SEPTEMBER Vol. 59 No.9. Dear Brothers Sisters in Christ,

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1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Vol. 59 No.9 Dear Brothers Sisters in Christ, Sally Field will forever be remembered for her oft-quoted words from her acceptance speech as she won the Academy Award for Best Actress in 1984: You like me. You really like me! (Do you remember the movie she had performed so well in?) I imagine that if our church newsletter could speak, it would often exclaim: You read me. You really read me! That s how I feel when a member mentions one of the articles we have highlighted in The View. Just this past week, I received such an honorable mention from David Cook, Executive Director of Interfaith Assistance Ministry. David writes, Larry, your piece in The View on abundant life reminded me of something I put together last year... We know and have been taught that the only way into eternal life is through faith in Jesus Christ as our personal Savior. It may best be said in John 3:16, For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life. But let s not stop here. To have eternal life is wonderful but there is more. Christ came that all of us who believe in Him and trust in Him for salvation might have life abundantly. All believers have eternal life, but not all of us have abundant life. You are living beneath your privilege if you are a believer and not enjoying the abundant life. For life to be abundant, it must have abundant resources, and the only unlimited resource is in the person of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. To possess this fuller, abundant life, the believer must abide in Him. John 15:1, 4-5 makes this very clear: [Jesus said] I am the true vine and my Father is the vine dresser... Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in me, and I in him, will bear much fruit; for apart from me you can do nothing. Dynamic, abundant living is not for just a few it is God s desire for all believers. It is spiritual life in depth; and without it our lives can become inane and meaningless. We are cautioned that if we are not actively pursuing the abundant life we re more vulnerable to falling into sinful ways. The sinful life is circumstance-controlled; the abundant life is Holy Spirit-controlled. From this moment on let us be satisified with nothing less than God s best: living life abundantly. Thank you, David, for your words of encouragement, and for your wonderful example of the abundance mindset offered by and through Interfaith Assistance Ministry! In Christ, Pastor Rabon Mt. Pisgah Lutheran Church & Preschool, 2606 Chimney Rock Rd., Hendersonville, NC

2 Mission of the Month for September The Hunger Coalition s 32nd Annual Hunger Walk Saturday, September 13 at 8:00AM The 32nd Annual Hunger Walk will be held on Saturday, September 13, at 8 a.m., at Shelter I in Jackson Park. If you have no food for your family and no money to buy any, where do you turn for help? Although much of the poverty in Henderson County is hidden, it is all too prevalent. Because it is invisible, many of us do not realize it exists. In 1982, a small group of concerned community service volunteers, aware of the critical need to relieve hunger among our neighbors, formed the Henderson County Hunger Coalition. The Hunger Coalition is committed to relieving hunger in Henderson County by raising awareness of the need and raising funds for hunger related agencies through the ANNUAL SEPTEMBER HUNGER WALK. Churches, civic groups, school organizations and local businesses are invited to form teams and seek out sponsors who will pledge donations based on the walker s completion of a 5- or 10-mile route that winds around the streets of Hendersonville, or a 1 to 2 mile Fun Walk within Jackson Park. The walk begins and ends at Jackson Park, and walkers are treated to a commemorative T-shirt and some great food at the completion of the event donated by many area restaurants. In recent years, the Coalition has successfully raised over $100,000 annually for the work of the following emergency food operations in Henderson County: Blue Ridge Health Center, Calvary Episcopal Church Food Pantry, Council on Aging, Fishes & Loaves Food Pantry, Hendersonville Rescue Mission, Interfaith Assistance Ministry, Mainstay, Manna Food Bank, Salvation Army, The Storehouse, Western Carolina Community Action. On Sunday, August 31, and again on Sunday, September 7, the Hunger Walk table will be in the narthex for walkers and donors to sign up. Rick Sanborn has agreed to be there after early service, and Leah Ryel will take over before second service. Please contact Leah at , if you are planning to walk. Please help our neighbors in need.

3 Bluegrass Concert on Friday, October 3 Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. Serve the Lord with gladness: come before His presence with singing. (Psalm 100:1-2 KJV) The Church Council has invited the Bluegrass Band from North Greenville University to perform a gospel concert at MPLC on Friday, October 3 at 7:00 p.m. North Greenville University is a Baptist college in Tigerville, South Carolina, just 30 miles south of Hendersonville. The students from both North and South Carolina include female and male vocalists, acoustic guitar, banjo, dobro, bass, fiddle, mandolin, and an audio technician. The faculty advisor to the band is Rev. Wesley Brashier, who also plays mandolin in the group. The entire Hendersonville community is invited to an evening of praise and fellowship singing old, gospel favorites such as: Victory in Jesus In the Sweet Bye and Bye Since Jesus Came into My Heart How Great Thou Art Bluegrass Music, which has its roots here in the churches of the Blue Ridge Mountains, is one of the major attractions that draw people to this area. Be sure to invite your friends and neighbors to enjoy this rich heritage, which is such a cultural treasure in this corner of America. Our fervent hope is that some of the people who attend the concert will come back to worship and fellowship with us on Sunday mornings as well. Please let that be the prayer of your heart over the next several weeks. To make sure that our guests have a favorable impression of Mt. Pisgah Lutheran Church, teamwork is a high priority. Some areas where your teamwork would be especially useful include: Pray for the weather, the band, the guests, and the MPLC host team. Invite your neighbors, friends, and acquaintances. Greeters for the concert on Friday, Oct. 3. Greeters for the 8:00 a.m. service on Sunday, Oct. 5. Greeters for the 10:45 a.m. service on Sunday, Oct. 5. Ushers for the concert on Friday, Oct. 3. Ushers for the 8:00 a.m. service on Sunday, Oct. 5. Ushers for the 10:45 a.m. service on Sunday, Oct. 5. Refreshments and fellowship following the 8:00 a.m. service on Sunday, Oct. 5. Refreshments and fellowship following the 10:45 a.m. service on Sunday, Oct. 5. If you would be able to assist on one of these teams, please sign up in the narthex or notify: Tom Boquist 10:45 service, phone or Larry McKinley 8:00 service, phone It is such a joy to watch these fine young people serve the Lord with their musical talents!

4 Our Missionaries: Thank You from Haiti Dear Brothers & Sisters in Christ, Grace and Peace to you from God our Lord and Savior Jesus-Christ! This is to thank you for all the blessings you have shared with us in Laotchikit, Hinche, Haiti. Words and expressions are not sufficient to really express our thankfulness in our sincere thanks for your generosity to pay the teachers and staff of the school at the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Laotchikit for the yearly school We are very honored in Haiti to receive these blessings from you in Mt. Pisgah Lutheran Church, Hendersonville, North Carolina. Thank you very much for these really blessings that we receive from you in Haiti for the people of Laotchikit, Haiti. Your support will help us to pay the teachers and buy some books and uniforms. And, they were the biggest problem we met in our school in Laotchikit. I really appreciate your efforts in coordinating the help for Laotchikit. Thank you again for making this school year possible. I am touched by your generosity and your willingness to help us achieve our goals to educate the children in Laotchikit. As you know, after preaching the Word of God in Laotchikit, the best thing is to educate the children. Their parents are not educated. They did not know God. This is why they are facing a big poverty, where they cannot eat. I am convinced that education is the best gift that we can offer to the children of Laotchikit today. Tomorrow, they will change the living condition in Laotchikit. Children today will be the adults tomorrow. In the past, they did not have church and school in this area. We are the first and the only school and church in this area. God is good all the time!!! He sends Pastor Matthew Schilling, the Leader of the Church building with Brother Oz Hefner and other churches in North Carolina. They build the Church with the help of our Brothers and Sisters in North Carolina!!! Many people receive Christ. God sends us Sister Wendy White, the leader of the school. She is really a woman of Christ. We are very blessed by her helps. She helps us with your money to pay the teachers. It was the biggest problem for us in the school of Laotchikit. God is good!!! He is good all the time! THANK YOU, THANK YOU AND THANK YOU!!! Today, we have 1100 children in Laotchikit who are waiting for the school. God is good, we can accept 230 children this year. We are happy!!! We are still praying for the other 870, who stay home, playing home, doing whatever, without respect for their parents, cannot read the Bible of Christ. Very truly yours in the resurrected one, May God s continuing blessings be yours through all the year ahead! Pastor Walta CLERCIUS wantal2010@yahoo.fr First Evangelical Lutheran Church of Laotchikit, Hinche, Haiti. Sola Gratia, Sola Fide, Sola Scriptura (Grace Alone, Faith Alone, Scripture Alone)

5 Saving the Children of Laotchikit, Haiti REJOICE! In April of 2013, Mt. Pisgah adopted the school at The First Evangelical Church of Laotchikit (Haiti) as our Mission of the Month. At that time, other North Carolina Lutheran churches were rejoicing in the completion of the church building that they had funded. Since then, it has been exciting to see how our Lord Jesus Christ has been transforming that little village. In the Central Highlands of Haiti, Laotchikit (with an estimated population of 2500) is practically in the middle of nowhere. Laotchikit is an extremely poor area with no church or other civic structures. Laotchikit homes are very small, and the people are poverty-stricken. There are no doctors, hospital, electricity, and no jobs. The only water in the Laotchikit area was from a small murky spring. Although poverty is the hopeless trap that cripples so many in this poorest country of the Americas, Jesus Christ sets them free. For the first time ever, the people of Laotchikit are starting to emerge from the hopeless poverty trap and to experience the peace of Christ. After Pastor Walta started indoor services at The First Evangelical Lutheran Church of Laotchikit on Easter of 2013, the transformation began: Throughout the Laotchikit area, people walked up to 5 miles to fill the church Sunday after Sunday. Many people received Christ as Savior. Many unmarried couples with children, which is the norm in Haiti, made lifetime commitments to each other and asked to be married in the church. When Mt. Pisgah learned that Pastor Walta wanted to start a school at the church, we raised the money to pay the salaries for five qualified, trained teachers. In the school year, 230 students attended the school. The boys and girls of Laotchikit are so eager to attend school that they crowd together on crude benches. In 2013, Lutheran churches in North Carolina installed water wells throughout the village of Laotchikit. Those same churches donated funds to build a hen house and buy chickens to provide a source of protein for the people. The youth of the North Carolina Lutheran churches raised money for nanny goats that provide goat s milk to the families. In 2014, Mt. Pisgah donated funds to purchase a three-wheeled motorcycle to transport food for school lunches each day. Wendy White is planning to take a team from Mt. Pisgah to Laotchikit in January of Team members will provide medical care, teach sewing, and plant gardens. We have notified Pastor Walta that Mt. Pisgah will support the school for the next school year. With Jesus Christ in their hearts, more food for their families, and education for their children, the people of Laotchikit are excited that a brighter future has arrived. At Mt. Pisgah, we rejoice that God is using us to take His love to a forgotten corner of the world. We especially rejoice that many souls are being won to Christ in Laotchikit! Thanks to all who have participated! If you would like to contribute to this Haitian school project, simply insert your donation in an offering envelope and write HAITI on the envelope. All interested persons are welcome to join us at the next meeting of the team to Save the Children of Laotchikit. The team will meet at the church on Wednesday, September 10 at 9:30 a.m. For additional information, contact Wendy White ( anna1000@bellsouth.net, phone ) or Pastor Rabon.

6 In 2 Chronicles, chapter 20 (ESV), we read: After this the Moabites and Ammonites, and with them some of the Meunites, came against Jehoshaphat for battle. Some men came and told Jehoshaphat, A great multitude is coming against you from Edom, from beyond the sea; and, behold, they are in Hazazon-tamar (that is, Engedi). Then Jehoshaphat was afraid and set his face to seek the Lord, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. And Judah assembled to seek help from the Lord; from all the cities of Judah they came to seek the Lord. And Jehoshaphat stood in the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem, in the house of the Lord, before the new court, and said, O Lord, God of our fathers, are you not God in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. In your hand are power and might, so that none is able to withstand you. And now behold, the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir, whom you would not let Israel invade when they came from the land of Egypt, and... they reward us by coming to drive us out of your possession, which you have given us to inherit. O our God, will you not execute judgment on them? For we are powerless against this great horde that is coming against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you. And the Spirit of the Lord came upon Jahaziel the son of Zechariah...in the midst of the assembly. And he said, Listen, all Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem and King Jehoshaphat: Thus says the Lord to you, Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God's. Then Jehoshaphat bowed his head with his face to the ground, and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem fell down before the Lord, worshiping the Lord. And they rose early in the morning and went out into the wilderness of Tekoa. And when they went out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, Hear me, Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem! Believe in the Lord your God, and you will be established; believe his prophets, and you will succeed. And when he had taken counsel with the people, he appointed those who were to sing to the Lord and praise him in holy attire, as they went before the army, and say, Give thanks to the Lord, for his steadfast love endures forever. L e t u s p r a y! And when they began to sing and praise, the Lord set an ambush against the men of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah, so that they were routed. As Jehoshaphat and all Judah were powerless against this great horde, we at Mt. Pisgah may feel powerless against the forces we face today. Churches across the USA face a culture war, declining attendance, and financial hardship. Throughout the world, christians are slaughtered simply because of their faith in Jesus Christ. Let us call out to the Lord. For this battle is not ours but God s. Let us pray diligently for Mt. Pisgah, our church leaders, our missionaries, christians throughout the world, and for the USA. O our God, will you not execute judgment on them? For we are powerless against the great forces that are coming against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you. (2 Chr 20:12 ESV) We can pray The Lord s Prayer verbatim or as a model by inserting our own words with specific names and places. If you prefer, the Lutheran Service Book (LSB) has prayers for many situations. You can pray these LSB prayers word for word or substitute words and names that God puts on your heart. The important thing is to pray! If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land. (2 Chr 7:14 ESV) Much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ. ROMANS 5:17 NKJV

7 Stewardship Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Just a couple of thoughts and reflections: July's givings were UP! The power of ONE (extra) is evident! Cast your bread upon the waters, for you will find it after many days. (Ecclesiastes 11:1 ESV) Mt. Pisgah Lutheran Church also has many opportunities to serve. Below are just a few. Remember the power of ONE. ONE Sunday a month to: 1. Usher 2. Read the lessons 3. Greet 4. Sing in the choir ONE hour a week to: 1. Assist counting offerings 2. Sweep or rake or trim around the church 3. Participate in choir rehearsal The power of ONE can easily turn into the power of 10! I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. (Romans 12:1 ESV) Volunteer for Operation Christmas Child Operation Christmas Child season is right around the corner! Millions of shoeboxes will be collected around the country in November. Before these precious gifts can bring hope and joy to a child around the world, each one has to be carefully inspected and made ready for overseas shipment by enthusiastic volunteers like you! You can help Samaritan's Purse prepare these gifts for delivery by volunteering along with your friends and family at one of our processing centers across the United States. Registration opens at 8 a.m. (local time) on the days specified, at the processing center locations below. Boone, NC register on September 9 Charlotte, NC register on September 11 Check your calendars and organize your groups. We d love to see you as we prepare the shoebox gifts that will bring good news and great joy to children around the world in Jesus Name. In His service, Rick Sanborn Stewardship Chairman CHURCH FINANCES Thanks to those who have increased their offerings to help offset the Church deficit. Though we continue to operate at a loss, it has been decreased to $1,242 for July. The numbers are year-to-date as of July 31, Income and Expense Church Exclusive Of Preschool Preschool Thank you to the following Thrivent Financial members who directed Choice Dollars to Mt. Pisgah in August: Charles Ginter Joan Ginter Jean Siebold Income $122,520 $242,608 Expenses $140,584 $249,211 Net Loss $(18,065) $ (6,603) Dedicated Income $31,604 Cash on hand Operational Accounts $67,107 Dedicated Accounts $85,347

8 Service Opportunities at Mount Pisgah Greeters and Ushers To Serve on Sundays at 7:45 a.m. Contact Tony Selius at or To Serve on Sundays at 10:30 a.m. Contact Bob Cheadle at Altar Guild 1 st and 3 rd Saturdays at 10:00 a.m. Contact Ann Cheadle at Members Needed to Count the Offering on Mondays at 11:00 a.m. Time is flexible in accord with participant needs. Contact Jean Siebold at or jsiebold@bellsouth.net Prayer Shawl Ministry Meets on 1 st Wednesday at 1:00 p.m. Contact Jean Siebold at or jsiebold@bellsouth.net Quilting Group Meets on 1 st and 3 rd Thursdays at 9:00 a.m. Contact Jan Tharp at or hvilletharps@bellsouth.net Scripture Readers Needed on Sundays at both worship services. Contact Jean Siebold at or jsiebold@bellsouth.net Hendersonville Rescue Mission Serves on the 4 th Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Contact Glenn Leavitt at or leavittg@bellsouth.net Weekly Bible Studies 9:15 a.m. Adult : the Book of Romans led by Paul Mincer 10:00 a.m. Women s : I & II Peter led by Pastor Rabon in the church library 8:00 a.m. Men s : The Best is yet to Come led by Pastor Rabon at Denny s Restaurant (with breakfast). 7:00 p.m. Adult on Discipleship: at Steve & Kathy Kirchoefer s Please check the Outreach bulletin board in the hall near the kitchen for a list of needed food and clothing items. LADIES GUILD All ladies are welcome, bring your favorite salad and join the Ladies Guild meeting on Monday, September 8 th at noon. Topic s for discussion will be the upcoming Yard Sale and mission grants. A retirement luncheon for Pastor Rabon is being planned for the afternoon of Saturday, January 17, The Ladies Guild will be holding a yard sale on Thursday and Friday, Sept. 12th and 13th from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. The sale will be held at Lydia Cassidy's home at 120 Windham Way (off Greenville Hwy), Hendersonvillle. All proceeds will be used to support the Guild's projects and missions for the upcoming year. Please come out and support us.

9 Mt. Pisgah Lutheran Church & Preschool SUN MON TUES WED THUR FRI SAT Labor Day Church Office & Preschool Closed Women s 10am Prayer Shawl Ministry 1pm Quilter s Ministry 9am Evening 7pm 7 Communion 8am Bible Classes 9:15am Communion 10:45am Choir rehearsal 8 Ladies Guild Noon 9 Women s 10am 10 Library Comm. 9:15 am 11Men s Bible Study 8 am Elders 10am ECMB 6pm 12 Evening 7pm Ladies Guild Yard Sale Sept. 11 & 12 8am 3pm 13 HUNGER WALK Worship 8am Bible Classes 9:15am Worship 10:45am Choir rehearsal Women s 10am Men s Bible Study 8 am Quilter s Ministry 9am Church Council 6:30pm Evening 7pm Communion 8am Bible Classes 9:15am Communion 10:45am Choir rehearsal Women s 10am Men s Bible Study 8 am Evening 7pm 28 Worship 8am Bible Classes 9:15am Worship 10:45am Choir rehearsal Women s 10am Lutheran Heritage Foundation Rev. Larry Rockemann, church relations officer for the Lutheran Heritage Foundation, will be at MPLC on September 21st to share how the Holy Spirit is at work through the LHF mission. Mission of the Month for September: Hunger Walk

10 SEPTEMBER 4 David White 6 Ray Sharpton 6 Maxine Tatreau 13 Briana Hastings 14 Katherine Montgomery 15 Dean Glossop 15 Carrie Hartjen 17 Marilyn Martin 19 Linda Licht 23 Glenn Leavitt 27 Glenn Ellerson OCTOBER 1 Tyler Maloney 3 Judy Fuchs 3 Susan Smith 4 Alethea Gaston 9 Ruth Mucko 10 Mike Luecke 14 Bruce Luecke 14 Lucas Pace 16 Anna White 17 Ruth Kugler 18 Steve Kirchoefer 20 Tony Selius 22 Mary Anne Henderson 23 David Maloney 25 Audrey Frost 27 Jessica Luecke 28 Elise Forster 31 Carol Everhart Mt. Pisgah Lutheran Church & Preschool 2606 Chimney Rock Road Hendersonville, NC PH FAX