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The August 2005 Newsletter of
St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church
Edgar, Wisconsin
and
Bethlehem Lutheran Church
Milan, Wisconsin
Click here for archived past editions
I'm often asked why we don't sometimes sing contemporary praise songs like "Sanctuary" or "I Love You, Lord" in the Divine Service on Sunday mornings. The answer is usually that the music doesn't live up to the high standards of Lutheran music. To explain what I mean, I'd like to share with you part of an essay written by Rev. Robert A. Lawson Jr., pastor at St. Paul Lutheran Church (ELS) in Escondido, California. It answers the question, "What is Lutheran Music?"
Lutheran Church Music is Theological
In the Lutheran Church, music is always the servant of Christian theology. Music never exists for its own sake. Rather, its chief service, indeed, its only service is that of an instrument through which the Christian faith in all its articles is proclaimed and confessed, and praise and thanksgiving is rendered to the Triune God.
Lutheran Church Music Proclaims the Gospel
The heart and center of the Christian faith is the Gospel. The Gospel is the Good news that through the birth, perfect life, sacrificial death on the cross, resurrection, and ascension of God's only Son, Jesus Christ, our sins have been forgiven, and we have been redeemed (that is, made right with God) and delivered from everlasting death and hell. This is the central message of the entire Scripture. The Church exists to proclaim this message. In the preaching of God's Word and in the Holy Sacraments (Baptism and the Lord's Supper) God's salvation in Christ Jesus is freely given out to us poor sinners who so desperately need this salvation. Therefore, Lutheran Church Music is christocentric, that is, it proclaims Christ. Lutheran hymns are miniature sermons set to music which preach Christ and all He has done for our salvation. Other types of music in the church have the same goal in mind whether they be chant, organ music, other kinds of instrumental music, or choir music. Even music which doesn't have any words, per say, calls to mind the message of the Gospel (such as much of the organ music which is based on the tunes of the Lutheran hymns).
Lutheran Church Music Teaches the Faith
Music in the church serves an instructive purpose. One very effective way of teaching children new words and ideas is through music. Educators have long realized this. The church also makes use of music to teach the faith to children and adults alike. Through the rich corpus of hymns the truth of Christian doctrine is instilled in our minds and ingrained on our hearts. It is virtually impossible to remember every single sermon which the pastor preaches from Sunday to Sunday. However, in the hymns (and in other music), the message of the faith is sung over and over so that it becomes a part of the one singing.
Lutheran Church Music Confesses the Faith
In the Lutheran Church music serves as an instrument for confessing the faith. The Lutheran Church is a confessing church. To "confess" means to speak back to God the things that He tells us are true in His Word. The entire liturgy with its Scriptural passages, prayers, creeds, hymns, and other music serves this secondary function. First and foremost Lutheran Worship is God's Service to us. He comes to us and forgives our sins and brings us life and salvation through the preaching of the Gospel and the Sacraments. After we have received from God we speak (or sing) an "Amen" (that is, "yes, yes, it is so") by professing the things He has just spoken to us.
Lutheran Church Music is an Instrument of Praise and Thanksgiving
Through music Christians sing praises to God and thank Him for all He has done for us. We read in the book of Job that at the foundation of the world "the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy" (Job 38:7). The Apostle Paul encouraged some of the first Christians at Colossai to "sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God" (Colossians 3:16). The entire Psalter was composed to be sung in the services of the Old Testament Temple and Synagogue. So it is that the Lutheran Church adorns the services of God's house and the sacred preaching of Holy Scripture with beautiful music. This is entirely good, right, and salutary since the heart which has been moved by the preaching of the Gospel cannot help but respond in songs of praise.
Lutheran Church Music is Music for Worship
The Church exists as the vehicle through which the Holy Spirit brings us to faith in Christ and keeps us in that faith through the Word of the Gospel and Sacraments. The members of the Church then respond back to God in thanksgiving. In short, the Church exists to worship. This worship is corporate in nature. Therefore, Lutheran Church Music promotes corporate worship. Careful attention is paid to "style". Only styles of music which promote congregational worship are used in Lutheran Worship. This is true of solo music and choir music as well, since it is the job of soloists, instrumentalists, and choirs to assist and enhance the congregation in its worship and not to provide"performances." Careful attention is also paid to quality. Only the best music is used. The best music from different traditions and cultures is brought together to form one, unified tradition of Lutheran Church Music.
The Catechism Corner
The Sacrament of Holy Baptism (continued)
What benefits does Baptism give?
It works forgiveness of sins, rescues from death and the devil, and gives eternal salvation to all who believe this, as the words and promises of God declare.
Which are these words and promises of God?
Christ our Lord says in the last chapter of Mark: "Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned" (Mark 16:16).
Every Sunday Sermon Preparation
To help prepare for Sunday morning worship. Here are the weekly readings for the 8:15am & 10:15am Sunday services in August:
Aug. 7 - Job 38:4-18
Romans 10:5-17
Matthew 14:22-33
Aug. 14 - Isaiah 56:1-8
Romans 11:1-2, 13-15, 28-32
Matthew 15:21-28
Aug. 21 - Isaiah 51:1-6
Romans 11:33-12:8
Matthew 16:13-20
Aug. 28 - Jeremiah 15:15-21
Romans 12:9-21
Matthew 16:21-28
Divine Worship Explained
Reviewing the importance and significance of one part of the Church's liturgy each month.
This month: THE CONFESSION OF SINS
Toward the beginning of every Divine Worship service, we prepare ourselves for the day's worship by confessing our sins to God our Father. At the burning bush, Moses was told to take off his shoes because he was standing on holy ground. Likewise, we too must cast away our sins to stand in the presence of God. "If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. But if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:8-9). We confess both our sin and our helplessness in getting rid of it. Having confessed and thrown ourselves on God's mercy, we hear the Pastor (as God's representative) speaking to us the Absolution. God's Word, then, "bespeaks us righteous" through the good news of Christ's work of dying on the cross.
A Little Bit of Lutheran Theology
What do we believe about angels?
The word "angel"comes from a Greek word that means "messenger." Angels, then, are spirits who serve as God's messengers. They do not have physical bodies... nor did they ever. We must put aside the false, though popular, notion that angels are the saints who have died. The Scriptures are clear on this point. Until the last day, the souls of the dead are before the Lord, enjoying peace and rest in his presence, awaiting the final day when they will receive glorified bodies for all eternity (see 1 Cor.15; 1 Thess.5:17; Rev.7).
God's angels are very active in the world and in the Church. God sends angels to serve and to protect Christian believers in their work and their callings in life (Ps.91:11-12). They attend to the dying (Luke 16:22). They care for children (Matt. 18:10). They take great joy in the work of Jesus Christ for the salvation of the world (Luke 2:13; Eph. 3:10). They rejoice over every sinner who repents (Luke 15:10). Scripture mentions the presence of angels at every great event in the Kingdom of God. Angels were present when God gave his law on Mount Sinai; at the conception, birth, resurrection and ascension of our Lord; angels are present in the public worship of Christians, and angels will come with Jesus when he returns on the Last Day.
What about "evil" angels? Although all angels were good when God created them, some of the angels chose to rebel. They fell away into great sin and evil. Satan is the chief evil angel, the "prince of demons" (Luke 11:15). Here is how our Lord Jesus Christ describes Satan:"He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies" (John 8:44). The devil is our great enemy, who "prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour" (1 Pet. 5:8). Every person who does not believe the good news of Christ crucified is doing what the devil wants and living in the devil's kingdom (Acts 26:18; Col.1:13). The fact that people do not realize this, and even deny it, is the devil's greatest deception.
We should thank God for good angels. Because of Jesus' perfect life and sacrificial death for the sins of the world, we have the assurance of total forgiveness. We know that God loves and cares for us as his own dear children. He sends his angels to care for us in order that some day we may join them, and all the company of heaven, in seeing God and singing his praises for all eternity.
Life Quote
"Surviving an abortion should not be seen as a mistake, but as an opportunity. It should bring home in the first place that we should not be carrying out abortions in a civilized society.""
- Society for the Protection of the Unborn, England
Youth Confirmation 2005-2006
For all youth going into grades 7 and 8 (regardless of whether your parents are members of the Church or not)...
You are invited to participate in Confirmation Class, a two-year course of doctrinal instruction leading to Confirmation in the Evangelical Lutheran Church.
A few dates for your calendars:
Thursday, August 25, 7:00 p.m. — Orientation meeting for parent(s) and students
Wed., Sept.7, 5:30-6:30 p.m. — First Regular Class for 7th graders (held at Bethlehem Sept – Dec.)
Wed., Sept. 7, 6:45-7:45 p.m. — First Regular Class for 8th graders (held at Bethlehem Sept. – Dec.)
Friday, Sept.9, 8:00 p.m. — All-night Confirmation Lock-in, held at St. John
Pick-up at 10 a.m. on Saturday (details given at Orientation meeting)
Bethlehem Youth Leaders NEEDED!
Bethlehem is in great need of Youth Leader(s) to work with the St. John leaders in reaching out to the youth of our congregation. We are looking for someone to willing to help iwth Bible Studies, remind the youth of activities/events when you see them, or contact them for activities. The Youth Leader would attend events on Sunday evenings to help strengthen the relationships between our church youth. This can be a shared position, so if you want to work sith someone on this, that would be great! You can share the fun of interacting with our youth at this important time in their lives when they're developing strong friendships with fellow Christians. Contact Board of Education member Natasha C. with questions or for information.
From the Book of Concord
What is the Book of Concord? A collection of the Lutheran confessions, containing:
• The three Ecumenical Creeds
• The Augsburg Confession and Apology
• The Large and Small Catechisms
• The Smalcald Articles
• Treatise on the Power & Primacy of the Pope
• The Formula of Concord
All LC-MS congregations have pledged themselves to believe, teach, and confess the truths of God's Word as they are summarized and confessed in the Book of Concord.
This Month's Reading: from the Large Catechism: The Lord's Prayer
28] Therefore, every one of us should accustom himself from his youth daily to pray for all his wants, whenever he is sensible of anything affecting his interests or that of other people among whom he may live, as for preachers, the government, neighbors, domestics, and always (as we have said) to hold up to God his commandment and promise, knowing that he will not have them disregarded. 29] This I say because I would like to see these things brought home again to the people that they might learn to pray truly, and not go about coldly and indifferently, whereby they become daily more unfit for prayer; which is just what the devil desires, and for what he works with all his powers. For he is well aware what damage and harm it does him when prayer is in proper practice.
30] For this we must know, that all our shelter and protection rest in prayer alone. For we are far too feeble to cope with the devil and all his power and adherents that set themselves against us, and they might easily crush us under their feet. Therefore we must consider and take up those weapons with which 31] Christians must be armed in order to stand against the devil. For what do you think has hitherto accomplished such great things, has checked or quelled the counsels, purposes, murder, and riot of our enemies, whereby the devil thought to crush us, together with the Gospel, except that the prayer of a few godly men intervened like a wall of iron on our side? They should else have witnessed a far different tragedy, namely, how the devil would have destroyed all Germany in its own blood. But now they may confidently deride it and make a mock of it; however, we shall nevertheless be a match both for themselves and the devil by prayer alone, if we only persevere diligently and not become slack.
VBS 2005 Safari Adventure
From Fay N., VBS Superintendent- Jambo! (Hello in Swahili) We have had a super Safari Adventure in VBS 2005. In the safari five themes were explored: Find the King, Follow the King, Know the King, Believe the King, and Share the King. During the week we had over 50 children every day. The children and staff would like to extend a thank you to whole congregation for supplying our super snacks. All of us enjoyed them!! I would also like to extend a thank you to Bethlehem Ladies Aid and St. John Evening Guild for the donations toward the picnic that was held on Friday evening. What a great way to come together as a church family. Last I would like to thank the staff and helpers. Without them VBS would not be possible. Teachers, helpers, crafts, music, snack coordinators, publicity, day care personnel, and the wonderful decorating crew have made a wonderful Safari Adventure for our youth. Kwaherini (goodbye).
From Maggie C., Decoirating Coordinator- Jambo! I wanted to thank everyone who helped out with VBS in some way (and there are a lot of you), so here we go....
To those who helped decorate: Trish and Kelsey V., Traci P., Joan C., Mary S., Emily and Amanda S., Lori and Kassidy G., Cathy, Christopher, Michael, Lian and Marion S., Gloria C., Steven and Carey Hl, Matthew and Isen C., ASANTE SANA (Thank you!)
To those who donated decorations: The Vanderleest family, Faith Lutheran Church in Green Bay, Brown County Hazardous Materials, Lloyd P., Carey H., and the Schneider Family. ASANTE SANA (Thank you!)
To those of you who donated 2-liter bottles: Delmar and Audrey T., The Vanderleest family, Jeff W., Brown County Port and Solid Waste. ASANTE SANA (Thank you!)
To those whom I forgot to mention: ASANTE SANA (Thank you!) for your time and donations. They are greatly appreciated, even if my memory is going!
Thank you to everyone for making this such a great Vacation Bible School!
God's blessings to everyone!
Maggie C.,
Decorating Coordinator
p.s. Look in next month's newsletter for information on our mission project (Emmanuel Lutheranb Orphanage in Matongo, Kenya)
Bethlehem Lutheran Church Council Meeting Capsule
July 18th, 2005
8:00 p.m.
-The meeting was called to order & Pastor Matthew read from Article II of the Augsburg Confession. Pastor had a brief lesson regarding the article, & followed with a prayer.
-Minutes from the June meeting were reviewed & accepted.
Old Business:
-The Elder’s have selected the names of persons who may have an interest in serving in the capacity of the Evangelism Office. The Elder’s are in the process of contacting these people. The office will consist of 3 people. The 3 names will be brought to the Voter’s assembly on July 24th for approval. If 3 names are not available by the Voter’s meeting, nominations will be asked for @ the Voter’s assembly.
-The Treasurer reported that the general fund shortage continues. A letter will be generated which will be sent to the members of the congregation.
-The Youth Group has two more fundraisers coming up – the Wausau Fair & the Steam Show. Money raised from these activities will be divided & put into the building fund at both churches & also the Youth Group treasury.
-The Coordinating Council report included a copy of the draft Dual Parish Agreement . This will be brought to Bethlehem’s voter’s assembly for approval. Discussion of a new church directory continues. Guidelines for retention of church records were reviewed.
New Business:
-The greeters/collection of offering is going very well. The confirmation class will assume acolyte duties when classes resume in September.
-Budget expectations were reinterated by the Treasurer.
-Envelope boxes for new members will be placed in the mailboxes by the Finance Secretary.
-Board of Education discussion included the start up of VBS in 1 wk and the upcoming Sunday School enrollment.
The next Church Council meeting is scheduled for August 15th @ 7:30p.m.
The Quarterly meeting will be held Sunday, July 24th after the 10:15a.m. service.
The meeting was adjourned & closed with the Lord’s Prayer.
- Gloria C., Acting Secretary
Minutes of the Meeting of Board of Parish Education
Bethlehem Lutheran Church
Monday, July 11, 2005
6:30pm
AGENDA 1: NEW CHAIRPERSON FOR BETHLEHEM BOARD OF ED.
- Natasha C. will be the new chairperson. Among other things, the chairperson will set up Board of Education meetings, attend church council meetings and present a report at the church quarterly meetings.
- Renee K. will assume responsibility of secretary.
AGENDA 2: YOUTH GROUP
A. FUNDRAISING
- Volunteering for security at events at the Wausau Fair Grounds was not something we want to continue to do.
- Volunteer security for the Steam Engine Show has been a positive activity we would like to see continued. Natasha Cornelius will attempt to contact someone to get this started. We would like to have a meeting w/whomever coordinates this and get time brackets/sign-up sheets posted ahead of time for people to review in advance.
- Bethlehem is in great need of a Youth Leader willing to reach out to the youth here.
AGENDA 3: VBS
A. DONATIONS
- Food and craft donations are needed. Possibility of donating money from the Sunday School for these items. Sign up is in the back of the church.
AGENDA 4: SUNDAY SCHOOL
- There will be 4 classes this year. Sandy R. will teach the Nursery/Kindergarten class, others need to be recruited
- September 11 will be the Rally day. Plans are for fellowship outside on the lawn at church. We will see if Pastor Christians still has the postcards on file to send out and we will have songs saved from VBS. Sandy R. may have access to a tent for this event. Plans are tentative.
AGENDA 5: NEW BUSINESS
- Next Bethlehem Board of Education meeting will be August 8, 2005 at 6:30pm
- More discussion on teachers for Sunday School at this meeting
- Tentative date for Sunday School Teacher’s Meeting: August 29, 2005 at 6:30pm
St. John Voters' Meeting
July 17, 2005
The meeting was called to order by Peter V., President, and opened with prayer.
The minutes of the April 17, 2005 Voters' Meeting were reviewed by the members present. It was noted that the church web address should be www.bethlehem-stjohn.org. The correct web address is published in the church newsletter. Motion by Marge S. to accept the minutes as corrected, seconded by John Y., motions carried.
The Treasurers' Report was handed out by Dennis P. Motion to accept the Treasurers' Report by Jeff W., seconded by Sharon N., motion carried.
The Trustees' Report was given by Clarence M. The ceiling repairs have been completed in church. The trustees are reviewing the parsonage repair list. The trustees are reviewing the possible expansion of the church parking lot.
The Elders' report was presented by Lloyd S. The shepherding list is complete and a letter will hopefully be mailed to each member sometime in July. No requests have been received for student aid from any members. The Elders will be working wiht the schedule for the new ushers and duties of the ushers. The Elders are in the process of establishing a policy for visitors wishing to commune with us at our Sunday service.
The Pastor's Report was given by Pastor Matthew. We have received a request for membership by profession of faith from Amy D. Motion by Clarence M. to accept Amy D. into membership, seconded by Marge S., motion carried. Two separate confirmation classes are ongoing at this time: one is for Penny and Steve J. (mother and son) and the other is for Raejean R. (Wade R.'s wife). The Thursday morning Bible is on temporary hold for the summer due to low attendance. It will resume in the fall. Current seven shut-in members are being visited monthly and are provided the Sacrament of the Altar.
Old Business: Constitution Committee Report was given bby Traci P. Two typed versions of the Constitution will be presented to the members. One copy will show the current version with the proposed changes and the second copy will show the proposed constitution without the old version. Members are encouraged to attend meetings on the proposed changes in August. The meetings will be held during the first three weeks of August with a meeting held after church services on Sundays, and the following Tuesday at 7 p.m.
President Peter V. reported that Bethlehem wishes to complete a new church directory. Our congregation will also need to agree to do the same. Rhonda W. has a list of companies that provide church directories. President V. is requesting each congregation have two members serve on a committee to coordinate the event.
Randy K. reported the current balance owed on the loan with LCEF. T he next payment is due on July 30, 2005.
New Business: The Coordinating Counil requested approval of the modified Dual Parish Agreement as presented. Motion to accept the new Dual Parish Agreement as presented was by Cathy S., seconded by Phyllis S., motion carried.
Nominations of new church officers are as follows:
President: Dan K., Randy S., John Y.
Elder: Doug B., Ron H., Keith N., Clarence P., Mark T.
Trustee: Dale K., Kent K., Greg M., Derek W.
Treasurer: Dennis P., Matt W.
Financial Secretary: Jeff W.
Finance Committee: LaVern B., Joanna R., Phyllis S., Jodi U.
Dennis P. reported that we are still being billed by Fischer Transportation for work done at church that is being disputed, and requests someone to resolve the matter with Fisher. President V. accepted the statement and will work through the church council to contact Fisher and resolve the billing.
Motion by Sharon N. to adjourn, seconded by Jeff W., motion carried. The meeting was closed with the Lord's Prayer.
- Randy K.
Congregational Secretary
The Lutheran Hour
The Lutheran Hour with Rev. Klaus is being offered in our area on 4 radio stations. You may hear him on 104.5 FM Eau Claire at 6:30 a.m.; 1450 AM Marshfield at 8 a.m.; 550 AM Wausau at 8:30 a.m. and 1490 AM Medford at 9 a.m. Bethlehem is a co-sponsor for the Medford airing.
Friends of Concordia Fish Boil and Craft Sale
On Saturday, August 13th at Christ Lutheran Church in Abbotsford, the Friends of Concordia will hold their annual Fish Boil and Craft Sale. it will be held from 4-7 p.m. St. John will be making the coleslaw for this event. All proceeds will benefit the pre-seminary students at Concordia Univerity at Mequon.
St. John Pie and Ice Cream Social
On Sunday, August 14th, the St. John LWMLMission Guild and LWML Ladies' Aid will be having their annual Pie and Ice Cream Social. Serving will be 4-8 p.m. We will serve bar-b-ques, hot dogs, potato chips, pie, ice cream cones, banana splits, root beer, root beer floats, and coffee. Everyone is welcome to come and enjoy the food and fellowship. There is a sign-up sheet on the bulletin board at St. John if you are able to bring a homemade pie.
Dual Parish Picnic
We had a nice turnout for our Parish Picnic and it was enjoyed by everyone who attended. The expenses for the day were:
Ice Cream, Root Beer & Buns: $52.85
Hot dogs: 52.69
Plasticware & paper items: 48.81
Total: $154.34
The extra plastic and paper were divided between St. John and Bethlehem. The extra hotdogs and buns will be used for the VBS picnic.
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