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The October 2005 Newsletter of
St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church
Edgar, Wisconsin
and
Bethlehem Lutheran Church
Milan, Wisconsin
Click here for archived past editions
Who's in control of your church?
Of course, Jesus Christ is the Lord of the Church and together with the Father and Spirit, he is in control of the Church. No, I mean to say: who makes the day-to-day decisions of your church? Who decides how much we will spend on Vacation Bible School? Who decides how much we will pay the pastor? Who decides when and where and what we do?
The Missouri-Synod answer to that question is: the Voters' Assembly. You the people have the ultimate say as to what goes on in the Church. Not the pastor. Not the Church Council. Not the Coordinating Council. The Voters' Assembly is the governing body of your congregation and is empowered to administer and manage all its affairs. Anything and everything that goes in the church is subject to the approval and supervision of the Voters' Assembly. No one person gets to make the decisions for everyone in the congregation. It is your church and the decisions are made by you and your brothers and sisters in Christ.
Sadly, however, this doesn't always work so well. It's not a requirement that every adult communicant member join the Voters' Assembly... ...but something alarming happened on Sunday, September 25th that we need to talk about.
On Sunday, September 25th, a properly called and announced meeting of the combined Voters' Assemblies of St. John and Bethlehem was held to decide on shared expenses for 2006. What is alarming is that only 19 people were there! They were deciding the pastor's salary and benefits, determining the amount to spend on Youth, V.B.S., Office, etc. By determining how much to budget, a determination was also being made on how much to give (in order to meet that budget).
Are you comfortable with an extremely small minority of your church making your decisions for you? It was a validly called and announced meeting, so nothing was done improperly... but that "19" number should be a wake-up call to all of us. You don't have to stand aside and let others make your decisions. Every communicant (confirmed) member of this congregation who is at least 18 years old has a right to join the Voters' Assembly. You have a right to speak your mind about the direction of our ministry. You have a right to cast your vote.
Last Sunday evening, the majority of those 19 members of the Voters' Assemblies were pretty uneasy. They were uncomfortable making decisions for the entire church. But they didn't have a choice... someone had to make these decisions and they trusted in the Lord to help them make the right ones. On their behalf, I would like to make a plea to you: please consider coming to the Voters' Assemblies and helping us to make good, informed, God-pleasing choices.
Do we need every single potential Voter to participate in every single Voters' Assembly? No... that would be an unreasonable expectation. We don't need 100% participation, but hopefully we can do better than 1%!
Remember, dear friends, the Lord has given us many gifts. Let us join together to use those gifts... not for ourselves, but for the furtherance of God's kingdom on earth. In grateful response to the Lord's gift of life and salvation, let us join together and do the work of the Church building one another up in the name of Christ, and sharing the name of Christ with a dying world.
Yours in Christ,
Matthew Christians
Pastor, Bethlehem Lutheran Church (Milan) and St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church (Edgar)
The Catechism Corner
The Sacrament of Holy Baptism
What does such baptizing with water indicate?
It indicates that the Old Adam in us should by daily contrition and repentance be drowned and die with all sins and evil desires, and that a new man should daily emerge and arise to live before God in righteousness and purity forever.
Where is this written?
St. Paul writes in Romans chapter six: "We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life" (Romans 6:4)
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 October:
Oct. 2 Isaiah 5:17
Philippians 3:4b
Matthew 21:3346
Oct. 9 Isaiah 25:69
Philippians 4:413
Matthew 22:114
Oct. 16 Isaiah 45:17
1 Thessalonians 1:110
Matthew 22:1522
Oct. 23 Leviticus 19:12, 1518
1 Thessalonians 2:113
Matthew 22:3446
Oct. 30 Micah 3:512
1 Thessalonians. 4:112
Matthew 23:112
Divine Worship Explained
THE PRAYER FOR GRACE
Next, after the Psalm comes an ancient prayer of the Christian Church. Traditionally called the "Kyrie Eleison" (Greek for "Lord, have mercy"), this prayer for grace is not a confession of sins, but an expression of our emptiness before God. In our hymnals, the Kyrie is found in a concise form (The Lutheran Hymnal) or also in an expanded form (Lutheran Worship). It is an expression of our need to have God come to us in Christ Jesus and fill us with his grace. This three-fold prayer has been used in the Church since the third century. It gathers together all our needs and lays them before God's mercy seat.
A Little Bit of Lutheran Theology
What do we believe about Heresy About Truth versus Falsehood?
In 2001, the Oxford University Press published the 1,730 page World Christian Encyclopedia, listing 33,800 different denominations within Christendom! With so many voices today, each claiming to be the authentic mouthpiece of God, how can anyone know the true voice or person to follow?
They key, Jesus said, is voice recognition. "[The Shepherd] goes before them, and the sheep follow Him because they know his voice. But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger's voice" (John 10:4-5). But how does one recognize Jesus' voice among so many? How can we know if our own congregation is speaking with the Savior's true voice?
The clearest example of how to separate the genuine voice of Christ from all the counterfeit voices of false teachers is recorded in Acts 17. When the followers of Christ in Berea heard the preaching and teaching of Paul and Silas, "they received the Word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily, to see whether these things were so" (Acts 17:121). These early believers were devoted to the one goal of seeking only the true, positive, and life-giving Word to be at work among them (1 Thess. 2:13). And so, they took the teachings they heard in their church and in the world, and constantly compared these to the voice and teaching of God. They were constantly perfecting their "voice recognition." Jesus said, after all, that "if you abide in my Word, then you are truly my disciples" (John 8:31).
How do we do this? As Lutherans, we vow to read the Scriptures daily and to attend Church. We pledge ourselves to do just as the Berean Christians did: take those teachings you hear and read and CONSTANTLY COMPARE THEM TO THE ORIGINAL TO GOD'S WORD! In this way, God will enable you to live each day without fear of being infected by false teaching or heresy. The words of Jesus will be precious to you: "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me."
Life Quote
How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving, and tolerant of the weak and strong. Because someday in life you will have been all of these."
George Washington Carver
American educator and innovator in the agricultural sciences
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 LCMS 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 Formula of Concord, Solid Declaration, Article II, para. 38-39.
"On Free Will."
38 In this passage, the catechism does not mention with a single word our free will or cooperation. It credits everything to the Holy Spirit who, through the preaching office, brings us into the Christian Church, sanctifies us in the Church, and causes us to grow daily in faith and good works.
39 Even in this life, the regenerate advance to the point that they want to do what is good and love it, and even do good and grow in it. Still, this (as stated above) is not of our will and ability, but of the Holy Spirit. Paul himself speaks about this, saying that the Spirit works such willing and doing (Philippians 2:13). Also in Ephesians 2:10 he credits this work to God alone, when he says, "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared before hand, that we should walk in them."
WI Valley Lutheran High School
Last week WVLHS won its first volleyball game and then its first soccer game as members of the WIAA. Both wins were against teams from Northland Lutheran High School (JV). Thanks to all of the fans who continue to come out in support of the Wisconsin Valley Wolves!! The next WVLHS Open House will be held Sunday, October 9th from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. EVERYONE IS WELCOME!
The Mission Corner
When sitting down to write this article I had a hard decision to make... what organization or opportunity to talk about first?! I felt I should start with something local so I started to research, then it hit me! Why not talk about the Ronald McDonald House of Marshfield. As you probably know this organization is very close to my family's heart. While Enoch was hospitalized, Pastor and I stayed at the house so we could be close to our son. They have a wonderful facility and wonderful staff. I don't know what we would have done without it.
The non-profit RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE OF MARSHFIELD opened in 1983 exists to serve families of ill children, newborn through age 21, who are hospitalized or receiving outpatient treatment at St. Joseph's Hospital or Marshfield Clinic. The house (sometimes called the "the House that Love Built" because it relies on the generosity of many people) is located across the street from St. Joseph's Hospital so parents can be immediately available day or night should their child need them.
If you would like to help, there are number of opportunities for you to be of service:
Send a donation in honor or in memory of a loved one:
The Ronald McDonald House sends acknowledgments both to the donor and the individual for whom the tribute/memorial gift was made. The card specifies the occasion and names the donor but does not disclose the gift amount.
Send a tax-deductible contribution:
Check to see if the company you work for has a matching gifts program.
Share a night:
The Ronald McDonald House only asks families to pay $5 a night, but for some families even that is too much. You could help out a needy family by sponsoring a night or a week.
Donate items from our Wish List:
You may drop off items at the House, 803 W. North Street, daily from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Or call 387-5899 if you have any questions.
Food Items:
Fresh milk, eggs, bread & butter/weekly
Fresh fruit & vegetables
Individual fruit & pudding cups
Individual juice & cereal boxes
Breakfast/granola bars
Grocery store gift cards
Household Items:
8-gallon garbage bags
Daily shower cleaner
Paper toweling
40-watt light bulbs
Fabric softener sheets
Toilet bowl cleaner
Liquid bleach
Office Items:
Books or rolls of stamps
Other:
New DVD Player
"E" rated games for Playstation 2 or Gameboy
New commercial washer & dryer
Collect aluminum pull-tabs:
Collecting beverage tabs helps raise needed funds. There are many places where you can drop these off. Drop them off in the cardboard Ronald McDonald house, located in the back of St. John's sanctuary, drop them off at the Marshfield House, or drop them off at the parsonage.
Volunteer your time:
The House needs and relies on volunteers. A variety of day, evening and weekend shifts are available with training provided. Some tasks include: office work, light housekeeping, checking families in or out, cooking and baking, writing thank you notes, stocking the pantry, etc. If interested, please contact the House for info.
Volunteer your services:
Have your company or organization participate in a spring or fall clean-up day at the House. Donate your computer, carpet cleaning, plumbing, landscaping, or electrical services. Please contact the House for a list of current needs.
Join our "Meal-A-Month" Club:
Create a casserole supper, cook on the House's gas grill, order in pizza, prepare a breakfast, stew, soup or chili. Bring in a prepared meal for volunteers to set up and serve or come in to prepare and serve the meal yourself.
Participate in the Festival Foods or Pick 'n Save Community Dollars Program:
Both Festival Foods of Marshfield and Pick 'n Save have programs where your purchases earn donations for the Ronald McDonald House.
Bethlehem Building Committee Update
The Building Committee continues to move forward in considering parcels of land for construction of our new church. New land parcels have become available and are being taken into consideration, in addition to the first that became available, that being the bunkelman site. The roadway, sewer extension, accessibility, location, cost and many other items are being discussed regarding each piece of property. After al information has been thoroughly complied it will be presented to the congregation.
The goal of the Building Committee is to have the information ready for the congregation's final vote and approval in 2006. The committee appreciated all input from members and welcomes questions. Building Committee meetings are open to all members of the congregation.
Health Kits for Lutheran World Relief
The Bethlehem CWIA will be putting together health kits for Lutheran World Relief in October. Anyone who would like to donate a kit or items of a kit can bring them to church. A box in the entrance will be provided for the items. Here is what is needed in each kit.
1 hand towel, 1 wash cloth, 1 bath-size bar of soap, any brand in it original wrapping, 1 toothbrush, in original wrapping, 1 tube of toothpaste, unwrap packaging, 1 comb, wide tooth preferred, 1 metal nailfile, or nail clippers with nail file attached, unwrapped packaging, 6 band-aids, preferably ½" to 3/4". Any questions, please ask any CWIA members.
Bethlehem Board of Parish Education
The Board of Parish Education met on Monday, August 29th at 7:30 p.m. Members present were Sandy R., Brenda W., Natasha C., and Brenda S.
We are still needing a teacher for the 3rd/4th grade and the High School Youth. Adult Sunday School can decide each week who will lead based on those present.
Teachers that buy supplies may bring in their receipts to Brenda S. or let her know what is needed.
Rally Day will be held on September 11th, outside- weather permitting.
Our Mission Project for the 1st quarter will go to the Local Chapter for Lutherans for Life.
The Youth Group fund-raising from the 4th of July/WI Valley Fair/ and Steam Show all went well. Youth Leaders are still needed for Bethlehem. We will close the checking account in Edgar.
Sandy R. will take over the Library services. A binder will be kept with the secretary for BOE minutes and passed down as each new person takes on this responsibility.
The next meeting will be Oct. 12th at 6:45 p.m.
Joint Parish Voters' Meeting
The first annual Joint Parish Voters' Meeting was held at Bethlehem Lutheran church on Sept. 25th at 7:30 p.m. Randy R., and Pastor Matthew opened with a prayer. 19 members from both churches were in attendance.
Peter V. spoke on the youth ministry. It is self-supporting at the preset time.
The office copy machine service agreement was adjusted this last year for the new paper use.
A handout was passed out about Pastor Matthew's salary and benefits. Both chairman explained in detail about the plan for the 2006. Mileage will be changed to $ .48.5 a mile start Jan. 1st 2006. Motion by Lois N. to accept the plan, seconded by Lloyd S. Motion carried.
The office secretary salary increase of $.75 was voted on last year. Mileage will be $.48.5 a mile starting Jan 1st, 2006. The long distance phone service for the office has been cancelled, and we will be using a phone card for all long distance phone calls.
A new Church Directory is being planned for the Spring of 2006. 2 people are needed from each church to handle the schedule for appointments. We will also have Olan Mills staff available.
The income from Fund-raisers will be split as per participation. A motion was made by Sharon N., and seconded by Wally S., and the motion carried.
Peter V. brought to the floor a concern about Youth Ministry. The youth has in the past went to the National Youth Gathering which needs fund-raising, and adult leaders to go also. Now they are wondering about other spiritual events, such as Quest/ Camp Luther or state gatherings. The Board of Education needs to explore options such as Synod servants events. We will look into other events that we get information about.
Lois N. made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Maggie C., motion carried. We closed with the Lord's Prayer.
Circuit 10 Sunday School Association
On Sunday, Oct. 9th, the Fall Sunday School Rally will be held at Zion Ev. Lutheran Church, Colby with 1:45 p.m. registration and 2:00 p.m. opening devotions. The program will be "How to Begin a Puppet Ministry." Please see the poster on the bulletin board for more information.
Zone 10 LWML Fall Rally
The Fall Rally of Zone 10 LWML will be held on Thursday, October 6th at Trinity Lutheran Church, Athens. Registration will be at 9:00 a.m. and the day's events will start at 9:30 a.m.
The Christian Growth Topic is "Living the Fruitful Life", which teaches us to understand the Fruits of the Spirit.
Our ingathering will be for the Hope Lodge, located in Marshfield. It is a place for patients to stay while receiving cancer treatments at the Marshfield clinic. A copy of the "wish list" is posted on the bulletin board. More information about the rally is also on the sheet.
St. John LWML
Our regular Bible study meeting has been changed to October 11th at 1:30 p.m. This change had to be done to accommodate the Fall Rally to be held on the 4th at Trinity Lutheran church in Athens.
St. John Voter's Meeting Potluck
A potluck lunch will take place before the regular quarterly voter's meeting on October 16th. Please bring a dish to pass and spend some time in fellowship before we go about the business of the day. Coffee and kool-aid will be provided.
St. John Mission Guild
The Mission Guild held their Annual Pie and Ice Cream Social on August 14th, with assistance from the congregation. Our profit was $491.24 which will be divided into mission projects. We have applied for $300.00 of congregational matching funds from Thrivent, and this has been given to "In Faith We Grow - Out & Beyond." Thanks to all who helped. Praise the Lord.
St. John purchased Bibles
Our congregation has purchased a case of Bibles. Anyone who is interested in a copy, may reimburse the church $7.75 for a copy. They are available in the Adult Bible Study classroom.
St. John Sunday School
On September 25th, the congregation presented a copy of "Luther's Small Catechism" to 1st graders Cody R. and Rachel H. They are a burgundy colored book now instead of the blue one, and are really a nice book to have. Anyone wishing to order a catechism for their personal or family devotions may contact Pastor Matthew.
Our mission offering from Sunday school for the month of Sept. and Oct. will be given to Hurricane Relief through Thrivent. We will be collecting offerings for Enoch Christians medical bills for our next mission project.
St. John - "In Faith We Grow-Out and Beyond"
Our balance in our account as of August 26th is $98,847.38. Our next payment is due Sept. 30th, 2005.
LCEF - ABLAZE
Supporting One Mission - Igniting the Flame - is the theme for LCEF. It is the mission of the LCMS to make known the Word of God within our churches, our communities and our world. When the love of Christ is ablaze in our hearts, we then can share the flames of faith with others.
When you invest a portion of God's blessings in LCEF, you spark ministry for your family and for thousands of LCMS organizations that wish to build or expand their facilities. How does it all work? You may contact Rueben S., and he will tell you all about how it can be done.
St. John Children's Christmas Program News
This Year the Children's Christmas Program will undergo a few changes from years past. To help accomodate all of the busy schedules in December, the Children will perform the Christmas Story in 5 parts. These will be performed starting on Sunday, December 4 at 10:00 10:15a.m. and continue throughout December and conclude on January 8th.
Plan now to attend the children's Christmas Story in December and January. Parents will be able to sign up in October for specific days and parts of the Christmas program.
I will talk with each family by the end of Ocotober or talk with me if you have specific needs.
Fay N.
Children's Christmas Program Director
St. John Board of Elders' Report
Dear Friends in Christ,
The Lord has blessed us infinitely. The Elders would like to remind members and non-members that they are available to help with your spiritual and physical needs. Feel free to contact an Elder with any concerns. Besides contacting at home, you can find an Elder before the Sunday morning Service, often wearing an "Elder" pin. We would also like to remind those wishing to discuss health-related topics or hospital visitation to formally request these services. Because of recent privacy legislation, the Parish Nurse and Pastor often must have your permission to serve you. Prayer requests are always encouraged.
Of note, the church website provides notice of service and activity times, their closing due to weather, etc., school financial aid form, daily devotions, sermon archive, resources and much more.
Upcoming activities include an autumn Acolyte and Usher training session (everyone is invited to volunteer), thanks to all those already involved in serving. The Elders will continue meeting with several committees and developing procedures for visitors wishing to participate in communion.
Youth Activities for October
On Sunday, October 9th at 6:30 p.m. at St. John there will be a Bible study meeting for the High School Youth Group (for all 9th-12th graders). The VanDerLeest family will have snacks for the meeting.
The next social event will be a campfire and wagon ride on Saturday, Oct 27th at 6:30 p.m. at the Syring's
Junior High Youth Group -- On Sunday, October 9th, the Junior High Youth Group will have a Bible study at St. John, at 6:30 p.m. The next social event for the group, will be a campfire and wagon ride on Saturday, Oct. 27th at 6:30 p.m. at the Syring's.
Thrivent Financial for Lutherans
This financial group is pledging $1 million to aid victims of Hurricane Katrina. Thrivent Financial member gifts to benefit survivors will be supplemented $1 for every $2 given to one of the four eligible disaster relief organizations, up to $300 in added funding per member. As a result of this response and the fund-raising efforts of thrivent chapters, a total of $3 million relief funds can be provided. If you are a Thrivent Financial Member, simply complete the Thrivent Financial Hurricane Katrina response form. The forms are located in the church entrance or log on to www.thrivent.com/fraternal/Katrina.
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