The Faith Builder Building the Kingdom of God Together Build yourselves up on your most holy faith. Pray in the Holy Spirit.

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1 The Faith Builder Building the Kingdom of God Together Build yourselves up on your most holy faith. Pray in the Holy Spirit. Jude 1: 20 A publication of First American Lutheran Church, Tripp, and Hope Lutheran Church, Delmont July 2017 The Sacraments As we continue to honor the 500 th anniversary of the Lutheran Reformation by this study of the Augsburg Confession (Ambassador Hymnal pp or online at this month we ll look at the articles concerning the Sacraments Holy Baptism and the Lord s Supper. Article XIII, The Use of the Sacraments, states, It is taught among us that the sacraments were instituted not only to be signs by which people might be identified outwardly as Christians, but that they are signs and testimonies of God s will toward us for the purpose of awakening and strengthening our faith. Here the Lutheran Confessors make it clear that the Sacraments are not just things we do as a show of faith, but they are given to us in order to actually awaken and strengthen faith in us and for us. In Article IX we see the work of God in baptism as it begins, It is taught among us that Baptism is necessary and that grace is offered through it. Baptism is not just a testimony or an outward sign that we believe in Jesus, but God performs a work through it. That is why we call the Sacraments the means of grace. They are the ways in which God has directed that we would become partakers of the victory that Jesus has won for us. Romans 6:4 states, We were therefore buried with Christ through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. Many denominations treat baptism as if it was just an outward sign of our inward faith, but it is much more than that. It is the means by which Jesus has chosen that we would be joined to Him. And this joining is the work of God on our behalf; it is not something we can do on our own. This truth is the basis for the next statement in this article, Children, too, should be baptized, for in Baptism they are committed to God and become acceptable to him. For if we believe Scripture when it says that in baptism we are joined to Christ and become partakers of His death and resurrection, why would we ever allow this greatest blessing to be withheld from children? Why Join us on our website at FAHope.org and/or Facebook Sermon Notes June 4: 1 Pet. 4:12-19 It Won t Be Easy: Jesus never promises us that following Him would be easy, but He has promised that it will be worth it. Are we willing to be obedient, even when it makes life tough? June 11: 1 Pet. 5:1-14 Dangerous Distractions: The dangers of distracted driving are well-known and yet many are willing to take that risk often with terrible results. So, too, we need to be aware of those things that distract us from Christ. For when our eyes lose sight of the goal, we tend to drift and end up wrecked. June 18: 2017 AFLC Conference Report: A summary of the teaching, testimonies, and ministry reports that were given at the annual conference. June 25: Matthew 10:23-33 Proclaiming Christ: It is remarkable how easy it is for us to be ashamed of Jesus. It is easy for us to disown Him, not just by our words, but by how we live. All these sermons and more can be found on our website at FAHope.org. would a child not benefit from being made one with Christ? Here, our Lutheran Confessors make it clear that this is what is at stake. Article X, The Holy Supper of Our Lord, reads, It is taught among us that the true body and blood of Christ are really present in the Supper of our Lord under the form of bread and wine and are there distributed and received. The contrary doctrine is therefore rejected. This makes clear the Lutheran position that the Lord s Supper is more than just a memorial in which we use the bread and wine to remind us of the body and blood of Jesus, but that we firmly believe that when Jesus says, This is my body and This is my blood that we can be assured that He is truly present with us. The Confessors return to the discussion concerning the Lord s Supper in Article XXII and address the Catholic practice of giving only the bread to the laity and reserving the cup to be consumed by the priest only. Again, they begin their claim with Scripture professing, Among us both kinds [bread and wine] are given in the sacrament. The reason is that there is a clear command and order of Christ, Drink of it, all of you (Matt. 26:27). Concerning the chalice, Christ here commands with clear words that all should drink of it. Throughout the Augsburg Confession, we are taught that we need to be careful to take what Scripture says seriously and not dismiss the precise language with which the Sacraments were commanded. For to do otherwise, dismisses the very Words of God and robs the believer of the full blessing they were meant to convey. Blessings, Pastor Barry Pastor s Page July 2017

2 We are so blessed to be able to pray each Sunday for those members celebrating birthdays and anniversaries. Please contact the church office with any corrections or additions. In addition to our members in Care Centers and the persecuted church, we offered prayers for the following members, family & friends last month: Reese Baier son of Joel & Sandy Baier Arnie Claeys friend of the Just family Helen Cory mother of Celia Freier, Delmont Community Lisa Dewey Tripp Community Larry Furney son-in-law of Loretta Bueber Kaylee Jo Gallagher great-niece of Lori Droppers Greysen Gregerson son of Tyson Gregerson Angie Grosz Delmont Community Jayce Moege Parkston Community Carol Prien niece of Roger & Karen Huether Janice Schlimgen cousin of Shirley Albrecht Jamie Sterk wife of Barb Dozark s cousin Bobbi Toole sister of Lila Fechner Connie VanSky sister of Bob Miller Joyce Wilson aunt of Karen McCarty Prayers of comfort for the family & friends of: Bill Berens brother-in-law of Wanda Anderson Luella Goehring Delmont-Tripp Community Ethy Schnabel Tripp Community Larry Wilson Tripp Community We ve prayed for these ministries & AFLC churches June 4 Ministry: Nate & Rhoda Jore family, AFLC missionaries in Uganda; AFLC Churches: Newark Lutheran Church, Newark, IL; Grace Free Lutheran Church, Bagley, MN; Redeemer Free Lutheran Church, Canton SD June 11 Ministry: AFLC Annual Conference in Plymouth, MN (June 13-16); AFLC Churches: Faith Lutheran, Ottawa, IL; Grace Free Lutheran, Maple Grove, MN; Pukwana Lutheran, Pukwana, SD June 18 Ministry: Community VBS with Friedens Reformed Church in Tripp (June 19-23); AFLC Churches: Freedom Lutheran, Ottawa, IL; Green Lake Lutheran, Spicer, MN; Prince of Peace Lutheran, Beulah, ND June 25 Ministry: Pickerel Lake Lutheran Bible Camp, Grenville, SD; AFLC Churches: Fox River Lutheran, Sheridan, IL; Hauge Lutheran, Kenyon, MN; Peace Lutheran, Saint Francis, KS July Birthdays 3 Adam Brock 16 Kaylene Dozark 3 Cody Dozark 20 Ernestine Konstanz Darlene Bueber 20 Levi Bietz 8 Jim Weber 21 Elaine Kurtz 10 Leonard Friederich 31 Peggy Friederich 12 Terri Bitterman July Anniversaries 20 Rob & Becky Hotchkiss years July Baptismal Birthdays 1 Brian Mogck 13 Doug Bitterman 6 Leo Konstanz 18 Regina Bueber 6 Jon Bueber 24 Ryan Permann 11 Shawn Bietz 30 Justin Mogck 12 Isabelle Hotchkiss Andrew Hanson: member of Hope Stationed in Hawaii; Army 153 rd Battalion, Parkston: deployed to Kuwait Paul Coleman: brother of Kyrie & Barry Nelson Stationed in Maryland; Army Logan Fechner: grandson of Mike & Lila Fechner Basic Training at Ft. Benning, GA; Army Joshua Hirsch: grandson of Heine & Rose Prien Stationed in Texas; Army Austin Lien: nephew of Glenn & Tammy Ziegler Stationed in Jacksonville, FL; Navy In Our Thoughts & Prayers July 2017

3 . A Special Thank You (Hope Lutheran Women) Thank you very much for my lovely gift! Thank you for your prayers as I was in confirmation. Sincerely, Emily Brock (FA) Thank you for the use of the church basement for Chance s confirmation. Glenn & Tammy Ziegler (FA WMF) Thank you so much for the graduation quilt! It will be used a lot in my dorm room. Whenever I use this quilt, I will think of my church family.thanks again, Whitney Fuerst (FA) Thank you so much for letting me use the basement for my graduation party. It was so nice being able to enjoy the day inside instead of out in my cold garage. Also, thank you for the cross decoration. It will look great in my dorm room. I m super excited to start the next chapter in my life, studying mechanical engineering at SDSU this fall. Thanks again, Whitney Fuerst (FA) Thank you so much for your continued and consistent support to Ronald McDonald House Charities of South Dakota. Thanks to generous donors like you, we were able to help over 1,300 families in Your donation of $ assists us in being able to keep children near their families while they are hospitalized. Thank you again. Sincerely, Keven Miles, Executive Director (Hope & FA) Thank you for your gifts to the Association Free Lutheran Schools. Your generosity is a wonderful blessing. We are grateful to the Lord for His answers to prayers and the many provisions He continues to supply. Our dependence is on the Lord and indeed in His power and provision. We are thankful for your partnership. Warmly in Christ, Sherry Mork, Exec. Assistant, Development and Finance Coordinator Jesus said If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free. John 8:31,32 (FA) Thank you for your financial gifts to the Lord s work! Thank you for following Jesus by His grace and giving to others with His guidance! Sincerely, In Christ, Rev. Jason Holt, AFLC. Director of Youth Ministries - That we may present everyone complete in Christ. Col. 1:28 Congratulations to Brice & Hannah (Just) Caery on their marriage at First American Lutheran on Saturday, June 3, Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7 Traditionally, the third Sunday of every month, the First American and Hope congregations collect a special offering for a different mission. The children gather the offering. The June Noisy Offering of $164.59, at First American, went to Pickerel Lake Lutheran Bible Camp. First American s July Noisy Offering will go to the Tripp Ministerial. Hope s June Noisy Offering of $55.94 went to Pickerel Lake Lutheran Bible Camp, also. July s Noisy Offering will go to AFLC Youth Ministry. Thank you to everyone who helped to make VBS 2017 a success! Your donations, time, hard work and prayers were very appreciated. There were 50 attendees throughout the week. Please be in prayer that they will always remember: Throughout the week, when the kids would hear the Bible Points, listed above, they would yell, WOW, GOD! in appreciation of God s amazing work. It was a fun-filled week with precious time in God s Word. Parish Bulletin Board July 2017

4 Meeting Minutes - MSC=Motion, seconded and carried Hope Lutheran Church Council: June 6, 2017 Hope Lutheran Council met on Tuesday, June 6, Members present were Pastor Barry, Mike and Lila Fechner, Doug Bitterman, Dale Bitterman, Doug Gunnare, Steve Bitterman, Barb Dozark and Wanda Anderson. President, Doug Bitterman, called the meeting to order. Pastor Barry led us in opening prayer and a Bible reading from Isaiah 41:10. Minutes of the April meeting were read, one date correction and approved. Treasurer, Lila Fechner, gave her report showing a balance on hand of $28, MSC to accept report as presented. Pastor s Report: 1. Pastor attended two nursing home visits, one communion service at Tripp GSC and one hospital visit 2. Pastor Barry conducted special confirmation service for Emily Brock and a special baptism service for Mara Prusia. 3. Pastor will attend the annual AFLC convention June at Plymouth, MN. 4. Bible Study will begin again in mid-july. Old Business: 1. Work began on the bell tower on June Paint has been donated for the bathrooms. We need painters. 3. We need volunteer painters for the bottom 8 feet of all the siding. New Business: 1. Request by Mike and Lila Fechner to add Logan Fechner to our prayer list as he is now in Ft. Benning, GA for military basic training. 2. Our next meeting will be held July 11, at 8:30 p.m. MSC to adjourn. We closed with the Lord s Prayer. Respectfully submitted, Wanda Anderson, Secretary First American WMF: June 26, 2017 WMF of First American Lutheran Church met on June 26, 2017 at 7:30pm with seven members present. Opening devotions The Word of Patience by Wilma Herr. Bible Study led by Jan Jerke on Joyful Acts. President Jan Jerke called business meeting to order. Secretary report read and approved as read. Treasurer reported a balance correction of $ from last month. Balance now of $ plus some dish cloth sales received. Correspondence: Thank you from Whitney Fuerst for graduation gift. Wilma showed extra stoles made. Presented bill for $ Upcoming business reports: Committee 4 to Samaritan Home for Bingo on July 6 th. New Business: Visit to Human Services Center on September 12 th, 1:30pm. Jan reported on WMF Conference in Minnesota on Christian Service. 195 women registered. Date and time tabled for July meeting. Program Grace of God led by Mary Friederich. Worship offering by Norma Mogck. Closed with Lord s Prayer and table grace. Hostess: Myra Weber. Respectfully Submitted, Myra Weber, Secretary June Meeting Minutes July 2017

5 Please be in prayer for the youth as they attend the FLY Convention, July 3-8, 2017, at the YMCA of the Rockies, Estes Park, Colorado. For more information or to connect with the conference throughout the week, check out these options:

6 BORDER CROSSINGS June 2017 THE SCHIERKOLKS JEREZ, ZACATECAS, MEXICO Somehow we must offer our prayers with a humility that conveys gratitude without triumphalism, and compassion without manipulation, always respecting the mystery surrounding prayer. -Philip Yancey Want to help us out with a project? Approved special projects Principios Church Building Project: $60, (37% so far!!) Christmas Gift Boxes $5.00 per box) - $ Help Me Learn (School supplies for needy children. Fill a backpack with school supplies 10@$30 each)- $ Help Me Hear God s Voice : Bibles ($12.00 per Bible) Luis and Pepe confirm their faith in Jesus! Very happy day for the congregation! Prayer points: Grateful that Barb s health is stable Praise for Josh and Megans new baby girl, Mairéad (rhymes with parade ) For two brothers in youth group having a very difficult time with family struggles Contact info: Todd and Barb Schierkolk Apartado Postal 439 Jerez, ZAC MEXICO aguadevida5@gmail.com AFLC World Missions 3110 E. Medicine Lake Blvd. Plymouth, MN Barb with Kids Club sharing the Easter story -Kids Club children with finished project Thank you so much for your continued prayers and support! Todd and Barb Schierkolk Barb with reunion of former confirmands Association of Free Lutheran Congregations

7 Women of the AFLC Women s Missionary Federation FA Bulletins to TGSC Carol Bietz Devotions Myra Weber Worship Offering Sara Bitterman Bible Study Leader Jan Jerke Program Glendora Zeitner Hostess Mary Friederich Flowers Mary Friederich Acolytes Hope: Zach Hotchkiss Noah Hotchkiss First American: Carson Bueber Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. John 8:12 ESV 2017 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2 Pentecost 4 9:00am Hope Worship (Maurice Bueber) 10:45am First Am. Worship (Maurice Bueber) 3 4 Independence Day 5 6 FA Committee 4 GSS Bingo FLY (Free Lutheran Youth) Convention Estes Park, CO YMCA of the Rockies Pentecost :00am Hope Worship 10:45am First Am. Worship (Youth sharing about FLY Convention) 8:30pm Hope Council 8pm FA Council 16 Pentecost :00am Hope Worship with Holy Communion & with Noisy Offering for AFLC Youth Ministry 10:45am First Am. Worship with Holy Communion & with Noisy Offering for the Tripp Ministerial 23 Pentecost :00am Hope Worship 10:45am First Am. Worship 30 Pentecost 8 9:00am Hope Worship 10:45am First Am. Worship 31 7:30pm FA WMF Acts Bible Study # 7 (Tentative) First American Ushers Head Usher: Wayne Bietz Ushers: Todd Bietz, Bob Miller Substitute: Jon Bueber Video: Jim Bietz First American Readers July 2: Bob Miller July 9: Bob Just July 16: LaNae Fuerst July 23: Dianne Semmler July 30: Elizabeth Bitterman Hope Readers July 2: Becky Hotchkiss July 9: Michelle Kurtz July 16: Rob Hotchkiss July 23: Albert Fink July 30: Barb Dozark July 1

8 Association of Free Lutheran Congregations Pastor Barry Nelson First American Lutheran Church Hope Lutheran Church PO Box 459 Tripp, SD First American Lutheran Church - AFLC Tripp, SD Phone Parsonage David Mogck President Glenn Ziegler Vice President Becki Hauser Parish Secretary firsthope@santel.net Website: or find us on Facebook Bible Quiz: What is Gideon doing when the angel of the Lord appears to him with God s call to lead Israel s fight against the Midianites? Hope Lutheran Church Delmont, SD - AFLC Phone Doug Bitterman President Doug Gunnare Vice President Becki Hauser Parish Secretary firsthope@santel.net Website: or find us on Facebook A. Threshing wheat B. Harvesting grapes C. Keeping sheep D. Making a sacrifice to the Lord Answer: A (See Judges 6:11.)