DISTRICT NEWS INDIANA / DECEMBER 2017 Lowly in a manger?! Our Christmas gift came wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. A lowly little baby Jesus. Everyone loves a little baby. They are soft, cuddly and cute. Rev. Daniel May District President People love to hold them, hug them and play with them. What can be less controversial than an innocent, little baby? How can you not love a baby? This is God s story we love to tell. We know, of course, that baby Jesus was a wonderfully unique baby. This was a baby with a future a baby that is our future. This baby Jesus would change the course of history. We sing: Gentle Mary laid her child Lowly in a manger; There He is the Undefiled, To the world a stranger, Such a babe in such a place, Can He be the Savior? Ask the saved of all the race Who have found His favor. LSB #374 The manger was a humble and lowly place, and Mary was meek and mild, but this baby is powerful. Mary had to remember her Magnificat: And Mary said, My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for He has looked on the humble estate of His servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for He who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name. And His mercy is for those who fear Him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with His arm; He has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts; He has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate; He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich He has sent away empty. He has helped His servant Israel, in remembrance of His mercy, as He spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to His offspring forever. And Mary remained with her about three months and returned to her home. Luke 1:46 56 And then, after baby Jesus was born, Mary heard Simeon s Nunc Dimittis: Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel. And His father and His mother marveled at what was said about Him. And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, His mother, Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed. Luke 2:25 29 There never was, nor will there ever again be a baby like this. This baby is Jesus and He changes everything for the better. So how can He be controversial? He was not loved and respected by Satan. This baby is a holy child born into a sinful world. Some in our world today still find this baby to be a stumbling block, and He is still resisted by the forces of darkness, even as He is embraced and adored by us. Sin, death and Satan are no small things, but God s grace is far bigger. Some are offended by the Prince of Peace, but we are happy to say Merry Christmas! Our greeting is a joyous statement of our faith and a confession of God s gift to us, lowly in a manger. God bless your worship as we in the Indiana District say Merry Christmas! INDIANA DECEMBER 2017 / 1
OUTREACH The reason for Joy, Hope, and Happiness! The cardinal teaching of Holy Scripture is that we are saved by grace through faith in Christ Jesus. As we conclude this 500th anniversary year of the nailing of the 95 theses on the church door in Wittenberg, Rev. Geoff Robinson Outreach Executive Germany, and look to celebrate once again the birth of Christ our Savior, it is appropriate to rejoice in the truth that God used Martin Luther to point us to Christ. Yes, Luther pointed the world of Christendom to Christ, who is the great servant God, who serves us by loving us and pouring out His mercy upon us. In Titus, St. Paul clearly points out what Jesus does for us. Paul states: But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to His own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by His grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. Titus 3:4 7 The birth of Christ means little if Jesus hadn t done what He did for us. The birth of Christ isn t comforting at all if Jesus is an unloving, heartless savior. Paul clearly tells us that Jesus is the opposite. He is a Savior who does all that is needed for us to be saved. He doesn t require us to earn our own righteousness. Rather, Christ saves us by richly serving us with His perfect life lived on our behalf, His life freely given for us on the Cross of Calvary. And Paul tells us that this is because of His great mercy. Through His own mercy we are made righteous! Jesus our Savior sends to us the Holy Spirit, who works through Holy Baptism and the Word of God to regenerate and renew us from our state of miserable sinfulness. We are justified by Christ s grace! We are declared righteous for Jesus sake. We become heirs of eternal life because of all that Jesus does for us. It is this truth that we are saved by grace through faith in Christ Jesus and not one bit by our efforts that gives us great joy and happiness. As we end 2017 and think about 2018 in our lives of constant change, we are encouraged and given great hope from Christ because we know that He doesn t change. The writer of Hebrews states: Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Heb. 13:8 And we also know that the gifts Christ gave to us the gifts of forgiveness of sins and eternal life will not change either. We have a wonderful Savior who stands by us, cares for us and enables us to close out one year and joyfully embrace a new one, because no one can snatch us from our Savior s hands. Jesus says: My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father s hand. I and the Father are one. John 10:27 30 This wonderful truth motivates us to be evangelism- and mission-minded people. We want others to know the great joy, hope and happiness that we have in Christ Jesus the Savior! 2 / INDIANA
REFORMATION A mighty celebration The Decatur Circuit celebrated the 500th anniversary of the Reformation with a Divine Service and Oktoberfest on Saturday, Sept. 9, at the Hoagland Community Center. About 2,000 people attended the festivities, including 1,300 at the Divine Service. During the Divine Service, the Rev. Dr. Matthew Harrison, LCMS president, preached on John 8 and referenced the strong Lutheran heritage in the Decatur area. Arborsong, a chamber choir from Concordia University, Ann Arbor, Mich., chanted the Kyrie from the German Mass (published by Martin Luther), while several musical ensembles also participated, including the Lutheran Elementary School Honors Choir, the Decatur Lutheran Chorale and a brass ensemble from the Fort Wayne Philharmonic. From St. John Lutheran Church, Decatur, the Rev. Peter Brock, pastor, and Brian Horning, director of Youth and Family Life, co-led the steering committee and were grateful for the strong turnout at the event. To see all the chairs full of God s people there to hear the Word of God and sing was overwhelming, Horning said. The choirs coming together were a gift, Brock said. I heard comments from people about how powerful it was for the whole circuit to sing A Mighty Fortress and pray The Lord s Prayer. Offerings from the Divine Service will support the International Lutheran Center at the Old Latin School in Wittenberg, Germany. The service, which was recorded, will be broadcast on Access Fort Wayne. The Reformation Walk was another highlight, with Lutheran schools from the Decatur Circuit organizing nine stops through Luther s life in Germany, including a replica of the Wittenberg door. A meal of German food followed by dancing to live polka and square-dancing bands concluded the evening. An offering taken during the celebration Divine Service will support the International Lutheran Center at the Old Latin School in Wittenberg, Germany. oldlatinschool.org DECEMBER 2017 / 3
STEWARDSHIP Wanted: Dead or alive? hile riding on a train to meet my son in downtown Chicago, my cell phone went dead! I was supposed to call him when I got to the end of the line, and he would then tell me where we were Ken Schilf Council of Resources going to meet. My mind started racing, and my heart started pumping really fast. What was I to do? Phone booths are rare. Maybe I could borrow a stranger s phone. But wait! I don t know his number (or any of the family numbers) because all I have to do on my cell phone is click on his name and his number comes up. Maybe I could find a Verizon store. As I got off the train and out into the city streets, I asked a boat tour guide. She said to walk eight blocks down to State Street, and there would probably be one there. I started to walk but not with much confidence that I would find one. Then I saw a UPS man and asked him. He was able to tell me exactly where a Verizon store was and even gave me the address. A stranger helped me find a solution. How about you? Can you help someone find a lifetime solution? Will you be a UPS person in their life? In this Advent and Christmas season, there are so many opportunities to share Christ. When you are out buying gifts, grocery shopping or at a sports event, why not wish people a merry or blessed Christmas instead of a happy holiday. You might be surprised at the responses you receive. They may wish you a merry Christmas also, or they may ask you if you are a Christian. Take time this busy Christmas season to be a steward of the Lord. Stewardship is discipleship. Share that Christ is alive! For the steward s purpose is to worship and serve the Lord. Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord. Col. 3:23 As Phil. 2:13 says: For it is God Who works in you to will and to act according to His good purpose. Merry Christmas to you and the others with whom you share this greeting. December Prayer List Week of December 4 Iowa District West Circuit 13 Ascension, Beech Grove Journey Ministries, Fishers Faith, Greenfield Christ, Indianapolis Holy Cross, Indianapolis St. John, Indianapolis Trinity, Indianapolis Zion, New Palestine Christ, Noblesville Lord of Life, Westfield Epiphany, Westfield Mission: African Immigrant, St. Augustine, Fort Wayne School: Valparaiso University Week of December 11 Kansas District Circuit 21 St. John, Evanston Our Saviour, Evansville Trinity, Henderson, Ky. Peace, Owensboro, Ky. Emmanuel, Tell City Mission: Campus Ministry, IU, Bloomington RSO: Wittenburg Village, Crown Point Week of December 18 Michigan District Circuit 5 St. Paul, Bremen Trinity, Elkhart Prince of Peace, Goshen St. Peter, Mishawaka Calvary, Plymouth Emmaus, South Bend Our Redeemer, South Bend St. Paul, South Bend Redeemer, Warsaw St. Peter s, Warsaw Mission: Campus Ministry, Purdue, West Lafayette RSO: Bethesda Lutheran Communities, Fort Wayne Week of December 25 A very blessed Christmas from the Indiana District staff! 4 / INDIANA
DISTRICT NEWS Federation float wins top prize The Lutheran Mission Federation, comprised of congregations in the Seymour and Brownstown circuits, had the first-place float in the 2017 Seymour Oktoberfest parade. While marching, the elementary school children of Immanuel, Seymour; St. John s Sauers, Seymour; and Lutheran Central School, Brownstown, sang two verses of A Mighty Fortress Is Our God. St. James celebrates financial freedom On Oct. 1, St. James, Marion, combined its two Sunday morning worship celebrations into one service to give God the glory as members burned the mortgage. The Rev. Daniel May, Indiana District president, was the guest speaker. His message was one of celebration now that the mortgage has been paid off and for the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. Through our 67-year history, this was the third mortgage burning celebration, said the Rev. William Lahrman, St. James pastor. It was a time of great joy and celebration. With our debt retired and a vision for ministry, we now have a greater opportunity to reach out in mission and ministry for the glory of God. Following the service, the congregation s fellowship team hosted a German-style dinner as a kick-off celebration for the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. Pictured during the ceremony are four of the previous five congregation chairmen, who have all served while St. James had the mortage, from left, Joe Chambers, Mike Cline, Norm Wolf and Jerry Whitton, along with Doug Whitham (treasurer) and the Rev. William Lahrman. DECEMBER 2017 / 5
RESOURCES An extraordinary catechism Explanation update is first since 1991 A new 2017 edition of Luther s Small Catechism with Explanation is now available for pre-order from Concordia Publishing House (CPH). The groundwork for the new edition was laid in 2013, when the Synod in convention (Resolution 3-13A) directed the Commission on Theology and Church Relations (CTCR), in cooperation with the president s office and CPH, to begin the process of updating the Explanation to the Small Catechism. The Catechism itself (the six chief parts and questions and answers written by Martin Luther to explain them) was not revised only the supplementary material known as the Explanation, which includes additional questions and answers and supporting Bible verses. Why a new Explanation, and why now? The Explanation was last revised in 1991. Resolution 3-13A, adopted by a vote of 913 7, cited the many changes in the understanding of morals, civil law and natural law in church and society since 1991 as well as the need for more comprehensive catechetical materials for adults that would also provide a resource for parents and teachers. The resolution called for a process of drafting, field testing and revising, leading to the production of a catechetical compendium more comprehensive and apologetic in scope. The revision process began in 2014 with a survey of the Synod s rostered workers. The survey was conducted over the course of six months one month focusing on each of the six chief parts. In 2015 another survey was made available online for anyone interested to give input there were 1,300 respondents. Then began a yearlong drafting process. In September 2016, a first-draft field-test version of the revised Explanation was mailed to all LCMS congregations and rostered church workers with feedback requested by Oct. 31 of that year. The CTCR also requested feedback from any lay members of Synod congregations who wished to download and review the draft version. Final revisions were made, and release of the updated version was scheduled to coincide with the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. LCMS President Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison says of the new resource: This is an extraordinary catechism. I daresay, it is perhaps the best ever produced in English. The drafters did a superb job. We listened to the helpful critique of the Church, which made it stronger. I thank God for all involved, and all who took the time to participate. The new edition of Luther s Small Catechism with Explanation is available for order at an introductory price of $14.49 (not including shipping). To place an order, or to find out more about the 2017 edition and see a side-by-side comparison with the 1991 edition, visit cph.org or call 800-325-3040. DECEMBER BIRTHDAYS DEC. 1 Opal Smolek, 94 St. Peter, North Judson DEC. 2 Henry Kranich, 97 Zion, Decatur DEC. 4 Marie Heller, 100 Immanuel, Avilla Mary Jellison, 90 Emmanuel, Fort Wayne DEC. 5 Jane Cameron, 97 Mary Ann Dohrmann, 92 Helen Jaebker, 92 DEC. 6 Mildred Kiel, 102 Al (Bud) Wiser, 94 Calvary, Indianapolis Marjorie Mueller, 92 Dorothy Heckman, 91 Ruth Mans, 90 Trinity, Darmstadt Charles Ness, 90 St. Peter, North Judson DEC. 7 Marvin Conrad, 97 Bertha Jackson, 93 DEC. 8 Alberta Krampe, 94 Calvary, Indianapolis DEC. 9 Ralph Herb, 95 DEC. 10 Rose Hussung, 93 Shepherd of the Hills, Georgetown Russell Byrkett, 92 DEC. 11 Irene Schamber, 105 Earl Butler, 90 St. John, Monroeville DEC. 12 Martha Hilst, 92 St. James, Lafayette DEC. 13 Wilma Kerber, 99 Grace, New Albany Ruth Linnemeier, 93 St. John (Bingen), Decatur Bernice Caston, 91 DEC. 14 Marty Bienz, 91 DEC. 16 Sarah Monzulla, 90 Trinity Memorial, Merrillville DEC. 17 Lucille Fox, 92 Evelyn Royer, 91 Calvary, Indianapolis DEC. 18 Pauline Zollman, 93 St. John, Lanesville DEC. 19 Alma Keidel, 95 DEC. 20 Paul Thune, 92 Bernice Ostermeyer, 90 DEC. 21 Donald Zettelmeier, 94 Zion, Fort Wayne DEC. 22 Robert Scheibenberger, 90 DEC. 23 Fern Theriac, 94 St. John, Vincennes Doris Pierce, 91 Shepherd of the Hills, Georgetown DEC. 24 Paul Hoppe, 91 DEC. 27 Shirley Heilmann, 91 Mary Lou Holt, 91 St. John, Monroeville Ruth Sinnett, 91, St. John, Vincennes DEC. 28 Pauline Rekeweg, 97 Zion, Woodburn DEC. 29 Jane Dennis, 93 Concordia, Evansville Mary Waite, 90 DEC. 31 Mary Beckemeyer, 90 Joan Geese, 90 Heritage, Valparaiso Leo Kanter, 90 Tom Walter, 90 St. Paul s, Bremen 6 / INDIANA
CELEBRATIONS DECEMBER ANNIVERSARIES DISTRICT CALENDAR DEC. 2 Mr. & Mrs. Bill Staker, 55 Mr. & Mrs. Michael Tarter, 50, St. James, Lafayette Mr. & Mrs. Jim Woods, 50 Grace, New Albany DEC. 5 Mr. & Mrs. William Wallschlaeger, 53 Zion, Fort Wayne DEC. 6 Mr. & Mrs. Leroy Beilke, 65 St. Paul s, Evansville Mr. & Mrs. Delbert Hacker, 64 St. John, Vincennes Mr. & Mrs. Willis Conrad, 54 DEC. 7 Mr. & Mrs. Bill Blake, 60 Calvary, Plymouth DEC. 8 Mr. & Mrs. Rick Reidenbach, 55, Heritage, Valparaiso DEC. 9 Mr. & Mrs. Bob Schultz, 61 Faith, DeMotte Mr. & Mrs. Bill Klage, 50 Mr. & Mrs. James Stone, 50 Trinity, Darmstadt DEC. 10 Mr. & Mrs. Jerrold Horn, 57 St. Paul s, Evansville Mr. & Mrs. Dick Alfeld, 51 Emmanuel, Fort Wayne Mr. & Mrs. Larry Enders, 51 St. Paul s, Bremen Mr. & Mrs. Allen Noble, 51 St. Peter, North Judson DEC. 11 Mr. & Mrs. Deane Fisher, 62 Calvary, Plymouth Mr. & Mrs. Ronnie Polk, 57 St. John, Indianapolis Mr. & Mrs. Mark Cozad, 50 DEC. 12 Mr. & Mrs. Tom Walter, 65 St. Paul s, Bremen Mr. & Mrs. David Cooper, 52 Trinity, Hobart DEC. 16 Mr. & Mrs. Wendell Perkins, 56 St. John, Vincennes Mr. & Mrs. Mark Waskom, 51 Redeemer, Seymour Mr. & Mrs. Ron Kline, 50 Our Redeemer, Evansville Mr. & Mrs. William Schmidt, 50 Emmaus, Fort Wayne DEC. 17 Mr. & Mrs. William Swift, 57 Mr. & Mrs. Bill Thompson, 52 Holy Cross, Fort Wayne Mr. & Mrs. Jim Williams, 51 Emmanuel, Fort Wayne DEC. 19 Mr. & Mrs. Robert Schoen, 53 St. John, Lanesville DEC. 20 Mr. & Mrs. John Watkins, 59 DEC. 21 Mr. & Mrs. Roland Meyer, 59 DEC. 22 Mr. & Mrs. Robert Beall, 61 St. James, Lafayette Mr. & Mrs. Ronald Poulston, 61, Trinity Memorial, Merrillville DEC. 23 Mr. & Mrs. Bob Schiefelbein, 63, Calvary, Plymouth Mr. & Mrs. Richard Carpenter, 57, Zion, Seymour Mr. & Mrs. Larry Stanford, 55 Calvary, Indianapolis Mr. & Mrs. Don Ruwe, 53 Emanuel, Dudleytown Mr. & Mrs. George Hofmann, 51, Our Redeemer, Evansville Mr. & Mrs. John Louk, 51 Mr. & Mrs. Bill Petroff Jr., 51 DEC. 24 Mr. & Mrs. Harley Like, 67 St. John, Vincennes Rev. & Mrs. James Link, 53 St. John, Indianapolis Mr. & Mrs. Allen Toppe, 51 Zion, Seymour DEC. 26 Mr. & Mrs. Leonard Buuck, 58, Emmanuel, Fort Wayne Mr. & Mrs. James Martin, 57 Our Redeemer, Evansville Mr. & Mrs. Neil Welty, 52 DEC. 27 Mr. & Mrs. Marvin Conrad, 76 Mr. & Mrs. Bill Berning Sr., 64 Holy Cross, Fort Wayne Mr. & Mrs. Ron Schmidt, 59 St. John, Monroeville Mr. & Mrs. Tony Fuhrer, 54 St. Paul s, Evansville Mr. & Mrs. Frank Kolanowski, 53, St. Peter, North Judson DEC. 28 Mr. & Mrs. Donald Cox, 68 Zion, Seymour Mr. & Mrs. Jackie Phillips, 62, St. James, Lafayette Mr. & Mrs. Tom Seeley, 54 Mr. & Mrs. John Lewis, 52 DEC. 29 Mr. & Mrs. Bob Hunt, 61 Grace, New Albany DEC. 30 Mr. & Mrs. Ralph Herb, 67 Mr. & Mrs. Neil Lantz, 56 DEC. 31 Mr. & Mrs. Hank Hansen, 62 Zion, Seymour Mr. & Mrs. Mike Wimsatt, 54, Shepherd of the Hills, Georgetown Mr. & Mrs. Robert Wild, 51 St. John, Vincennes DECEMBER 9 Advent Candlelight Evening Prayer, 4 p.m., Kramer Chapel, Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne 10 Christmas at the Embassy, 4 p.m. (performance by Concordia Lutheran High School, Fort Wayne, at Embassy Theatre, 125 W. Jefferson Blvd., Fort Wayne) 12 Seminary Guild Meeting: Christmas with the Kantorei, 1 p.m., Kramer Chapel, Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne SHARE YOUR NEWS! Do you have exciting news you d like to see published in the Indiana District Lutheran Witness? We d love to share your news and see photos of what s happening in our district! Be sure to send in your submissions. The deadline for the February issue of The Lutheran Witness is Dec. 12. Your stories and photos are welcomed and most appreciated. Please send all submissions to Jan Koenig at jan.koenig@in.lcms.org or by postal mail to: Lutheran Witness Editor Indiana District LCMS 1145 South Barr St. Fort Wayne, IN 46802 Please remember that photos sent electronically should be in high resolution, with a minimum of 300 dpi. DECEMBER 2017 / 7
GREETING The Christmas Story From Luke 2 (NIV): In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger. Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests. The staff of the Indiana District wishes you and yours a most blessed and joyous Merry CHRISTmas. 8 / INDIANA