs. Come try your hand at Cal and Marty s Memory game or the other interactive program, Life of Christ. Our crafts are usually done in the area where you will be Building- Your-Own-Sundae. The green room is used for less messy crafts and some of our cooking lessons. Registration forms will be available soon. Remember to register your child(ren) for this year s season. All children, regular attendees and visitors must be registered. Please keep the children, teachers and helpers in your prayers as we embark on this new S.P.L.A.S.H. year. Barb Beifus S.P.L.A.S.H. Coordinator Page 5 S.P.L.A.S.H Coordinator Barb Beifus beifus12@gmail.com N E W S Hi One & All! Hope you had a great summer. It appears to have come and gone very quickly. Coming on Wednesday, September 20 at 1:30 p.m. we will resume our Bible Studies, Experiencing Spiritual Revival by Margaret Feinberg. Pearl Dubourt will be leading the study this month. All ladies are welcome, every third Wednesday of the month at 1:30 p.m. in the Christian Education Room. Step up to the VLW table on Kick Off Sunday, September 10 and sign up to come, ask questions and chat. See you then. Leona Herter President

4 SEPTEMBER 2017 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Legend: Sanctuary = S Christian Education Room = CE Fellowship Hall = FH Worship Area = WA Ark Green Room = AG Sunday, September :00 Worship Service Holy Communion Sunday 3 LABOUR DAY CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED :00 p.m Senior s Lunch 7:00 p.m. Coin & Stamp: CE :15 p.m. Foundations Band:: S KICK OFF SUNDAY 10:00 Worship Service SPLASH OPEN HOUSE 9:00 Worship Service 17 10:30 Worship Service Holy Communion Sunday 9:30 a.m. Adult Bible Study:CE 9:30 a.m. Teen Bible Study:YO 10:45 a.m. SPLASH: ARK 9:00 Worship Service 10:30 Worship Service 10 9:30 a.m. Adult Bible Study:CE 9:30 a.m. Teen Bible Study:YO 10:45 a.m. SPLASH: ARK p.m. Private Booking: CE 6:30 p.m. Young Adults: YO 7:00 p.m. Elder Meeting: CE 1:30 p.m. Al-Anon: CE 6:30 p.m. Young Adults: YO 7:00 p.m. Coin & Stamp: CE :30 p.m. Al-Anon: CE 6:30 p.m. Young Adults: YO 7:00 p.m. Coin & Stamp: CE :45 p.m. Confirmation: YO 5:45 p.m. Kid s Club: CE back 7:00 p.m. Bethel Series: CE front 7:00 p.m. WWJD: S 7:00 p.m. Victory Sowers: FH 10:00 a.m. Bible Study: FH 10:30 a.m. Caregiver s: 1:30 p.m. VLW: CE 5:45 p.m. Confirmation: YO 5:45 p.m. Kid s Club: CE back 7:00 p.m. Bethel Series: CE front 7:00 p.m. WWJD: S 7:00 p.m. Bible Study: CE back 10:00 a.m. Bible Study: FH 5:45 p.m. Confirmation: YO 5:45 p.m. Kid s Club: CE back 7:00 p.m. Bethel Series: CE front 7:00 p.m. WWJD: S 7:00 p.m. Victory Sowers: FH 7:00 p.m. Bible Study: CE back 13 1:15 p.m. Foundations Band:: S 6:15 p.m. Victorians: S 7:00 p.m. Jubilee Singers: S 8:00 p.m. Victory Quartet: S 1:15 p.m. Foundations Band:: S 6:15 p.m. Victorians: S 7:00 p.m. Jubilee Singers: S 8:00 p.m. Victory Quartet: S 1:15 p.m. Foundations Band:: S 6:15 p.m. Victorians: S 7:00 p.m. Jubilee Singers: S 8:00 p.m. Victory Quartet: S :00 a.m. Scrapbooking: FH 10:45 Worship Team: S :45 Worship Team: S 2:00 p.m. Bernice Schmidt s 85th Birthday: FH 16 30

5 Page 8 Page 9 Family & Youth Director Nick Csillag youth@vicctorylutheran.ca Hello everyone! My name is Nick Csillag and I am the new Family & Youth Director! I spent 4 years at Briercrest College and Seminary working on a Bachelor Degree focusing on Adolescence and Families study, I will be finished my degree in December. The group photo below is a picture of my hall that I lived on this year. One of the best parts about college was getting to live in the dorm and learn with these guys. I am originally from Maple Ridge, British Columbia where I have lived for the majority of my life. I am the oldest of three siblings and I have one sister who is 19 and a brother who is 10. I have a passion for working with youth and I am looking forward to getting to work with them throughout the year and the events that are going to take place. Youth Group will be starting Thursday September 7 th at 7pm We will be having a welcome back BBQ! All food will be provided just show up and get ready for a fun time! If there is enough interest we will also be going to see the Harlem Globetrotters as they come to on September 25! Our youth need snacks! Next shopping trip keep them in mind. Bring them to the church please and thank you. The Teen Sunday morning Bible Study starts on September 17 at 9:30 a.m. in the Youth Office. We ll be using Right Now Media for our studies and will begin with a Bible study on finding yourself! KIDS GROUP Kid s Club is every week in the month of September and begins Wednesday, September 13, at 5:45 p.m. in the back of the Christian Ed room. To start off my office hours will be Tuesdays 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Thursdays 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. This is the plan for September! I am looking forward to working with all of you in the coming months. Nick MINISTRY CHANGES AT VICTORY We say farewell to Peter Mehrer, our Monday morning Bible Study teacher. Thank you Peter for your wonderful years of service to the many folks who attended your classes. Weekly Bible studies will continue with Gary Ziel & the Bethel Series. Pastor Jim will be teaching a class this fall for six weeks and there will be more to come for sure. Leona Herter has stepped down as chief cook and bottle washer for funeral lunches. Thank you Leona for your beautiful service to grieving families over the year. Diane Dulle is now the team leader in regard to funeral lunches. Thank you Diane! Many ladies help with these lunches and if you would like to join the team give the church office a call. statistics Where do our pastor s come from? I have been reading some things about the average age of pastors in the church in the US. It is not good news. The average age of clergy in the US is 54. Only one in seven pastors is under the age of 40, and half are over 55. The percentage of church leaders 65 and older has nearly tripled in the last 25 years, meaning there are now more pastors in the oldest age bracket than there are leaders younger than 40. (From LCMC via Pastor) Kids! When I was single I didn t think a lot about little kids. But once I held my own child in my arms everything changed. I became fascinated in everything to do with children, child development and parenting. Now that my children are adults I continue to be fascinated by children, how they change and grow and their delight of life and learning. We used to tell our kids that once they were born, we no longer needed a television. They were so fascinating to us, that tv had no allure. I wish our culture could take a turn in that direction. We all need collectively, to treasure the children, to be fascinated by them. Without children there is no life. Adults need kids just as much as kids need adults. We need them to keep us honest and to keep us real. They look at the world with fresh eyes and we would all do well to look at the world from their perspective. This is true in regards to faith as well. Children have the most beautiful faith. They trust their Lord with open hearts. That is why I am sad when I meet families who are not making it a priority to teach their children the faith. How sad for the children that they don t learn that there is a Lord who loves them and will help them in their troubles and walk with them through life. Jesus said, I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven. So anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. Matthew 18:3-4 NLT In the matter of faith, Jesus gave the children as an example for us. We adults think that we lead the children, but Jesus turns us upside down. The children lead the adults. When a child learns that Jesus loves them, they believe it and live in that love. When a child learns they can talk to God, they do it, knowing that God hears them. So this summer, when you see the kids outside playing, remember to be like a kid in matters of faith. Trust God with an open heart. And if you have kids in your life, bring them to church so that they can grow in that faith. Lila de Waal By The Way Published in MH News June 5, 2017

6 Page 11 Page 10 a murderer, he constantly seeks our life, and wreaks his anger whenever he can afflict our bodies with misfortune and harm. Hence it comes that he often breaks men's necks or drives them to insanity, drowns some, and incites many to commit suicide, and to many other terrible calamities. LUTHER S LESSONS Continuing with the Lord s prayer - seventh petition. BUT DELIVER US FROM EVIL In the Greek text this petition reads thus: Deliver or preserve us from the Evil One, or the Malicious One; and it looks as if He were speaking of the devil, as though He would comprehend everything in one, so that the entire substance of all our prayer is directed against our chief enemy. For it is he who hinders among us everything that we pray for: the name or honor of God, God's kingdom and will, our daily bread, a cheerful good conscience, etc. Therefore we finally sum it all up and say: Dear Father, pray, help that we be rid of all these calamities. But there is nevertheless also included whatever evil may happen to us under the devil's kingdom-poverty, shame, death, and, in short, all the agonizing misery and heartache of which there is such an unnumbered multitude on the earth. For since the devil is not only a liar, but also Therefore there is nothing for us to do upon earth but to pray against this arch-enemy without ceasing. For unless God preserved us, we would not be safe from him even for an hour. Hence you see again how God wishes us to pray to Him also for all the things which affect our bodily interests, so that we seek and expect help nowhere else except in Him. But this matter He has put last; for if we are to be preserved and delivered from all evil, the name of God must first be hallowed in us, His kingdom must be with us, and His will be done. After that He will finally preserve us from sin and shame, and, besides, from everything that may hurt or injure us. Thus God has briefly placed before us all the distress which may ever come upon us, so that we might have no excuse whatever for not praying. But all depends upon this, that we learn also to say Amen, that is, that we do not doubt that our prayer is surely heard, and [what we pray] shall be done. For this is nothing else than the word of undoubting faith, which does not pray at a venture, but knows that God does not lie to him, since He has promised to grant it. Therefore, where there is no such faith, there cannot be true prayer either. It is, therefore, a pernicious delusion of those who pray in such a manner that they dare not from the heart say yea and positively conclude that God hears them, but remain in doubt and say, How should I be so bold as to boast that God hears my prayer? For I am but a poor sinner, etc. The reason for this is, they regard not the promise of God, but their own work and worthiness, whereby they despise God and reproach Him with lying, and therefore they receive nothing. As St. James 1:6 says: But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering; for he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea, driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive anything of the Lord. PRAY FOR THOSE IN AUTHOURITY September 3, 2017 Councillor Julie Friesen, Carmel Hospice September 10, 2017 Councillor Jamie McIntosh, Pastor Tyler Rosengren, Seventh Day Adventist September 17, 2017 Councillor Les Pearson, Pastor Lyle Berg First Assembly Of God September 24, 2017 Councillor Celina Symmonds College Behold, such importance God attaches to the fact that we are sure we do not pray in vain, and that we do not in any way despise our prayer. Victory Lutheran s library is full of treasures and a blessing to many people. You can visit the library on Sundays before, between or after the services. If you d like to come during the week, Monday, Tuesday, mornings or anytime during Thursday and Friday work best. We re looking for a special someone to head it up. Training is available to keep our wonderful library running efficiently and neatly. Are you that special someone? Call the church office to express your interest and let the library fun begin!! Here s some new arrivals: Youth Action Society The event will take place Saturday, October 28 in the Wildrose Room, Higdon Hall, 2-4:00 p.m. needs your assistance with a youth clothing drive for tweens and teens ages This includes running shoes, back packs and purses. Clothing drive is on until September 15.

7 Page 12 Our website has a wealth of information. Bulletins / Audio Sermons Calendar / Programs The brown tabs down the left hand side tell you the following: About us: Tells our mission and ministry, introduces the staff and the Elders News: This is where you ll find Victory Voice and the weekly church bulletin. Calendar: Enough said, except to say that you can scroll to months ahead or check what happened in the past. Programs:. click on this tab and you ll find out about our ministries, when and where they meet and who they are for. Community: behind this tab you ll discover how busy Victory is and what a blessing we are to our community. We are blessed to be a blessing and many community groups meet within our walls. Sermons: Missed church on Sunday? You ll never have to miss a wonderful message again from Pastor Jim or Lila. Audio recordings of the Word of God will uplift you any day of the week! Prayer request: This tab will explain our prayer ministry and how it works. You can submit a prayer request by on this page. As you can see Victory Lutheran Church has a social media presence. Like us on Facebook! Victory Lutheran Church 2793 Southview Drive SE, AB T1B 2H1 P: E:office@victorylutheran.ca W: SENIOR PASTOR: Jim Bredeson DIACONAL MINISTER: Lila de Waal SENIOR S VISITATION MINISTER: Dallas Hjorth FAMILY & YOUTH DIRECTOR: Hannah Fairbrother SPLASH COORDINATOR: Barb Beifus OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR: Judy Brown POWERPOINT/PUBLISHER: Leah Ebelher