Music from the Bible. Pastor Mark Schwartz. South Zumbro. Lutheran Church. September 2012

Transcription

1 South Zumbro C H U R C H N E W S L E T T E R Music from the Bible This summer I have shared a summer preaching series on the psalms. We have looked at a variety of differing types of psalms. We have been uplifted with the praise and glory psalms like the one coming up this Sunday in Psalm 148. We have seen the more serious side of our faith in the voice of lament as shown in Psalm 22. Every Lutheran should become familiar with the famous psalm 46 which influenced Martin Luther to write his stirring A Mighty Fortress and we did. We have read and studied the beauty of Psalm 51. Just to give all of us a full view of what is included, Psalm 137 was studied one Sunday. A psalm of vengeance and retribution. Yes, it is in the book of psalms but it does speak about faith as well. All in all, it has been a good experience for me to take a walk through the book of psalms and see the poetic, the thoughtful and even the hard to hear verses that they represent. Hopefully, it has been a meaningful series for you as well. The psalms were meaningful for other people of faith also. Dietrich Bonhoeffer, who was executed by the Nazi regime, was a man deeply influenced by the Psalms. His last publication before his death was The Prayer Book of the Bible: An Introduction to the Psalms (1940). On May 15th, 1943, he wrote these words: I am reading the Psalms daily, as I have done for years. I know them and love them more than any other book in the Bible. The psalms were a source of power and a place to feel the presence of God for Bonhoeffer, even in the very most trying times. They spoke loudly to him of God s love. Martin Luther always thought music was important for the Christian and so it is not surprising that the psalms were moving to him as well. He wrote, The Christian can learn to pray in the psalter, for here he can hear how the saints talk with God. The number of moods which are expressed here, joy and suffering, hope and care, make it possible for every Christian to find himself in it, and to pray with the psalms. The psalms were a source of strength and enoucragment for September 2012 Luther. They were words of faith that spoke to Luther. Hopefully, the people of South Zumbro also can hear God speak through the words, emotions and faith statements found in the psalms. God speaks when we are mad, sad, glad, scared and feeling all alone. He lifts us up, consoles us and gives us hope for the future. If this series gets you to read a psalm out of curiousity when you are searching for God, then it accomplished a good purpose. God is speaking to us. He is there for us. We have the opportunity to feel his presence with us. O sing to the Lord a new song Psalm 95 Pastor Mark Schwartz South Zumbro Lutheran Church Rev. Mark Schwartz, pastor th Ave. S.W. Kasson, Minnesota (507) church (507) home (507) cell markanne@kmtel.com

2 South Zumbro Bulletin Board Prayers Our prayers are with Bob Meyer in his continued hospitalization at Saint Mary s Hospital. We welcome Lorraine Aarsvold and Don Jones home from stays in the hospital. Wedding Congratulations to Ryan Linzmeyer and Katrina Rechtzigel who were married at South Zumbro on August 18. May God s love be with them always. Adoption Congratulations also to Ed & Erica Gillis on their adoption of Timothy from an orphanage in Russia. It was fun to meet him during Joyful Noise and may God bless the Gillis family on this new addition. Joyful Noise Thank you Thanks to all who helped make Joyful Noise such a success this year. It took a lot of volunteers to help with the dinner, parking, preparation and clean-up. We give a big thank you to all who helped out! Thank you To all our family and friends at South Zumbro, we extend our sincere thanks for the many acts of kindness received during the illness and death of our husband/father/grandfather. All the cards, visits, food, meals, prayers, flowers, etc. truly meant a lot to us during this difficult journey. A special thanks is given to Pastor Mark Schwartz for his many visits with us and also to Cabin Fever for their July 4th visit that I know Dale appreciated. What a blessing it is to know that he is now rejoicing with the angels in heaven! May God bless each one of you! The family of Dale McClamroch Mary Lou, Frank & Lori Gomes Hannah, Levi, Rebekah, Amy Eric & Emily Thompson, Keith & Jill Jennissen, Karen McClamroch, Tony & Sarah Wyatt Cassie The South Zumbro book group will meet this month at Anne Schwartz s home on Thursday September 27th at 7 pm. We will be viewing the movie To Kill a Mockingbird starring Gregory Peck. Over the summer, we read the classic book. Next month, we will be reading the best seller, The Language of Flowers, by Vanessa Diffenbaugh. Thank you Thank you to all of our church family for the love and support shown to us through cards, memorials, and attendance at the visitation for my father, August Drewes. Your support and prayers are so appreciated. God Bless you all. Diana Coats *** Thank you My Dad, Don Jones, appreciated the cards, well wishes and the many prayers for him. Many thanks to the congregation. The knee operation went very well and he is thankful to be back home again. He s looking forward to getting back to church again.

3 Camp Sunday Camp Sunday will be Sunday September 2nd. Everyone who has attended a summer camp or has been associated with a camp is encouraged to wear one of their camp shirts or caps. Our coffee fellowship offering will go to the camping ministry of Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp in Colorado. See you on the 2nd for Camp Sunday! Labor Day Reflections Labor Day brings to mind picnics, cookouts and family gatherings. Falling on the first Monday in September, it marks the unofficial end of summer and the beginning of a new school year. But the holiday was created in 1882 to honor the social and economic contributions of American workers. In a strong economy, it s easy to take for granted the ability to work and be paid well. But times have changed during the past few years, with many people still struggling with unemployment and underemployment. During our holiday celebrations this year, let s give thanks for the jobs we have, pray for those who are not as fortunate and offer words of encouragement or help to someone who needs it. Confirmation Confirmation instruction for all 8th and 9th graders begins on Wednesday September 19 at 6:30 pm. This is our year to study the Bible and we will start with the book of Genesis and finish with the book of Revelation. Class sessions are one hour long and are held in our Social Hall. If you have questions or are interested in our confirmation program, let Pastor Mark know. See you at confirmation this year! Sunday School South Zumbro Sunday School is starting for the year on September 16, For Rally Day, we will once again be meeting at 9:00 am in the fellowship hall with the students and the parents. During this time we will be discussing the sunday school, pertinent dates for the year and signing of permission forms. Treats will be served. Sunday school is open to pre-school - 12th grade. We look forward to seeing you on September 16 for Rally Day! Luther League All Luther Leaguers (grades 9-12) are invited to a planning meeting for the upcoming year at the Pizza Ranch in Stewartville at 6:30 pm on Sunday September 23rd! We will have dinner together and then begin planning events and brain-storming ideas for the year coming up. It is ok to bring a friend! Come on out for some fun and time together on the 23rd! College Correspondence Dear Dad, $chool is really great. I m making lot$ of friend$ and $tudying very hard. With all my $tuff, I $imply can t think of anything I need. $o if you like, you can ju$t $end me a card a$ I d love to hear from you. Love your $on. Reply, I know that astronomy, economics, and oceanography are enough to keep even an honor student busy. Do NOt forget that the pursuit of knowledge is a NObel task, and you can never study enough. Love, Dad

4 South Zumbro Church Council Minutes July Church Attendance 123, 150, 98, 97, 91 August Church Attendance 122, 101, 117, 165 July/August Offerings July 1st offering Home Budget, $3694; Missions, $25; Good Samaritan Fund, $35 Luther League, $70; Building Fund, $520; Landscape coffee of $192 July 8th offering Home Budget, $ ; Missions, $85; Building Fund, $715; Good Samaritan Fund, $25; Cemetery Fund, $20 July 15th offering Home Budget, $1548; Building Fund, $210 July 22nd offering Home Budget, $2474; Building Fund, $510; Hymnals, $22 July 29th offering Home Budget, $1661; Building Fund, $235 August 14, 2012 Attendees: Pastor Mark, Lynn Knutson, Mike Coats, Don Ness, Walt Wyttenbach, Steve Jurrens, Marilyn Aarsvold, Jeff Bernards, Michele Stromme Meeting called to order by President Steve Jurrens. Devotions/Prayer: Lynn Lutheran Hour Ministries, 1 Peter 2:10. Treasurer s Report: Reviewed/ approved with the following balances: Savings Medical Co-Pay $3, Checking Home Budget $37, Building Fund $16, Total Assets $57, Pastor s Report: Business/Visitation miles: 743 Items of Note: 2 marriages are scheduled. 1 funeral for Irene Alice Bolles was on August 14. Chris & Lisa Heinz,Tate and Brayton have joined a church in South Dakota. A special thank you from Pastor Mark and family for the time they were able to spend as a family on Mackinac Island. LCMC has their annual gathering on October 7-10 in Denver. Pastor Mark, Bill & Michele Stromme will be attending. COMMITTEE REPORTS: Building: The Council noted the beautiful landscaping and all the work that has been done. Health & Wellness: They are concerned about handicap seating in the sanctuary. The Good Samaritan Fund has given out almost $4,000 this year-to-date. A motion was made, seconded, and approved to transfer $300 to the Good Samaritan Fund. OLD BUSINESS: Benevolence Assignment: Mikaelsen Work Ministry/RTC Children s Ministry An additional $5,000 to mortgage principle was approved. A motion was made and approved to adjourn the meeting. Closed with the Lord s Prayer. Submitted by, Michele Stromme

5 Church Council Members Council President: Steve Jurrens Vice President: Marilyn Aarsvold Deacons: Jeff Bernards Brian Herbst Michele Stromme Trustees: Mike Coats Dan Roth Walt Wyttenbach Secretary: Ed Gillis Treasurer: Don Ness Financial Secretary: Lynn Knutson July/August Offerings (cont.) August 5th offering Home Budget, $2936; Building Fund, $825; Missions, $25; Luther League, $70 Cemetery Fund, $25; Memorial Fund, $20 (in memory of August Drewes) August 12th offering Home Budget, $667.64; Building Fund, $185; Missions, 35; Habitat for Humanity, ; August Drewes memorials (Diana Coats father); Memorial Fund, 15; Building Fund, 50; Cemetery Fund, 100 August 19th offering Home Budget, $2479; Building Fund, 580; Missions, 50; Good Samaritan Fund, 45; Memorials in memory of Irene Bolles: Building Fund, 225; Memorial Fund, 35 ($25 designated for auto door opener) *** Office Hours Pastor Pastor Mark s office hours are Wednesday thru Saturday 9 am to noon. Secretary Our church secretary, Michele Stromme s office hours are Fridays from 10 am to 12 noon.

6 South Zumbro WOW (Women of the Word) Just as many families are getting ready for back to school, we have many things starting up again for our church family. Bible studies are starting back up here in September and Sunday School will begin in the middle of the month. Dear Lord, Keep all of your students open to your words, your ways and the truth that can be found in you. Amen Joyful Noise Wrap up Co Presidents, Sara Johnson and Wendy House Sara Johnson and Wendy House Joyful Noise 7 was a huge success in EVERY way! Thank you to all the folks who made this event possible, who contributed in ANY way, shape or form! The bake sale had lots of goodies, especially lefsa on the run. Good job! The silent auction had lots of different items to bid on. Good job! The meal was so tasty and the kitchen and diningroom crew was well-staffed. Good job! The music performed by Courier, Cabin Fever and the Alzen Family was hand-clapping and toe-tapping good! Good job! And the Sunday morning service with such an array of our church talent raised the roof! Good job! What a caring, resourceful and talented church family we have! Praise God! Deb and Mary Sue WOW Calendar Sept 2012 Naomi Circle has Duties Service Group Leaders: Frank and Sandy Ness Sept 2 Communion Sept 4 Circles Meet 7:00 pm ESTHER Hostess, Melanie Hansen 402 1st St NE Kasson, MN :30 pm FAITH Hostess, Mavis Berge 805 Westfield Court Kasson, MN :00 pm NAOMI Meeting at the church Hostess, JoAnn Roth Sept 9 Sept 16 Rally Day Potluck Sept 20 WOW Mtg 6:30pm Program 7:15pm Naomi circle Sept 23 Sept 30 Upcoming events to be looking forward to: Fall Bazaar, Christmas event for the WOW members

7 Over the Counter (OTC) Over the Counter medications are medications that don t require a doctor s prescription for you to buy them. Many times it is a lower dosage or has been around for a while. They include quite a variety some for appetite suppressant, or yeast infections, muscle relaxers, diuretics, inhalers for asthma, sleeping pills, antibiotic ointments, pain relievers, and allergies. OTC are available and affordable, but they all have side effects. Please read the label and the medication insert from inside the box. It will give you valuable dosage information that you need to follow. Just because you but it at the grocery store does not mean that it can t hurt you. Most sleeping pills include antihistamines, a medicine for allergies, but the side effect makes you sleepy. Others have side effects of encouraging you to eat, and yet others have an amnesic affect so that you don t remember what you did, ate, said, etc. The best sleeping pill is melatonin but should only be used for a short time. Perhaps your sleeping problem is a sign of a more serious problem, and you should be going to the doctor. Many women struggle with yeast infections and treat them with OTC cream of suppository with an antifungal medication. Please, only treat with OTC medications if it has been diagnosed by a health care professional before and now you are experiencing the same symptoms. Never use OTC if you are pregnant. The only difference in the OTC medications is the length of treatment and cost the shorter treatment is more convenient but often more expensive. The real problem may be that you need to drink more water to increase your urine production. Eating yogurt with lactobacillus and drinking cranberry juice to acidify your urine may help. Perhaps the problem is really a systemic fungal infection that could be helped by a special acidic diet, refraining from sugar and starchy foods. The OTC medicines that most of us are familiar with are muscle relaxers to relieve pain and reverse muscle stiffness: Tylenol, Advil, other NSAID (non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs), Flexiril, Aleve. Please make sure that you carefully pay attention to how many and how often in a 24- hour period that you take them because they can cause kidney or liver problems. Perhaps the problem may be a deficiency of certain amino acids or minerals in your diet. Magnesium is often a culprit. Homeopathic Arnica might help. Your muscle stiffness may be caused by stress, so perhaps a visit to a local chiropractor, a regular massage, or including back stretches in your daily routine would help. There are no OTC oral antibiotics available in the United States, but ointment or topical antibiotics are available. The reason to be so prudent when prescribing antibiotics is that overuse has created an epidemic of antibioticresistant bacteria that are highly infectious. The cause of disease is not simply a certain bacteria but also a person s immune/ defense system including heredity, nutrition, stresses in life and one s psychological state. Instead of antibiotics for ear pain, try lidocaine drops. For a sore throat, try gargling with warm salt water or some oregano oil drops. Perhaps boost your immune system with glutathione (GSH) enhancer. But of course, drink plenty of fluids and rest. OTC pain relievers are not the same. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and NSAIDs (Advil, Motrin) are two main types. If one doesn t work, try the other because bodies respond differently. Also, pay attention to cough/ cold/allergy remedies, because sometimes manufacturers add several medications together. Some manufacturers label acetaminophen as APAP. Read and follow the label. Use them as briefly as possible. Do not use NSAIDs for chronic pain (not longer than 10 days), because they increase the risk for heart attack and stroke. Especially check with a doctor if you are also taking blood thinning medicines, are pregnant, or breast feeding. Aspirin can be used to treat mild/ moderate pain and a fever, besides to prevent heart attacks and strokes. But never take it for your heart without asking a doctor. Alka Seltzer contains aspirin with other ingredients. Aspirin can cause stomach irritation and bleeding. Children under age 18 should not take aspirin because of the risk of Reye s Syndrome (often fatal). If you are having a dental procedure or surgery, please tell your doctor/dentist ahead of time. Many times the convenience, availability, and cost of OTC medications convince us to bypass a doctor and go straight to the grocery store or drug store to self-medicate. In the same way, many of us side step the Great Physician and try to fix our lives without God s input. But the God who created each of us left an instruction manual in the Bible. In Philippians 4:6, He tells us, Be anxious for nothing but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. God has the correct prescription and solution for your life, its difficulties, pains, and stresses. Ask Him. Go straight to the One who has the answers and solutions. Develop a personal relationship with Him through prayer and reading the Bible. Your Parish Nurse, Cindy Bernards

8 South Zumbro Lutheran Church th Ave. S.W. Kasson, Minnesota (507) church CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED NON PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID Kasson, Minnesota Permit No S O U T H Z U M B R O L U T H E R A N C H U R C H