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

Transcription

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 September 2018 Rest from our Labors Not the labor of my hands, Can fulfil Thy Law s demands. - From the hymn, Rock of Ages, verse 2, by August Toplady One of the primary doctrines of Christianity is the teaching that we are not, and cannot, be saved by works, but by grace alone through faith in Christ alone, as it says in Ephesians 2:8-9, For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. This is certainly an important and completely true teaching that nothing we do can fulfill the demands of God s Law. We cannot save ourselves through our efforts and hard work. However, oftentimes this truth can lead to a negative view of works overall, and this is not a healthy view either. The Bible frequently extols the virtue of hard work. Proverbs 12:11 says, Those who work their land will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies have no sense. And Proverbs 18:9, One who is slack in his work is brother to one who destroys. In fact, God s desire that we would work even was included in Paradise as we see in Genesis 2:15, The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. We were created to do the Lord s work. In fact, even in the passage from Ephesians we looked at earlier, the very next verse, Ephesians 2:10, teaches us, For we are God s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. We, too, have been created in Jesus Christ to do good works. For although Paul acknowledges that when it comes to salvation all of his works are like filthy rags, he also recognizes that the work we do for the Lord is good, has value, and will be rewarded, but we have to always keep in mind that these rewards are not merited, but gracious, in nature. But it is true that God still has work for us to do, and we should do it diligently. Not only are we commanded to work, but we are also promised that our work for the Lord will not go wasted. 1 Corinthians 15:58 states, Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. The key difference between hard work and hard work for the Lord is that if we labor for ourselves, the value is temporary, but if we labor for the Lord, the return is eternal. The same outward action can produce two different results. Colossians 3:17, And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Join us on our website at FAHope.org and/or Facebook Sunday Sermon Notes Aug 5-Eph. 4:1-6 Living a Worthy Life: Paul reveals a remarkable reality - there is one body, one spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father of all and we are encouraged to live in that reality. This isn't easy as our physical reality doesn't always seem to measure up to this revealed spiritual truth. Aug 12-Eph. 4:17-24 What You Were Created To Be: This world seems to be entirely confused about our identity, origin, and purpose as human beings. Paul tells us their futile thinking stems from separation from God. For all the answers to these questions find their answer in God. Aug 19-Eph. 5:15-20 Living Carefully: Paul is adamant that Christians should be careful how we spend our time. Our lives are not something to be wasted, but a precious resource to be spent wisely. He warns against drunkenness and anything that leads us into waste, and encourages us to live Spirit-filled lives of thankfulness and praise. Aug 26-Eph. 5:21-33 Marriage: Impossible?: Paul seems to give an impossible standard that marriages should mirror the relationship of Jesus and the Church. If it is hard for us to submit to a perfect Jesus, how can a wife expect to submit to her imperfect husband? And how could any husband match the love that Jesus shows toward His Church? Yet, those things that are impossible for us alone are possible as we trust in Christ. All these sermons and more can be found on our website: FAHope.org As Christians, we are definitely called to work. And although God hasn t promised that this work will be easy, He has promised us that anything we do in His name, from the greatest deeds to the smallest, will be remembered. As it says in Revelation 14:13, Then I heard a voice from heaven say, Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on. Yes, says the Spirit, they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them. Blessings, Pastor Barry Pastor s Page September 2018

2 In addition to our members in Care Centers, our nation and government, and the persecuted church, we offered prayers for the following members, family & friends last month: Tyson Auch grandson of Francis & Karen Froehlich Ron Bowlen cousin of Pinky Huether Brad Brosz former member of Hope Rose Cramer mother of Sara Bitterman James Byykkonen member of First American Jason Dorris son-in-law of Roger & Pinky Huether LeOnna Koehn Parkston Community Jeanette Tiede sister of Lila Fechner Ralph & Connie VanSky brother-in-law & sister of Bob Miller Steve Vermillion grandson-in-law of Dorothy Friman Glenn Ziegler member of First American Prayers of comfort for the family & friends of: Maynard Friederich former member of First American Norie Herman mother of Dale Herman John Spiegel father of Michelle Kurtz Trevor Vaughn boyfriend of Devin Kurtz Fran Vogel sister of Roger Huether We ve prayed for these ministries & AFLC churches Aug 5 Ministry: Association Free Lutheran Bible School (AFLBS) Plymouth, MN; AFLC Churches: Good Shepherd, Camarillo, CA; Oiland Lutheran, Badger, MN; Christian Free Lutheran, Wheatland, IA Aug 12 Ministry: AFLC FLY (Free Lutheran Youth) Ministry; AFLC Churches: Trinity Lutheran, Dixon, CA; Alida Lutheran, Bagley, MN; Elim Lutheran, Clinton, MN Aug 19 Ministry: Justo & Patricia Pillman Family, AFLC Missionaries in Ecuador; AFLC Churches: Reformation Lutheran, El Cajon, CA; Grace Free Lutheran, Bagley, MN; Singsaas Lutheran, Hendricks, MN Aug 26 Ministry: John & Hannah Lee, AFLC Missionaries in Brazil; AFLC Churches: United Lutheran, Manteca, CA; Rice Lutheran, Bagley, MN; Abiding Faith Free Lutheran, Ortonville, MN 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. September Birthdays 3 Martha Will 4 Bob Kurtz 12 Clara Bitterman 14 Judy Schelske 15 Craig Hauser 16 Samantha Droppers 19 Becca Herman 24 Maurice Bueber 24 Drew Semmler 25 Vicki Hubner 30 Kelley Eggebraaten 4 Wayne Bietz 5 Michael Fechner 5 Darold Bitterman 6 Martha Will 7 Rebecca Hotchkiss 8 Elaine Kurtz 10 Levi Bietz September Baptismal Birthdays 14 Theresa Faas 22 Cindy Batterman 22 Chance Ziegler 23 Jeanne Friederich 26 Myra Vetter 27 Whitney Fuerst September Anniversaries 1 Dave & Dianne Semmler 50 years 5 Robert & Elaine Kurtz 61 years 8 Bryan & Shawn Bietz 6 years 17 Matt & Macey Schempp 2 years 19 Joel & Pam Vetter 48 years 20 Jordan & Samantha Ziegler 4 years 21 Francis & Karen Froehlich 22 years 23 Roger & Karen Huether 46 years 27 Brian & Dee Mogck 9 years Dan Bones: husband of Cheryl (Bietz) Bones Air Force Andrew Hanson: member of Hope Stationed in San Antonio, TX; Army Paul Coleman: brother of Kyrie & Barry Nelson Stationed in South Korea; Army Logan Fechner: grandson of Mike & Lila Fechner Stationed in Italy; Army Joshua Hirsch: grandson of Heine & Rose Prien Stationed in Kaiserslautern, Germany; Army Austin Lien: nephew of Glenn & Tammy Ziegler Stationed in Jacksonville, FL; Navy Pray for our Members in Care Centers Armour Care & Rehab Center: *Clara Bitterman*, Oli Vetter Avera Bormann Manor, Parkston: Velda Jerke Avera Brady in Mitchell: Elaine Kurtz Avera Weskota Manor in Wessington Springs: Lorene Jerke Covington Heights- Sioux Falls: Dee Brunken Good Samaritan Society-Luther Manor in Sioux Falls: Ernestine Konstanz Good Samaritan Society-Scotland: Regina Bueber, Heine & Rose Prien Good Samaritan Society-Village in Sioux Falls: Frieda Baier Good Samaritan Society-Wagner: *Martha Will* ** = birthday this month Thoughts & Prayers September 2018

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 August Noisy Offering at First American of $ went to the Ronald McDonald house to restore and renovate 29 bedrooms. September s Noisy Offering will go towards Operation Christmas Child. The August Noisy Offering at Hope went toward Operation Christmas Child. September s Noisy Offering recipient will be announced. + (FA) Thank you all so much for donating to the Navigators! It is such a blessing to know I have my church family supporting me back home as I continue to grow in my faith in college. Love, Whitney Fuerst Congratulations to Jordan & Sam Ziegler on the birth of their son, Rhett Lee (middle name after his sister Caleigh). Rhett was born on Tuesday, July 31 and weighed 7 pounds, 13 ounces. He joins big sister Brileigh and big brother Jace. Proud grandparents are Brian and Dee Mogck and great-grandmother Norma Mogck. Congratulations to Tanner & Courtney Comp on the birth of their daughter, Serena Miracella. Serena was born on Monday, July 30 and weighed 7 pounds, 3 ounces. Proud great-great-grandparents are Heine & Rose Prien. Khloe Kay Hoff was baptized on August 19, 2018, at First American. She was born on July 5, 2018 to William & Jill Hoff (and big sister Kinley). Khloe s sponsors are Kara & Jess Herman. We welcome this new little one into the Lord s family! Reminder: On Sunday, September 9 th we will not have worship services at Hope. Instead, everyone is encouraged to attend the service at the Old Iron festival at 9am. Maurice Bueber and the Happy Memories Band will be leading the service. REJOICE IN HOPE AFLC SOUTH DAKOTA DISTRICT Women s Fall Rally First American Lutheran 300 S Carpenter St Tripp, SD Saturday, September 15, :00 am - 2:15 pm Registration 9:00-9:30 am Worship begins at 9:30 with Maurice Bueber and Jodi Fuerst from the Happy Memories Band Speaker: Michael Rokenbrodt AFLC Missionary in Uganda Commissioned at the 2018 AFLC Annual Conference RSVP by September 8, 2018 to: Barb Dozark: barb.dozark@k12.sd.us or or Jan Jerke: There will also be a silent auction on donated gift baskets as well as a Diaper Derby where all donated baby items will go to the Alpha Center in Sioux Falls. Mission Fest Sunday, September 16, 2018 Speaker: Michael Rokenbrodt, AFLC Missionary in Uganda, Commissioned at the 2018 AFLC Annual Conference First American Worship: 9:00am First American Sunday School: 10:00am Hope Sunday School: 9:30am Hope Worship: 10:45am Potluck Dinner at Hope: 11:45am (following service) Think Shoebox! As all the school supply sales are in full swing, don t forget to purchase a few items for our Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes. Ideas: PENCILS, crayons, markers, colored pencils, pencil sharpeners, pens. Parish Bulletin Board September 2018

4 Join us: By riding with us from Armour to Sioux Falls or join us along the way at one of our rest stops (Parkston, Freeman, Parker) Volunteer to help provide support out at the rest stops 21 st Annual Bike for Life Sept 8, Our Mission: To raise money to support the Alpha Center and its ultrasound ministry by riding bike from Armour, SD, to the Alpha Center in Sioux Falls. Donate: Please make checks payable to Southeast South Dakota Lutherans for Life (SESD-LFL) ear mark them "Bike for Life" on the memo line and mail to: SESD Lutherans for Life PO Box 265 Menno, SD Prayers For: A safe journey for our riders All who are contributing in any way The mothers and babies Our Story Pastor Nabil Nour started Bike for Life in 1997 to raise funds to purchase an ultrasound machine for the Alpha Center so that expecting mothers and fathers might better realize that the living organism inside the woman is not just a blob of tissue, but rather a gift from God, the Creator of Life. Since then, by the Grace of God and with the aid of the Alpha Center and the ultrasound machine, we know that over 2,500 babies have been spared and over $100,000 has been raised to promote the preciousness of the Gift of Life! For more information, visit STAY INVOLVED! Our next SESD Lutherans for Life meeting is on Sunday, October 21 st, at 7 pm at Zion Lutheran Church in Delmont. For more info on Lutherans for Life join our Facebook group at or Pastor Barry Nelson at blnelson1@gmail.com.

5 Meeting Minutes - MSC=Motion, seconded and carried Hope Council: August 1, 2018 Hope Lutheran Church Council met on August 1, :00 p.m. Members present were Pastor Barry, Dale and Terri Bitterman, Russ Dozark, Doug Gunnare, Mike Fechner and Wanda Anderson. The meeting was called to order by President Doug Gunnare. Pastor led us in prayer. Minutes of the June and July special meetings were read and approved. The treasurer s two-month report was presented showing a balance on hand of $25, MSC to accept as presented. Pastor s Report: 1. Pastor made 3 nursing home visits. 2. The next Lutherans for Life meeting will be held at the Zion Lutheran Church in Delmont on October students attended the Vacation Bible School this summer. 4. Pastor reported the Annual Conference in Dickinson, ND, was very good. Old Business: 1. The insurance adjustor needs to see Bob Kurtz about using his telehandler to check the church roof for hail damage. 2. Trees have been trimmed, and the lilac bushes are gone. 3. The sump pump needs to be changed to drain outside. 4. The north window wells are getting bad and need to be taken care of. 5. A bid on the siding project is roughly $4500 to $5500. Tabled. 6. The front steps have been examined. Matt Gunnare says to prep (blast and clean) will be about $800. We also need concrete repair. Schuh Painting bid about $ for painting with epoxy. Tabled for more information from Matt about doing just the flat surface. 7. Dale Bitterman planed the north door to fit more securely. Will be okay for now but needs more work on the frame. 8. A second kitchen stove was discussed. It was agreed to have the ladies check out style, prices and decide. New Business: 1. We will have our annual Mission Festival on September 16 with speaker, Michael Rokenbrodt, AFLC missionary in Uganda. Service will be followed with a potluck dinner. 2. We will join the worship at the Old Iron grounds on September 9. Next meeting to be held on September 5 at 8:00 pm. MCS to adjourn and we closed with the Lord s Prayer. Respectfully Submitted, Wanda Anderson, Secretary First American Council: August 8, 2018 The meeting was called to order by Treasurer Tammy Bietz in the initial absence of President Bryan Bietz. Members present were Pastor Barry, Jim Bietz, Dave Semmler, Tammy Bietz, Mary Friederich, Bob Just and Karen Just. Pastor Barry opened with devotions and prayer. Secretary s Report: Secretary s Report was read and approved. Treasurer s Report: Tammy Bietz distributed the Treasurer s Report and was accepted as given. Pastor s Report: 1. 1 home visit; zero hospital visits; Velda Jerke s birthday; 2. Lutherans for Life meeting will be held Sunday, October 21 st at 7:00 PM at Zion Lutheran Church in Delmont. Old Business: 1. The volunteer church members were thanked for helping with the Church area work night. 2. Jim Bietz moved to purchase 3 light fixtures for the sidewalk in front of the church complete with poles, motion seconded by Karen Just, motion carried. 3. The Cross is finished and will be installed by Allan Hale and Jordan Ziegler. Fischer Electric will finish the lighting to the Cross. 4. The cost to add single pane windows to the balcony stain glass windows will cost $ per window. 5. There has been no action on the front doors. 6. They are still checking on the warranty on the parsonage siding. The gable vents also need to be replaced. 7. Motion by Mary Friederich, seconded by Tammy Bietz to adopt the new wedding policy. Motion carried. President Bryan Bietz joined and led the meeting. New Business: 1. Suggestions for memorial funds are: Dakotronic s sign to be placed in the church marquee; decorative rock behind the altar; banners. 2. Motion by Karen Just, seconded by Tammy to purchase a new office chair for Pastor. Motion carried. 3. Pew cushions were discussed. We will check with St Peter s Lutheran Church to see where they purchased them. An option to get a few individual cushions was discussed. 4. Mary will redecorate the Sunday School room. 5. Sunday School rally Sunday will be held on August 19 th. 6. It was discussed to go door to door inviting Sunday School prospects. 7. WMF Rally district is September 15 at First American Lutheran Church. 8. Michael Rokenbrodt will be our Mission Fest speaker. 9. Noisy Offering for September and October will go to Operation Christmas Child. With no further business, Jim Bietz moved to adjourn, seconded by Tammy Bietz. Motion passed. Pastor Barry led in closing with the Lord s Prayer. The next Council Meeting will be held September 12, 2018, 7:30 PM Respectfully Submitted, Karen Just, Secretary August Meeting Minutes September 2018

6 Hope WMF: August 15, 2018 Pastor Barry led us in the study of chapter 5 of the WMF Bible study. Chapter 6 will be discussed at our next meeting. Meeting Notes: 1. We will have a Diaper Derby and Silent Auction for the WMF Fall Rally on Sept. 15. We decided to each bring our own pack of diapers. Hope s basket will be a Scentsy warmer with either an anchor or a cross on the front and will include various Scentsy products which were left up to Barb Dozark s discretion. We need to be at First American on Friday, Sept. 14 at 5:30 pm to help fill bags and decorate. We need to be at the church Saturday, Sept. 15 at 7:45 am to help make sandwiches. We will meet Aug. 23 at 7 pm at Michelle Kurtz s house to make decorations. 2. We discussed what type of stove we would prefer to purchase to replace the old stove that was removed. Terri Bitterman volunteered to look at Herman s Appliance in Parkston for the basic non-smooth top stove we requested so the council could purchase it before Mission Fest. 3. Mission Fest will be held Sunday, Sept. 16 with a potluck in the basement to following worship. 4. Our next meeting will be held September 13, 2018 at 7:30 pm. We closed with the Lord s Prayer. Respectfully submitted, Michelle Kurtz, WMF secretary First American WMF: August 22, 2018 WMF of First American Lutheran Church met on August 22, 2018 at 7:30pm with seven members present. Opening devotions by Sara Bitterman First thing come to Him reading by Nancy DeMoss. Bible Study led by Jan Jerke Daily Living in the Word Lesson 8. Business meeting opened by Jan Jerke. Secretary report read and approved. Treasurer reported a balance of $ Bill presented for baptismal towels. Wilma Herr crocheted cross on each. Correspondence: Invitations sent out for Women s Fall Rally, September 15 th, Received summer Helping Hand newsletter. Old Business: 1. Visit to Human Service Center at Yankton, September 11 at 1:30. Program and light lunch. 2. Committees 2 and 3 appointed to serve for Rally. Friday night set up. Will bring salads. Donate cleaning or cooking items in kitchen basket for silent auction. Baby items for diaper derby. 3. Ordering more dish cloths. New Business: Invite Holiday gathering Dec. 1 st at First American, Tripp. Program by Mary Friederich, Johnny Appleseed story. Worship offering Blessing on the Word by Myra Weber. Closed with Lord s Prayer and table grace. Hostess Jan Jerke. Next meeting Wednesday, September 19 th at 7:30pm, Lesson 9. Respectfully Submitted, Myra Weber, Secretary BINGO! Clara Bitterman had a fun visit with Zach, Noah, Isabelle & Brooke Hotchkiss, and Evan & Mya Brock in Armour. Lift High the Cross: Jordan Ziegler and Allan Hale hanging the new cross that was made by Richard Gall as Jeff Sandau (not pictured) provides a lift. August Meeting Minutes September 2018

7 Women of the AFLC Women s Missionary Federation FA Devotions Glendora Zeitner Program Wilma Herr Worship Offering Mary Friederich Hostess Myra Weber Bible Study Leader Jan Jerke Bulletins Candyce Mogck Flowers Norma Mogck Acolytes Hope: Noah Hotchkiss Isabelle Hotchkiss First American: Carson Bueber We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Thessalonians 1: Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2 Pentecost 15 3 Labor Day :00am First Am. Worship w/holy Communion 10am FA Sunday School 10:45am Hope Worship w/holy Communion 8pm Hope Council 21st Annual Bike for Life bikeforlifesd.org 9 Pentecost 16 National Grandparents Day 9:00am First Am. Worship 10:00am FA Sunday School No Hope services. Old Iron church service at 9am in Delmont Patriot Day FA WMF to Human Services Center in Yankton. Leave FA at 12:30pm. HSC Service 2pm 12 7:30pm FA Council 13 7:30pm Hope WMF Hope Lesson :00am-2:15pm WMF Fall District Rally at FA 16 MISSION FEST SUNDAY Pentecost 17 9:00am First Am. Worship w/ Noisy Offering for Operation Christmas Child 9:30am Hope Sunday School 10:00am FA Sunday School 10:45am Hope Worship w/ Noisy Offering TBA :30pm FA WMF Hope Lesson Autumn Begins 23 Pentecost :00am First Am. Worship 9:30am Hope Sunday School 10:00am FA Sunday School 10:45am Hope Worship 30 Pentecost 19 9:00am First Am. Worship 9:30am Hope Sunday School 10:00am FA Sunday School 10:45am Hope Worship First American Ushers Head Usher: Dave Semmler Mike Schmidt & Roger Huether Substitute: Elmer Bietz Video: Jon Bueber First Am. Readers Sep 2: Liz Bitterman Sep 9: Carol Bietz Sep 16: Charlene Bietz Sep 23: Mary Friederich Sep 30: Jodi Fuerst Hope Readers Sep 2: Michelle Kurtz Sep 9: Becky Hotchkiss Sep 16: Zach Hotchkiss Sep 23: Kaylene Dozark Sep 30: Barb Dozark Sept 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 Pastor Barry cell: (612) Bryan Bietz President Glenn Ziegler Vice President Becki Hauser Parish Secretary firsthope@santel.net Website: or find us on Facebook Bible Quiz Who was Moses father-in-law, and what was his occupation? Hope Lutheran Church Delmont, SD - AFLC Phone Doug Gunnare President Terri Bitterman Vice President Becki Hauser Parish Secretary firsthope@santel.net Website: or find us on Facebook A. Joshua; shepherd B. Miriam; tentmaker C. Aaron; farmer D. Jethro; priest Answer: D (See Exodus 3:1)