Calvary Courier. Martin Luther Knew the Gospel s Comfort. Calvary Evangelical Lutheran Church November Upcoming Events. Inside this issue:

Transcription

1 Calvary Courier Calvary Evangelical Lutheran Church November 2016 Upcoming Events Wednesday Evening Bible Class Nov. 2, 9, 16, & 30 7:00 p.m. No class on Nov. 23 Ladies Guild Thursday, Nov 10 9:30 a.m. Night on the Town at Blanco Tacos & Tequila Wednesday, Nov. 16 6:30 p.m. Fall Cleanup Saturday, Nov. 19 8:00 a.m. Books and Crannies Sunday, Nov. 20 3:00 p.m. Thanksiving Service and Potluck Thursday, Nov :00 a.m. Christmas Tree Decorating & Chili Dump Sunday, Nov. 27 4:00 p.m. Inside this issue: Voters Meeting Update 2 Thanksgiving Day Service & Dinner 2 Tree Decorating and Chili Dump 2 LWMS Biannual Retreat 3 Lunch Bunch Outing Recap 4 Christmas for Kids 4 P.A.C.K. Pumpkin Carving Party 4 Your Ladies Guild at Work 5 Tuition Tax Credit 5 Fellowship Opportunities 5 It s a Night on the Town 5 Books and Crannies 6 Bible Classes 6 November Birthdays 6 Through My Bible in a Year 6 Worship Schedule Insert Calendar Insert Martin Luther Knew the Gospel s Comfort Ask people who Martin Luther was and you may very well get the answer that he was as an African American who was shot and we have a holiday named after him. So many do not know he was born in1483, died 1546, was a priest and theologian in the Roman Catholic Church and is called the great reformer and beginner of the Lutheran church. Martin Luther wanted to be the best possible servant of the Lord. But he felt so unworthy of serving. He had no peace because he was tormented by his sins. He wrote: Sin was my torment day and night yet deep and deeper still I fell, life had become a living hell, so firmly sin possessed me. He whipped and beat himself, spent hours in prayer, with the hope, perhaps God would have pity on him and perhaps forgive him. But he lived in doubt and fear the whole time. Then, through the study of God s word, Luther was confronted by the Gospel and its power. For the first time he found freedom. No longer was the Lord God a horrible task master. He found a God who loved him, forgave him and set him free. Through Scripture alone, by grace, undeserved love alone, grasped by faith alone Martin Luther knew he was going to be in heaven. No wonder he would write, Dear Christians one and all rejoice! Some people come to church just like Luther. They have struggled even to enter the door. They feel they have no right to be here. Their past is a heavy burden, a twohundred pound backpack that they can t get rid of. The shame, the fear, the loneliness and the hopelessness with which they enter God s house has crushed them. That is the law at work. They need to hear the Gospel in all its beauty. They need to know of the love that has not cast them out, but has taken the burden from them. Only the Gospel has the power to free the heart, mind and soul. How about you? Has the law of God worked in your life? Have you felt it cut deep? Are you ashamed of your sin, your defiance and indifference to the law of God? Do the words of forgiveness bring you a special peace? Do you have the complete assurance that Jesus wants you to have, that he has paid for, forgiven and removed your sins as far as the east is from the west? Do you cherish the absolution, I forgive you all your sins? The Gospel is pure love from above. Martin Luther had a profound passion for the Lord, because he had experienced the Gospel. This was life-reforming. Do we see that today? Too often we witness among Christians a level of disinterest, boredom, apathy, and spiritual stagnation instead of an obvious commitment to the relationship with God. Some seem almost ashamed of Christ and Christianity! This is not something new, Jesus complained about the members of an early church that they had forgotten their first love and members in another church that were lukewarm. This problem of a lack of passion for God exists when the Law and Gospel are not properly used. The Gospel is powerful. But if it is not accompanied with the preaching of the law, it is only warm fuzzies. When churches don t preach the law of God in all clarity, what happens is that people do not find that word applying to themselves. If the law does not apply to them where they are at in their lives, then the Gospel is not there to save, for they have nothing to be saved from. Unless people realize they are going to hell, they won t see a need for a Savior from hell. For those comfortable in theirs sins, preaching the word of God should make them uncomfortable, in fact down right miserable, until they cry, Lord, have mercy! continued on page N. Dobson Rd. Chandler, Arizona Phone: Website:

2 Calvary s Mission Statement: As members of this congregation, our constant aim is to share the saving Gospel of Jesus Christ with all people based on the inspired, infallible Holy Scriptures and to exemplify our faith through Christian living as commissioned by our Savior. Calvary s Church Leaders: Pastor Martin Spaude Pastor Roger Sprain Staff Minister: Charlie Kuether President: David Gannon Secretary: Rodger Johnson Financial Secretary: Philip Nick Treasurer: Scott Abbe Evangelism/Stewardship Director: Gary Warskow Education Director: Ben Coker Property Director: Mark Mundt continued from page 1 Churches fail when they fail to address issues as God does with abortion and other life issues and relationship issues as homosexuality or living together or cursing or despising God s word. The word of God is to cut deep into the heart and expose all sins that keep from having a deep, deep passion for the Lord God. Only then does the power of Gospel bring joy and peace. From the October Voters Meeting: Voters Meeting Update Elected to office were Paul Spaude as Financial Secretary, Aaron Remsburg as Director of Evangelism/Stewardship and Brad Reinke as Director of Property. Reelected as Chairman of the congregation was Dr. David Gannon and also reelected as Elder was Jim Kroeger. We thank Phil Nick, Gary Warskow and Mark Mundt for serving our congregation as leaders. A budget of $283, was adopted for the year (The budget for 2016 was $282, ) It was decided to go ahead with the purchase of a new Riso duplicator for $4800 (to be taken from the Capital Improvement Fund.) Staff Minister Charlie Kuether s call as staff minister was extended. When the law is rightly preached and Gospel proclaimed for the assurance of total forgiveness then the joy of being Christian and living a Christian life brings back the passion of the Lord. Martin Luther knew the law and gospel. He wanted no one to compromise the amazing power of the Gospel. Know the same comfort that Luther had in the Gospel. Pastor Martin Spaude It was reported that the new lights in the sign have been installed and are better than before. It was reported that more gravel will be spread over the church property in the spring. Prior to that the wall will get painted. It was reported that Calvary was asked to be a congregation evaluating new hymn settings and new hymns for the new WELS hymnal. This will take place in the Advent, Christmas, Lent and Epiphany seasons. In Advent and Christmas time there will just be new settings for current hymns and the organists, pianist, choir director and instrumental director will be asked to fill out surveys. In the Lent and Easter time there will be some new hymns as well and the members of the congregation will be asked to fill out surveys. We are happy to be able to give our input in the new hymnal process. Take a picture of this with your phone to visit: Like us on Facebook: CalvaryLutheranChurchChandler Thanksgiving Day Service and Dinner Thanksgiving Day is Thursday, November 24. We will be having a special service of praise and thanksgiving to our God at 10:00 am. The annual Thanksgiving potluck dinner will be served following the service. A signup sheet for this is on the back counter at church. Tree Decorating and Chili Dump Come and join your fellow members for the annual Christmas tree decorating and Chili Dump. This will take place on Sunday November 27, at 4:00 p.m. Bring your favorite chili to dump into the mixer pot for a great meal to share after the decorating. If you don t do chili, bring a salad or dessert. We will try to have a Christmas song sing-a-long as part of this. This is always a fun time and a great way to get to know each other. Calvary Courier page 2

3 LWMS Biannaul Retreat BY ANNE KELSEY Camp Shadow Pines in Heber, AZ, hosted the weekend retreat October The weather couldn t have been better, and the landscape put on her finest colors for us. After check in and dinner, we had evening devotions. Then we enjoyed a mock fashion show. To get acquainted, or reacquainted, we played Bunco, a good way to meet new people, as you have to change tables and partners frequently. Saturday started with devotions, then a business meeting. After that we had guest speakers. Pastor Daniel Thao, a Hmong, who has a very active congregation at Christ Gospel Lutheran, in Clovis, California told us about their pagan beliefs such as ancestor worship, healing rituals (which practically never work) and their belief in being reborn after death. His parishoners are so happy being relieved of that and finding Christ in their lives instead. Pastor Lyle Sonntag, from Crosswalk Lutheran, did a one-man play depicting Abraham s life. He was very impressive wearing clothing of that day and carrying a large staff. Pastor Mark Jacobson, from Grace Lutheran, Glendale taught a class on practical ideas for the practice of Evangelism That evening, after devotions, we enjoyed a bonfire with s mores and singing. The beautiful Hunter s Moon shone down on us through the pines, and it was an unforgettable evening. On Sunday, we had a worship service with communion, and collected a freewill offering of $2,000 for the Central Africa Medical Mission (CAMM). We hope you will be inspired enough to join us at the next retreat. We have women from 20 to 85 attending these retreats. Mr. Michael Janes spoke on his explorations in the Bible land seas, and of the fish caught and consumed by Christ and others at that time, and how those types of fish are still surviving. Calvary Courier page 3

4 Lunch Bunch Outing Recap A small, but friendly, group dined together at Golden Gate Chinese Restaurant in Mesa on October 22. Watch the bulletin for the next location, date, and time. There is always room at the table, so we would LOVE to have you join us! Christmas For Kids P.A.C.K. Pumpkin Carving Party Sunday, Oct. 23, several of Calvary s young families gathered together in the Fellowship Hall where, for the second year, the kids turned their ordinary pumpkins into AWESOME Jacko-Lanterns! In between decorating, everyone enjoyed eating from the Halloween snack and dessert buffet. Think of bringing your children or grandchildren to next year s event. You are sure to have a delightful time. BY CHARLIE KUETHER Christmas for Kids returns to Calvary Saturday, December 10, from 9:00 a.m. till Noon. The program is designed for children three years of age through Grade Six. The purpose of Christmas for Kids is to bring and celebrate the true meaning of Christmas with all the children that join us. Included in this fun program will be the Christmas Story, Christmas crafts, treats, songs, games, and much more. Registration will begin on Wednesday, November 13, and can be done online at calvarychandler.net, or on sign-up sheets in the back of church. There is no cost for Christmas for Kids, and Calvary children are encouraged to bring their friends to also be part of festive morning. If you have any questions, please speak with Mrs. Leah Cross, our leader again for this year s program, Mr. Charlie Kuether (our staff minister) or Pastor Spaude. Calvary Courier page 4

5 Your Ladies Guild at Work BY JAN ENDERLE This group is open to all women of Calvary. We meet the second Thursday of the month at 9:30 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Our meetings consist of a Bible study with Pastor Spaude and a business meeting. This is a good opportunity to be involved in your church activities. For information, call Jan Enderle at Fall Cleanup Grab your favorite cleaning supplies and join us! We will be cleaning the interior of the church on Saturday, November 19, from 8:00 a.m. until Noon. All are invited to help get our sanctuary ready for Thanksgiving and for the Christmas season. Greeting Cards Your Ladies Guild has stocked new boxes of all occasion greeting cards. These cards are provided as a service to the congregation and are sold at cost. They are displayed on a rack during fellowship time on the patio before and after the Sunday service as well as in the fellowship hall at all times. Alpha Pregnancy In keeping with their mission statement Spread the Gospel while emphasizing the sanctity of life, Alpha Pregnancy is distributing Bible story books along with diapers, formula, clothing, blankets, etc. to mothers-to-be. This is an ongoing project supported by your Ladies Guild. We are asking for additional donations of these books. They are available at most of the dollar stores as well as other discount stores. We are keeping a box in the Narthex for donations. Thank you for your support. Food Pantry Calvary has been blessed to be able to help members and reach out to non-members through our food bank. Donations of food are still needed. We are currently low on hot and cold cereals, canned meats (chicken and beef, no tuna), peanut butter, jams, canned meals (such as stews, chilis, and soups), crackers, cookies, canned fruits, Bisquick, sugar (1 lb. boxes), paper products (toilet tissue and paper towels), and household cleaning products. There is a container for these donations on the patio every Sunday. However we have noticed it has been mistaken for a trash receptacle. Please look carefully. Thank you for the continued support. Tuition Tax Credit Don t forget about the Arizona Tuition Tax Credit. There are new brochures on this on the back counter at church. Rather than the HELP Foundation operating this, ACSTO (Arizona Christian School Tuition Organization) is now in charge. There are two brochures explaining the program and the credit maximums for both the original tax credit and the Overflow/ PLUS tax credit. You can help support Lutheran education and receive a credit on your Arizona state income taxes by this program. Please make use of this program if you are able to do so. If you have any questions, please speak to Pastor Spaude or you can contact Jeff Weinstein who is the WELS Church Coordinator for this program ( or jweinstein@acsto.org.) More information can be found on the website acsto.org. We have three students at Pilgrim Lutheran School in Mesa (Zachary and Tylor Altman, Autumn Kucenski) and two at Arizona Lutheran Academy (Wyatt Hodge and Suzanna Strand). Please speak with Pastor Spaude if you would like to designate the donation to go to their tuition expenses. Fellowship Opportunities The Calvary Courier and the weekly bulletins are full of ways you can become more active in the Church. Keep your eyes out on how you can become involved with Ladies Guild, P.A.C.K. for young families, Sunday School and Bible Studies, Choir, Books & Crannies, various Friendship Gang activities, Lunch Bunch, Gamenite, Night on the Town, etc. Watch for special congregational events, too, like Guinea Pig Potluck Bingo, Bunco Mania, The Triple Crown (sandwich buffet, UNO, ice cream social), and of course, Christmas at Organ Stop Pizza. You ll be amazed how much Christian fun you ll have! It s a Night on the Town Join your Calvary Friends on a mid-week date night. Our inaugural meal will be in Scottsdale at Blanco Tacos & Tequila (6166 N. Scottsdale Rd.) It s a casual, contemporary restaurant serving gourmet Mexican fare. Gluten-free options available. Carpools leave Calvary at 6:30 pm on Wednesday, November 16. For reservation purposes, it will be necessary that you add your name to the sign-up sheet on the back counter. In January 2017, the carpool will lead us to Don & Charlie s, also in Scottsdale. Calvary Courier page 5

6 November Birthdays Best wishes to the following who celebrate birthdays this month: Matthew Schroder Nov. 1 Eugene Beckmann Nov. 2 Maryann Maltman Nov. 2 Savanna Zorn Nov. 3 Jeff DeSormeau Nov. 5 Amy Lowry Nov. 7 Cora Schroeder Nov. 7 Stephanie Osswald Nov. 9 Randi Rasmussen Nov. 9 Rebecca Mundt Nov. 10 Noah Salzwedel Nov. 10 Margaret Wolff Nov. 10 Evan McClelland Nov. 11 Jessica McClelland Nov. 13 Amy Schroeder Nov. 13 Melanie Kuether Nov. 16 Hayden Rendell Nov. 16 Larry Altman Nov. 19 Warren Converse Nov. 20 Paige Kroeger Nov. 22 Peter Sordahl Nov. 22 Adam Cross Nov. 25 Diana Laubenstein Nov. 25 Rachael Altman Nov. 29 (If your birthday is not listed, tell the Office Manager, Randi Rasmussen, so your records can be updated.) Through my Bible IN A YEAR Cut this out and place it in your Bible: November 1 Luke John John John John John John John John Acts Acts Acts Acts Acts Acts Acts Acts Acts Acts Acts Romans Romans Romans Romans Romans Corinthians Corinthians Corinthians Corinthians Corinthians 1-4 Books and Crannies In November, we will be reading a fun story about a woman who opens a new Christmas store that really looks like a junk shop and has all the townspeople in an uproar! Join us November 20, at 3:00 p.m as we discuss The Christmas Shoppe by Melody Carlson and also share Christmas cookies! Bible Classes The Sunday morning Bible Class is concluding our study of the book of Revelation. The next study will be looking at Deadly Desires: A study of homosexuality. The Wednesday Bible Class is studying the books of Joshua and Judges.