St. Matthew Lutheran Church Newsletter Oct. 2016 From the Pastor Friends, we are about to remember the events that brought about our Lutheran heritage. October 31st will be the 499 th anniversary of the posting of the 95 theses by Martin Luther at the Wittenberg Castle Church, the event that began the Reformation. Next year Lutherans will celebrate the 500 th anniversary; plans are already being made by Lutherans around the world for this exciting event. Of course, our heritage is not finally center on Luther, but on Christ. Luther was sent, we believe, to help us find Christ again after the church had to a great extent lost Christ in the Middle Ages. Recently a letter to the editor in the Dubuque Telegraph Herald ( Suggestions for teaching Protestant Reformation by William Haxmeier, Saturday TH, Sept. 3) alleged a number of faults in Luther and his work. What prompted the letter was that a teacher in a Dubuque school had offered good grades for money (not really, I m sure) to illustrate for the class what indulgences were in Luther s time. The resulting letter to the editor took Luther to task. I wrote a response, but it was too long for the TH s letters to the editor. I thought I might share some of it with you. I have rewritten it slightly to include the objections raised by the author of the letter. It is as follows: Martin Luther s Ninety-five Theses, set forth in 1517, were essentially talking points for serious theological discussion and debate. Talking points related to the 16 th Century are apparently still with us. I detected in William Haxmeier s letter, Suggestions for teaching Protestant Reformation (Saturday TH, Sept. 3), a partial list of talking points directed against the Reformer. I say this because I have encountered these same talking points many times over the years, and so I think a response might be helpful. As to the statement that Luther threw out parts of the Bible which he disagreed with, we must first ask: Whose Bible and which parts? Greek-speaking Jews used a Bible (the Septuagint Old Testament, not New) with more books than those acknowledged by the Jewish Academy at Javneh in Israel. The Reformers took over Javneh s list while giving the other books honorable mention. Therefore the Protestant Old Testament is shorter. There was never any meeting to eliminate disliked books from the Bible. If Mr. Haxmeier s talking point is about Luther s often-quoted words concerning The Letter of James as being a letter of straw, a quick look at Luther s translation of the Bible can set everyone at ease. James is there along with the rest of Luther s less-favorite books and letters. Luther didn t edit James from the Bible, but he believed Paul s letters conveyed the good news about Jesus more than James did. 1
As for the talking point that Luther translated the Bible wrongly for his own purposes, all should first recognize that translation is no simple matter. Today translators speak of word-forword, thought-for-thought, dynamic equivalence theories and the like. For instance, should we say that Goliath the Philistine giant (1 Samuel 17:4) was six cubits and a span tall (the Hebrew text/king James Version), or four cubits and a span (the Septuagint text), or should we do as the Common English Bible and give the height in feet and inches? Luther was faced with questions as a translator. He said in a sermon that, though he had translated the annunciation to Mary as the Greek text of Luke required: full of grace, he thought the German people would understand this better in their own language as Liebe Maria, beloved Mary. That is hardly a slight against Jesus mother, but an example of the challenges to any faithful translator. The real text in question here is Romans 3:28, and Luther s use of the word alone with reference to salvation by faith. Luther did use the German word allein (alone), which does not appear in the Greek text. But it is present in the larger context of the letter, which contrasts faith with works of the Law which cannot save us. Therefore, Luther translated the text as he did to capture its true meaning. No longer a right or wrong for Protestants, as Mr. Haxmeier says? He means the Protestant churches have no teaching authority rooted in a hierarchy, and therefore hold a plurality of views on different subjects. That can happen to Protestants when they walk away from Scripture, but they didn t get that from Martin Luther. The Scriptures are our authority. What is so often left out of these talking points is the indisputable fact that reformers like Luther were in constant danger of being killed by the church they sought to reform. Following the Leipzig debate with John Eck in 1519, Luther quickly left the scene before his safe-conduct promise could be revoked. Many were the adherents of the Reformation who were burned at the stake or otherwise killed. War followed as the Roman Catholic authorities attempted to force Protestants to give up their beliefs. Can that sound like moral high ground even to those who would find fault with Luther? We have come a long way from that. What people think of Martin Luther the man is not of primary importance, anyway. Still, Popes in my lifetime, while certainly not agreeing with all that is Lutheran, have acknowledged Luther as an important voice for truth. The current Pope has named a park for Luther in Rome itself. I think that is a much more beneficial stance for the well-being of the Kingdom of God, and it promises a better set talking points. Frederick W. Baltz Please join us through October for all our worship services and special events. Let s keep the best of the Reformation alive among us: salvation is a free gift in Jesus Christ, and we have been redeemed to be a free people who love and serve our neighbors. 2
President s Letter to the Congregation October 2016 Dear Members of the Congregation, Fall has now officially arrived and Sunday School classes have resumed. It is so much fun to see little people in church and how enthusiastic all of them are. I think there is a lesson to be learned here! And now we ll be able to enjoy them even more as Pastor has initiated a short lesson for them (and all of us) before they go upstairs prior to his sermon. In addition to Sunday School classes, two new adult bible study classes have been launched: The Big Picture on Tuesday evenings, 7 pm, will look at core biblical events and specific books of the bible to tell the biblical story from beginning to end. Christianity 101 on Wednesday evenings, 7 pm, will review such basic subjects as who is Jesus, where did the Bible come from, The Apostles Creed, the Lord s Prayer, the Ten Commandments, baptism, the Lord s Supper and so much more. Please consult the website or the weekly bulletins for specific dates. We always meet in the Fellowship Hall, and classes run about one hour. You are never too old or too smart to learn. If you have questions, please call Pastor at 563-580-7080. Your Council has been earning their keep! A number of issues are being discussed, in addition to several projects that are currently underway. I will briefly summarize: SMLC will host the United Churches of Galena Thanksgiving Service this year. An Investment Committee has been formed, under the direction of church Treasurer Dick Beutel. We are very busy working on a new church directory, under the leadership of Roger Johnson and Dick Beutel, in addition to many volunteers. It should make the New York Times best seller s list later this fall. Roger Johnson and the Board of Trustees, under Dale Knipschield, in addition to many other members who are volunteering their time, are implementing the Lightning Protection Plan. (Please recall we are making some substantial improvements to protect our telephone, computer, audio-visual, and other technological assets from Mother Nature s whims and fancies.) Work is underway and will be completed next spring, as weather and funds allow. Pastor Baltz will attend the LCMC Annual Gathering in Denver, Colorado, in early October. Watch for his report and comments later this fall. The Pancake Supper will be held on Thursday evening, October 20. We ll finish cleaning the church facilities on Saturday morning, 9 am, October 22. Please sign up in the Welcome Center to help with these very important events. 3
There will be a short Special Congregational Meeting after the 10 am service on October 23 to elect this year s Auditing and Nominating Committees. These elections were not attended to at last January s Annual Meeting. In addition to the above, I invite you to drop in at the nursing home bible study every Tuesday morning, 10 am, at Galena-Stauss. Deb Hyland and Fran Rogers have volunteered to continue Pastor Fran s ministry there, and if you have a few extra minutes in your busy week, the residents would be so glad to see you! You will learn much, laugh much, and sing much! I will be traveling to Starbuck, Minnesota, to attend Pastor Fran s installation at St. John Lutheran Church on October 16. And all of above is just the tip of the iceberg! SMLC is 24/7, but I am only allowed so many inches of space in the newsletter. So with that in mind.i m being told to wind this up. Today is September 26, as I write this letter to you, and the verse of the day is as follows: Hebrews 10:30-31 For we know him who said, It is mine to avenge; I will repay, and again, The Lord will judge his people. It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. You are always welcome and encouraged to call or email me with your thoughts and questions: 563-424-0129 or njahyman@gmail.com. It is my blessing to be your Church and Congregational President. Your sister in Christ, Nancy Hyman KEEPING HIM IN OUR PRAYERS Timothy Grass has been deployed to Afghanistan, and during his time of service we will keep Tim and his family in our prayers. God s blessings to Tim and to all the people that serve our country. If you wish to send a card or letter to Tim; his address is: CPT Tim Grass HQ RS FSB APO, AE 09356 4
The next Focus Ministry, Oct. 1 st to Oct 30 th, will be Children Of Mendi. Rescue a Generation Ministry provides orphans and destitute children in Mendi, Ethiopia with a Christian environment in which their faith, lifestyle, personal quality, and academic competence improve. It provides these children with the financial support needed to attend school and continue on to college when they have the ability. In this way, they are cared for now and have sustained hope. In addition, it also provides a Christian Youth Center with staff to provide the town s children with support and guidance in faith and personal development. As a result of this ministry, students have graduated from college to become nurses, teachers, pharmacists and agriculture specialists. All are strong committed Christians. In addition, the Youth Center provides other children who are not receiving direct ministry educational support with valuable Christian mentorship, bible study, and fellowship. Pastor Tadesse is the founder and director of this ministry and is a Lutheran Ethiopian seminary professor. FOOD DONATIONS Donations of unopened, undamaged food products within the freshness date are accepted at the Food Pantry only on the 2 nd and 4 th Thursdays (Oct. 13 th and 27 th ). Or you may drop them off at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 127 High St., 815-777-1134, before the assigned days or @ Illinois Bank & Trust, 971 Gear St. betwen 2:30 pm and 4:30 pm on the drop off dates. For Information call 815-777-1456 Lending Library We have a small lending library located in the Welcome Center. Such items as tapes, books (audio and written) are available for check out. Please remember to return what is checked out so the next person can enjoy them as well. LOST AND FOUND Lost, three sets of glasses plus some other items. Please check Our Lost and Found Corner located in the Fellowship Hall on the coat rack. 5
Used Ink Cartridges The Church will gladly accept any size, color, or make of used ink cartridges that you have. Used ink cartridges will be returned to Staples, who in turn will give a $2 credit to the Church for each one, thereby helping to keep the cost of our office supplies at a minimum. Used ink cartridges may be left in the Office or in the Welcome Center. CELEBRATION CORNER FOR SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAYS ANNIVERSARIES Oct. 9 Pete (Marion) Schmidt Oct. 6 John & Jean Prellberg 23 Jan Etzel 22 Wayne & Rebecca McIntyre 24 Nancy Hyman 24 Roger & Pam Johnson 30 Edie Jones VISIT THE SICK AND HOMEBOUND Jeannine Steinle @ The Galena Stauss Nursing Home Marilyn Muehleip @ The Galena Stauss Assisted Living Roy Clingman @ The Galena Stauss Assisted Living Bernice Edwards @ her home, 824 Young St, Galena (815) 777-1835 Velda Schoenfeld @ her home, 985 James #2, Galena (815) 777-2378 Pete (Marion) Schmidt @ The Galena Stauss Nursing Home Ruth Schmidt @ The Galena Stauss Assisted Living. Please take time to visit our Church friends in the above residences. 6
THOSE WHO SERVE IN OCTOBER 2016 USHERS & ACOLYTES LECTORS Oct. 1 Bruce Etzel Oct. 1 Jan Etzel 2 Nancy Hyman/Edie Jones 2 Nancy Hyman 8 Jim Moser 8 Jan Etzel 9 Dale & Maureen Knipschield 9 Dale Knipschield 15 Bruce Etzel 15 Colleen Stephens 16 Dale & Rita Wohlers 16 Edie Jones 22 Jim Moser 22 Jan Etzel 23 John & Jane Klinkner 23 Nancy Hyman 29 Jeff Miller 29 Jan Etzel 30 Dale & Maureen Knipschield 30 Dale Knipschield OFFERING COUNTERS COMMUNION SERVERS Oct. 2 Ken & Fabi Voigt Oct. 8 Nancy Hyman 9 Roger & Pam Johnson 9 Ken & Fabi Voigt 16 Colleen Stephens/ 29 Fran Rogers 23 John & Jane Klinkner 30 Nancy Hyman/Deb Hyland 30 Ken & Fabi Voigt BULLETIN FOLDERS Oct. 1 Bruce Etzel 8 Roger Johnson 15 Bruce Etzel 22 29 TIME & TALENTS Serve the Lord by using the time and talents that He has given us. Please remember to sign the Those Who Serve sheet located in the Welcome Center. If you switch with someone, please make changes on the sheet in the cry room. USHERS: Please remain in the back of the church during the service to greet worshipers and provide assistance in case of an emergency. READERS: An extra copy of each lesson will be located on the lector stand. SPECIAL REQUEST: If you have an article or a note for the newsletter, please submit it to: stmatnews@gmail.com, no later than the 25 th of the month. Thank you. 7
Church Financial Health thru Sep 28, 2016 Aug 2016 Aug 2015 Total Income $9,995 $9,115 Total Expenses $13,085 $13,225 Deficit $3,090 $4,110 Our Focus Ministry for Project Comfort generated $296.25 Attention all singers! Choir every Thursday at 7:00 pm. If you ve ever thought it would be fun to sing in the choir, come and give it a try! This session will take us through Christmas. Any questions, call Jan Etzel at 815-541-4888. Sing the glory of his name; make his praise glorious! Psalm 66, v.2 Dates to Remember!!!!!! -Each Wednesday Men s Bible study at 8:00 AM. -Each Wednesday Brown Bag Bible Study at noon.(except the 5 th ). -No WBS on Tuesday this month. -Oct. 5 Executive Committee Meeting @ 1:00 -Oct 6 UCG -Oct. 11 & 18 Quilt Tie @ 12:30 -Oct. 11 and Oct. 25 With These Hands @ 2:00 -Oct. 12 Council Meeting @ 6:00 -Oct. 20 Pancake Supper @ 4:30 pm -Oct. 22 Church Clean-up @ 9:00 am -Oct. 19 & 26 Christianity 101, Wednesday nights @ 7:00 -Oct. 23 Special Congregational Meeting, following 10:00am service. Oct. 29 Healing Service after Communion Service. - The Bible s Big Picture Tuesday nights @ 7:00 - Except the 4 th) -First Communion Classes will be forming soon. -Choir Practice every Thursday @ 7:00pm Special Congregational Meeting On Sunday October 23, following the 10:00 am service, there will be Special Congregational Meeting. The purpose of this meeting will be to elect the 2016 Nominating and Auditing Committees. 8
Our Church is pleased with the number of items that this Ministry has been able to make: With These Hands shawls, scarves, and lap blankets. We re also working on some lovely Snow Bears. On Sunday Sep. 25 th we gave them to the children of the Congregation. God has blessed us with the gift of our hands, and we ask you to join us the 2 nd and 4 th Tuesday of each month @ 2:00pm. This activity is not limited to members of the Church; all are welcome to participate. Donations of yarn and ¾ inch ribbon are welcome. For information please call: Fabi Voigt @ 713-447-6169. We meet at St. Mathew Lutheran Church located @ 127 High St. Galena, IL Note: If you know someone that needs a prayer shawl, please let us know as well. Thank you. On Sunday the 25th, With These Hands gave the children of the Congregation lovely Snow Bears and it was so nice to see their smiles. With These Hands presented a shawl last Tuesday to Marie Kempert. 9
What a beautiful rainbow of Quilts that there were displayed on our pews last Sunday. We want to thank to all those gifted hands that worked hard during the year. This year we are sending 44 Quilts, 24 School Bags and 10 Health Kits to Lutheran World Relief. In addition we sent a check for $296.00 to Project Comfort to help with the shipping. Stt.. Matttthew Luttherran Churrch 112277 SSoou tth Higgh Sttrreeeett,, Gaal leenaa www..ssttmaatt..neett 81155 777777--1111334 Seerrvvi iccee tti imeess: : Saattu rrdaayy aatt 55: :330,, aand Sundaayy aatt 110: :00 Wheerree Good ss woorrkk happeenss 77 dayss a weeeekk.. A Firrsstt Ceentturry Churrcch ffoorr tthee Tweentty--ffi irrsstt Ceentturry.. See our website for our full calendar of events. From our Constitution--- The mission of this congregation is to make disciples for Jesus Christ by going to people within and outside the Church with the message of the Gospel, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and teaching them by word and example to obey the Word of the Lord. 10