Gloria Christi News. Volume 13, Issue 11

Transcription

1 Gloria Christi News Volume 13, Issue What shall I render to the LORD for all His benefits toward me? 13 I will take up the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the LORD. 14 I will pay my vows to the LORD now in the presence of all His people. 15 Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His saints. 16 O LORD, truly I am Your servant; I am Your servant, the son of Your maidservant; You have loosed my bonds. 17 I will offer to You the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the LORD. 18 I will pay my vows to the LORD now in the presence of all His people, 19 in the courts of the LORD s house, in the midst of you, O Jerusalem. Praise the LORD! Psalm 116:12-19 Dear fellow members of the Body of Christ! In the month of November we have several things coming together All Saints Day on November 1 st or thereabouts in its observation, the Last Sundays of the Church Year with their focus on the End Times and Judgment Day, as well as our national holiday of Thanksgiving. The text from Psalm 116, which is also used in part in one of the Offertories in the Divine Service is a fitting text to consider at this time of year. Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His saints. We sometimes hear this verse at funerals of Christians. A saint is someone who bears the holiness of God upon them by His grace and received in faith. Not only is the death of God s saints precious but so also is the suffering of His faithful something He looks upon with compassion. In the end times of this world before Judgment Day we endure much in our personal existence and together as Church. For the sake of what we believe in the name of Jesus we suffer social conflicts, persecution, cold shoulders, attacks, or perhaps also even financial consequences, loss of friends, legal persecution or violence. Christians throughout history and throughout the world have experienced this in different ways at the hands of Islamic forces, communists, atheist materialists and evolutionists, the Roman empire, authoritarian fascists, and others. Sometimes it is closer to home in neighbors and family members who do not believe what we believe and may even hate us for that. That can be a lonely and difficult cross to bear for the sake of Christ, but we are never truly alone or without help, even when it feels that way. But rather our hope is fixed heavenward, toward Jesus who has been crucified for us and has been raised from the dead. For the joy that was set before Him, for us, He did endured the cross and was raised and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Heaven, the new creation, eternal life, grace-given righteousness is ours through Him. Therefore the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing to the glory that shall be revealed in us on the Last Day and that shall not be taken away. This gives us strength and peace. Our worst enemies are conquered and all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to the Lamb who was slain and yet lives. Our life is hidden in Him, under the wings of the cross. This faithful Lord comes to us week after week to keep and nourish us in that one true faith unto life everlasting. He richly blesses us in His Divine Service of Word and Sacrament to heal us with the forgiveness of sins, teach us the clear truth of Scripture, and feed us in the green pastures of the Holy Eucharist. This is His gift to you, His saints, now and in eternity. Amen. Therefore what shall we render to the Lord for all His benefits toward us? In Christ, thanks be to God! Pastor Frahm

2 Church Council Highlights October 15, 2013 Pastor s Report: Pastor Frahm thanked all who contributed toward our 50th Anniversary celebration and projects. Our Thanksgiving Vespers service will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 27th at 7:00 PM. The Wednesday morning women s Bible study group is meeting again with a devotional look at the Psalms. Seminarian Brandon Ross and his family have returned to Ft. Wayne for his final year of seminary; Pastor encouraged continued support for them. Our Eighth Annual Service of Advent Lessons & Carols will be held on Sunday, Dec. 1st, at 4:00 PM. The service will be followed by a potluck meal. Pastor shared his thoughts regarding the possibility of changing to a single Sunday morning Divine Service. A change would also include the addition of a midweek spoken Divine Service on Wednesday evenings for those who are unable to attend on Sundays. Financial Secretary: No Report Treasurer: see Page 6. While reviewing the Treasurer s Report, it was moved to change the $ designated for Boy Scouts to Youth. M/S/C Elders: Randy reported that discussions continue with regard to a single Sunday morning Divine Service. The Board of Elders recommend making the change and will present it to the Voters Assembly. Trustees: Thanks to the many volunteers who came out and worked on projects several weekends prior to the anniversary celebration. Many needed tasks were accomplished. Christian Education (PS/DC): Betty shared that Joleen Cary is looking to start a feasibility group for the future of the PS/DC. Pastor Frahm suggested that Pastor Bolland be included in this group; Alex will represent the Council. Parish Education: The Christmas program this year will be on Sunday, Dec. 15th as part of the 10:30 service; it will involve children and congregation. Evangelism: Sharon has been working with Shane Patton on possible small groups using our facilities. There are currently two possible non-profit groups interested. Stewardship: The Orphan Grain Train Fish Feed has been cancelled due to low enrollment. Ron also shared that his son, Dan, has decided to change his major at Concordia University and is now officially in the DCE program. God indeed works through His people! Youth: Thank you to the council for designating the scout funds for youth. There will be a youth/parent planning meeting coming up; date will be determined by incoming feedback. The Wyoming District annual Youth Breakaway will be at St. Andrew s Lutheran in Laramie Nov. 8-10; we currently have 2 youth interested in attending. Parish Fellowship: No Report (financial report attached) Finance: Our property insurance policy was just changed with a higher deductible ($1,000). LWML: Sharon reported that the LWML ladies will continue the Care Packages for our college & military young people. She also shared that the local Pregnancy Resource Center has need of volunteers and holds trainings on a monthly basis. Unfinished Business: 50th Anniversary: Anniversary events went very well and were well-received. DVDs of the morning sermon and presentation by Rev. Preus will be available soon (recorded by Craig Vanecek). A final report of finances will be forthcoming. Pastor would like to continue the fundraising through the end of this year. Board members should complete their 2014 budget worksheets and put in Galen s box by 10/31. He will then compile the totals for the Nov. Council meeting Elections/Nominating Committee is currently working to fill all open positions on the ballot. Let Tom know of anyone not returning to each board. Personnel Committee - Alex reported that we are waiting for the new Health Plans rates for November Voters Assembly - Will vote on proposed LCMS amendment regarding circuit visitors. New Business: Flood Relief for Mt. Calvary, Estes Park: Pastor Frahm suggested that perhaps we could host a fundraising event to help Mt. Calvary Lutheran in Estes Park. Discussion resulted in plans for a Sloppy Joe Lunch on Sunday, Nov. 3rd at 12:00 Noon. Ron will apply for Thrivent funding. Free-will donations will be accepted; 100% of funds will be sent to Mt. Calvary. We will invite other congregations to participate. Announcements/Discussion: NEXT COUNCIL MEETING: Tuesday, November 19, 2013 at 7:00 PM NEXT VOTERS MEETING: Sunday, November 24, 2013 at 1:00 PM. Gloria Christi News Page 2

3 Sloppy Joes for Flood Relief Join us for a Sloppy Joe Lunch Sunday, Nov. 3, 2013 at 12:00 Noon Gloria Christi Lutheran Church st Avenue Greeley, Colorado to help support Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church in Estes Park. Lunch will include Sloppy Joe Sandwich, Salads, Beverage, & Dessert. Freewill donations will go directly to Mt. Calvary Relief Fund. Also available will be hand-knit scarves for sale and a silent auction quilt from Gloria Christi Quilters. Supplemental funding made possible by Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. Gloria Christi News Page 3

4 CHRISTMAS IS COMING! Christmas is coming in less than 8 weeks! Be sure to mark your calendar for the next Christian Resource Center sale on November 10, We will be featuring all things Christmas, including: Nativity Sets Advent Wreathes Christmas Cards Christmas Ornaments Decorations for your home Gifts Galore- Jewelry, Books, Stocking Stuffers, 50th Anniversary Mugs, & more SILENT AUCTION QUILT SALE FOR FLOOD RELIEF! Our Gloria Christi Quilters have provided a quilt for the Flood Relief Fundraiser for Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church to be held here on Sunday, Nov. 3rd. Three different quilts will be displayed with one bid sheet; the high bidder will have a choice of the three quilts. As always, please see Marlene Selden or Joy Johnston if you would like to order special items. Hope to see you there. Bright Flowers Pink & Purple Floral MAIL CALL! 2013 Oct 09 Gloria Christi Congregation: Thank you for all the things you sent me in the mail. It felt really good to open that box and watch all the food fall out! I now have more things I can do, and my friends and I are going to finish every crossword before we leave. You would be surprised how good Skittles taste after not having any for almost 3 1/2 months. I really do appreciate you sending me the care package; it really means a lot and really helped with my morale. Thank you again. - Larry Bol III Dear Gloria Christi Members, Thank you very much for the care package you sent me. All of your gifts were more than generous. I appreciated everything in the package. I am very proud to be a member of Gloria Christi. It is great knowing I have such a large and caring family through the church. Thank you everyone, Aaron P. Vammer Multi-Color 9-Patch All quilts are approximately 58 x not quite a twin size, but great for a comfortable throw or cover-up while taking a nap or watching TV. Calling All Women of Gloria Christi... Our next LWML gathering will be held on Saturday, November 9th, 10:00 AM in the Agape Center. Bring your Mite Boxes & general offiering, and join us for devotions & fellowship. We will make plans for future mission projects and outreach to our Greeley community. Gloria Christi News Page 4

5 The Eighth Annual Presentation of a service of advent lessons and carols Sunday, December 1, :00 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 24, :00 PM This is our regular Voters Meeting as prescribed by our constitution and bylaws. The agenda will include the annual election of officers and board representatives as well as the annual budget process. The Church Council needs your input to make decisions important to Gloria Christi, so it is important that we have you in attendance. Mark your calendar today. There is always room for YOU! The Wednesday morning Bible study group has been working its way through the book of Psalms, reading and studying them as devotionals. We meet every Wednesday morning at 10:00 for 1 hour with Pastor Frahm as our teacher. We always have room for more ladies, so if you are looking for a great way to dig into God s Word with some friends, please do come! Dinner following the Service And the Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us, and we have seen His glory, glory as of the only-begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14 O Lord, open my lips and my mouth will declare Your praise. Psalm 51:15 50th Anniversary Thanksgiving! Gloria Christi s 50th Anniversary celebration is now part of our history. All of the planning & preparation is over, guests have returned home, and we continue looking forward as God s people here in Greeley. We do not know what plans God has for us today, tomorrow, or the next 50 years, but we do know that He will guide us as we remain faithful to His Word. Thank You seems like so little to say to everyone who participated and helped with the activities. It definitely required the work of the entire congregation. We are thankful that Craig & Liz Vanecek were able to record and take photographs of the service and Rev. Preus presentation. DVDs will be available in the near future. Watch your Sunday bulletin for more information. And, in case you didn t get your commemorative anniversary coffee mug, we do still have some available through the Christian Resource Center. Gloria Christi News Page 5

6 TREASURER S REPORT SEPTEMBER 2013 Current Month Year to Date Weekly Offerings $ 15, $ 120, Mortgage Offerings , Special Services , Non-Budgeted Income , Church Income $ 15, $145, Church Expenses 17, , Net Church Activity $ (1,218.66) $ (5,698.49) PS/DC Income $ 0.00 $ 33, PSNon-budget Income , PS/DC Expenses , Net PS/DC Activity $ 0.00 $ 1, In preparation for this year s Service of Advent Lessons & Carols, we will hold choir rehearsals on Wednesdays, Nov. 13th & 20th at 7:00 PM. Anyone who would like to come and sing with us is welcome. Our music will consist of individual verses of the hymns in the service. Net Activities $ (1,218.66) $ (4,389.16) District Missions $ $ 3, Direct Choice Dollars now to double their impact There are 15 million reasons to participate in the Thrivent Choice Double Direction Church Campaign! Between Oct. 1 and Nov. 30, 2013, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans will: Give up to $15 million to churches across the country through Thrivent Choice. Double all Choice Dollars directions made to eligible churches during the campaign, or until $15 million has been awarded, whichever comes first. It s easy to direct Choice Dollars The Thrivent Choice program allows eligible members of Thrivent Financial to recommend where some of the organization s charitable dollars are distributed. If you have Choice Dollars to direct, all you need to do is: Go to Thrivent.com/thriventchoice, or Call 800-THRIVENT ( ) and say, Thrivent Choice. Click or call now, and double the impact of your direction! Gloria Christi News Page 6

7 The Gospel outreach radio broadcast of Lutheran Hour Ministries can be heard each Sunday on the following radio stations: KOA (850 AM) 6:00 am KFKA (1310 AM) 9:30 am XM Satellite - Family Talk (XM170)12:00pm Broadcast sermons for November are: November 3 ~ "Lord, Teach Us to Pray" Lutheran Hour Speaker: Rev. Gregory Seltz Jesus invites us to pray, His way, and in His Name. (Luke 11:1-2) November 10 ~ "Dear Father, Hear My Prayer" Lutheran Hour Speaker: Rev. Gregory Seltz We can call God our Father only because Jesus has made that relationship possible. (Matthew 7:7-12) November 17 ~ "The Power, Protection, and Purpose of His Name" Lutheran Hour Speaker: Rev. Gregory Seltz Believers are blessed with royal power, protection, and purpose because they bear the name of the King of kings and Lord of lords. (John 17:6-12) November 24 ~ "Giving Thanks Because We Need To" Speaker Emeritus of The Lutheran Hour: Rev. Ken Klaus Give thanks to God because it's the right thing to do and because others need to hear it, too. (Luke 17:15-16) Sacred Music for the World at lutheranpublicradio.org November 3 ~ All Saints Day (observed) Revelation 7: John 3:1-3 Matthew 5:1-12 November 10 ~ Twenty-fifth Sunday after Pentecost Exodus 3: Thessalonians 2:1-8, Luke 20:27-40 November 17 ~ Twenty-sixth Sunday after Pentecost Malachi 4:1-6 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13 Luke 21:5-28 November 24 ~ Last Sunday of the Church Year Malachi 3:13-18 Colossians 1:13-20 Luke 23:27-43 Please study these Scriptures each week to prepare yourself for Sunday services. You are also encouraged to read the Christian Questions and Answers for communicants in the Small Catechism to prepare to receive the Lord s body and blood faithfully in the Divine Service (p.329,330 LSB). For those who would like a daily Bible reading schedule you are encouraged to use the one listed on page 299 in our hymnal, Lutheran Service Book. The Bible, the Catechism, and our hymnal are the three key books for Lutherans to use in devotions. Besides this, it is good to be familiar with our Lutheran Confessions, the Book of Concord, which includes the Catechisms. See Joy or Marlene to get a Bible, Catechism, Lutheran Service Book or the Book of Concord. Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Psalm 119:105 Gloria Christi News Page 7

8 Deadlines for Newsletter and Sunday Bulletin Rev. John A. Frahm III Tom Johnston, President George & Berlyn Clear, Sunday School Superintendents Betty Monson, Secretary (970) (C) (970) (H) (970) (H) (970) (C) We welcome and encourage submissions for our newsletter and Sunday bulletin. Please make all submissions in writing, on disk, or by . All material is subject to editing for content, clarity, and style, as needed. The deadline for the newsletter is the 15th of every month. The deadline for the Sunday bulletin is Wednesday at Noon. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith... Galatians 6:10 Gloria Christi Lutheran Church (LC-MS) st Avenue Greeley, CO Phone: Fax: Website: Return Service Requested Thanksgiving Eve Vespers Wednesday November 25, :00 PM Pie Social will follow the service. 2013