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The March 2006 Newsletter of
St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church
Edgar, Wisconsin
and
Bethlehem Lutheran Church
Milan, Wisconsin
Click here for archived past editions
Hey Pastor, "Why so many different Synods?"
Dear friends in Christ,
As a faithful congregation member of Bethlehem or St. John, you have all noticed the diversity of Lutheran options available in our area. What, after all, is the differences between the Missouri Synod (LC–MS), the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and the Wisconsin Synod (WELS)?
Starting with the differences between the LC–MS and the ELCA, a number of important differences separate our church bodies. I will focus on the three main differences in what we believe, teach, and confess. These differences are what prevent us from sharing pulpits, communing at one another's churches, and transferring members from one church to another:
1. The doctrine and authority of Scripture.
The LC–MS believes that the Bible is without error in all that it says. The ELCA avoids making such statements, holding that Scripture is not necessarily always accurate on such matters as history and science. Differences between the LC–MS and the ELCA on the authority of Scripture also help to explain why the LC–MS unequivocally rejects abortion while the ELCA's clergy health care plan provides coverage for abortions. It also explains why the LC–MS rejects homosexual behavior as contrary to God's will, while the ELCA has yet to take an official stand on this issue.
2. Subscription to the Lutheran confessions.
The LC–MS binds itself to all the doctrinal content of the Lutheran confessional writings of the 16th century (the 1580 book of Concord). The ELCA binds itself only to the central teachings of the confessions and not to their entire doctrinal content. This explains why one encounters a great disparity in teaching from one ELCA congregation to another, while the doctrine is fairly consistent among LC–MS congregations.
3. The level of agreement necessary to join together in one church body.
While the LC–MS believes that the Bible requires agreement in all that the Bible teaches, the ELCA holds that disagreement in some matters of doctrine, such as the mode of Christ's presence in Holy Communion, do not prohibit church fellowship.
The differences between the LC–MS and the WELS are not nearly so great. I will share two of the main differences here:
1. The biblical understanding of fellowship.
The WELS holds to what is called the "unit concept" of fellowship, which places virtually all joint expressions of the Christian faith on the same level. In an official statement made in 1960 the WELS states, "Church fellowship should therefore be treated as a unit concept, covering every joint expression, manifestation, and demonstration of a common faith." The LC–MS, however, has historically not understood or practiced church fellowship in this way. Our Synod, for example, has made a distinction between altar and pulpit fellowship (for which full doctrinal agreement is required) and other manifestations of Christian fellowship, such as prayer fellowship (which do not necessarily require full doctrinal agreement). Disagreements on this issue led the Wisconsin to break fellowship with the LC–MS in 1961.
2. The role of women in the church.
Given our current and oft-debated understanding of certain passages in the New Testament epistles, both the LC–MS and the WELS oppose the ordination of women to the pastoral office. However, the WELS goes a bit further and contends that those same passages forbid women from voting in the Church Voters' Assembly. The LC–MS holds those passages as referring specifically to the pastoral office and no further.
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 March:
March 5 - Genesis 22:1–18
James 1:12–18
Mark 1:9–15
March 12 - Genesis 17:1–7, 15–16
Romans 5:1–11
Mark 8:27–38
March 19 - Exodus 20:1–17
1 Corinthians 1:18–31
John 2:13–25
March 26 - Numbers 21:4–9
Ephesians 2:1–10
John 3:14–21
The Catechism Corner
The Sacrament of Holy Baptism
What is the Sacrament of the Altar (i.e. Holy Communion, Lord's Supper)?
It is the true body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ under the bread and wine, instituted by Christ Himself for us Christians to eat and to drink.
Where is this written?
The holy Evangelists Matthew, Mark, Luke and St. Paul write: Our Lord Jesus Christ, on the night when He was betrayed, took bread, and when He had given thanks, He broke it and gave it to the disciples and said: "Take, eat; this is My body, which is given for you. This do in remembrance of Me." In the same way also he took the cup after supper, and when He had given thanks, He gave it to them, saying, "Drink of it, all of you; this cup is the new testament in My blood, which is shed for you for the forgiveness of sins. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me."
Divine Worship Explained
SERMON HYMN AND SERMON
Now the congregation sings the Sermon hymn, preparing our hearts to hear the sermon. The sermon is not just a number of offhand remarks, but a prayerfully prepared proclamation of God's message of repentance, salvation, and growth in the faith. In this message, the Word of the Living God reaches his people to cause repentance and to generate true and renewed faith in Christ.
Life Quote
For women and men who are suffering from an abortion decision, "What we can do is minister the truth that Jesus loves and 'heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds' (Psalm 147:3)."
- Grace Kern, Director, Word of Hope, Lutheran for Life's post-abortion ministry
The Mission Corner
Learn, Pray, Give, Tell, Send, Go, & Celebrate: Involving Children in Missions
(adapted from Karin L. Semler's article for Mission Friends: The Global Gospel Outreach of the LCMS
God gives all of us the privilege of being a part of His mission, this includes you own children, your grandchild or the kids sitting behind you in church. He uses these children in His plan of salvation for the nations. We need to help prepare these kids for the mission field; there is no need to wait until adulthood to become involved!
There are seven main ways that children (AND YOU) can be a part of God's mission. Everyone can learn, pray, give, tell, send, go and celebrate. The following ideas suggest ways you can include these forms of mission involvement in the classroom, the home and every day life. There are so many ways that we can have a meaningful and important role in God's mission.
1. Learn
Learn more about people around the world –people God created– people Jesus died to save. Check out the world map that will be posted in your church's mission corner (starting the week of March 19th) so that you can locate where missionaries are serving and were your church has on-going mission projects or where they have helped in the past. You can also download past issues of Mission Friends, a children's mission quarterly, for the child(ren) in your life. (www.lcmsworldmission.org/resources/missionfriends). Learn Bible verses that tell of God's love for all people, such as Psalm 67.3-4; 1 Timothy 2.3-4; and Revelation 7.9.
2. Pray
Remember to pray for missionaries and their children, especially the missionaries that are posted in your church. Pray for Christians in other countries, national church leaders, and people who do not yet believe in Jesus. Keep a prayer journal and help the children in your life keep one too (if you are interested in a Prayer Journal for you or for the child(ren) in your life please contact me and I will get you started). Also pray about international news events that you and your child(ren) are familiar with that might affect missionary activity.
3. Give
Find out if there are missionaries or mission projects your church is already supporting, and join in the support. This information can be found in your church's mission corner starting the week of March 19th. Ask your child(ren) or grandchildren what type of mission work they would like to support. You can call LCMS Foundation at 1-888-930-4438 for a list of projects you can participate in. Have a special family mission project each year or twice a year. Set a goal that you can reach and then reach it, pray each night with your family that God allow you to reach the goal you have set. Try having a mission project that is hands-on or very noticeable so that your child(ren) can see who they are helping and what they are accomplishing.
4. Tell
If you are a Sunday School teacher or a parent, have the child(ren) lead a mission minute at the start of each class or meal. They can share any type of mission news or information with the other students or family. Gather these "Mission minutes" together and submit them to me to be compiled in the "Mission Corner" so that others can see what missions are available to help with or pray for.
5. Send
Send Christmas, Easter, birthday cards, encouragement cards, etc. to missionaries and missionary kids or to home-bound members within your church. Gather Bibles, devotional material, or unused Sunday school materials and send them to a mission field. Contact Concordia Gospel Outreach (314-268-1363) to find out about literature needs around the world.
6. Go
Take a mission field trip to a local cross-cultural outreach. Many students from around the world are coming to North America to study, invite an international student to speak at your church. Give your child(ren) an opportunity to become friends with other children and their families by allowing them to become "pen pals" with other children from other communities or countries.
7. Celebrate
Use music from around the world to praise God! Draw children's attention to the mission message in songs they may already be familiar with, such as "Go Tell It on the Mountain." Create a mission banner for your classroom. Have the children collect material and images that share God's love for all people. There is also plenty of craft material that you can use that are leftovers from VBS –just let me know if you would like to use any of this material.
Plan to use some of these ways to help children become involved in God's plan of salvation for all people . . . today! Create new ideas of your own to further God's message.
"And Jesus came and said to them, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And lo, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
- Matthew 28.18-20
Remember... Do everything to the glory of God! - Maggie C.
V.B.S.
Summer 2006 Vacation Bible School has been scheduled for July 10th – July 14th. Mark your calendars now and talk to your boss about getting time off to serve on staff! Our 1st planning session will be March 6th, 7:00 p.m. at St. John. If you are interested in helping with the planning, please attend this initial meeting of our joint-V.B.S. ministry here at Bethlehem and St. John.
Special Opportunities to Worship during Lent
March 5 - Ash Wednesday
1:30 p.m. (M) & 8:00 p.m. (E)
March 8 - First Midweek Lenten Devotion
1:30 p.m. (M) & 8:00 p.m. (E): "Meditating on the Passion: Betrayed"
March 15 - Second Midweek Lenten Devotion
1:30 p.m. (M) & 8:00 p.m. (E): "Meditating on the Passion: Sweat like Blood"
March 22 - Third Midweek Lenten Devotion
1:30 p.m. (M) & 8:00 p.m. (E): "Meditating on the Passion: False Witness"
March 29 - Fourth Midweek Lenten Devotion theme
1:30 p.m. (M) & 8:00 p.m. (E): "Meditating on the Passion: Are you a king?"
April 5 - Fifth Midweek Lenten Devotion
1:30 p.m. (M) & 8:00 p.m. (E): "Meditating on the Passion: "Transgressors"
April 13 - Maundy Thursday (with Communion)
1:30 p.m. (M) & 8:00 p.m. (E): "A Precious Food, A Priceless Drink,"
April 14 - Good Friday
1:30 p.m. (M): Good Friday Chief Service; "His Death is Our Comfort"
8:00 p.m. (E): Good Friday Tenebrae vespers (a simple service of darkness)
April 15 - Holy Saturday
11:00 p.m. (E): The Great Vigil of Easter
April 16 – The Resurrection of our Lord
6:00 a.m. (E): Easter Sunrise worship
8:15 a.m. (M): Easter Day worship (with Communion)
10:15 a.m. (E): Easter Day worship (with Communion)
Key: (M) = Milan (E) = Edgar
Wisconsin Valley Lutheran High School (WVLHS)
All 7th and 8th graders are invited to a Christian rock dance at WVLHS on Friday, March 3rd from 7 - 9 p.m. Music will be provided by Rock the Flock, Productions. Bring your friends for the food, fun & prizes! Come have a great time! Admission is free!!
WVLHS is currently accepting registration applications for the upcoming 2006-2007 school year. The registration fee is $250 - for those applications received before April 30th there is a $100 registration fee discount. Tuition assistance is available. If you have any questions about WVLHS or would like an application packet, please call the office at 715-693-2693.
An "Evening of Elegance" is scheduled for April 22nd There will be fine dining and silent and live auctions. I you have items to donate for the auctions, please drop them off at the school office, or call the office at 715-693-2693 for pickup. More details will follow.
Bethlehem Funds Committee
March 12th the Bethlehem Funds committee will be hosting a Chili and Chicken Dumpling soup sale. It will be $4.00 a quart and a sign up sheet will be posted at both churches, so you may place your order. We would like all orders in by March 4th. Also if anyone has any quart jars they have no use for, please bring them to Bethlehem, so we can use them for the sale. Any questions please contact anyone on the Funds Committee.
Camp Luther Information Meeting
In January, a representative from camp Luther met with joint congregation members interested in learning how to enhance their skills with our young people. It was informative, fun and there was a great turnout.
We had a quick meal after which the youth had their Bible study. Camp Luther Rep., "Mutt" did some positive interactive stuff with the youth, (first with the junior high, then with the high school group). Everyone had a good time. The adults and youth met together and Mutt went over the Camp Luther pamphlet and video. Pamphlets are available in the back of church and the video on-line. Bethlehem congregation does have funds set aside in the budget to help any interested campers. There are discounts for early registration!! Contact the board of Education or Youth Group helpers if you have questions.
Concordia University - Mequon (WI)
On March 10-18th, 2006 a group of 75 students who are serving as missionaries from Concordia will be traveling to Juarez, Mexico to spread God's love and build two double sized houses for families in that community. The cost of this trip is about $39,000. We are asking for a donation toward this project. There is a letter with more information about this mission, posted on the bulletin board. If you are interested in reading more about this.
Pictorial Directory
Pictures of all our family at Bethlehem & St. John will be taken March 16-18 and March 30 & 31 and April 1st. There is absolutely no obligation to purchase anything. A brochure is included with your invitation letter. Please make your appointment with Connie V. at Bethlehem (after church services), or with Phyllis D. at St. John. ALL PICTURES will be taken at St. John, but you need to make your appointment with your church representative.
Pictures will be taken:
for ST. JOHN
Fri . Mar 17th 2:30-9:00 p.m.
Thurs. Mar 30th 2:30-9p.m.
Sat. April 1st 9:30 am-4p.m.
for BETHLEHEM
Thurs. Mar 16th 2:30-9p.m.
Sat. Mar 18th 9:30a.m.-4p.m.
Fri. Mar 31st 2:30-9p.m.
If for any reason you cannot make the dates scheduled for your church, you may call the appointment person at the other church. If you are unable to make any time of these appointments, you may submit a photo for a person, or family to be included in our directory. Please talk to Connie or Phyllis about this.
St. John Elder's Report
Christ's blessings to all. Many thanks to all who have and continue to give of their time, talents, or resources to our congregation. The elders are investigating further means our congregation may participate in being of service to the surrounding communities. We support programs like "Circle of Joy" and internal volunteers coordinated through the Parish Nurse and others.
The Elders encourage your prayer requests, concerns, and comments. pastor and Elders can be contacted before or after services, by phone or letter, or by leaving a note in the Elders' mailbox.
A list for Ushers/Acolytes/Greeters is posted o the bulletin board in the hallway by the cry room Thanks to all who help with the success of these services. Anyone wishing to volunteer may contact an Elder.
Currently, the Elders are working to redefine their duties under the revised Constitution as well as auditing the membership roles and working to contact committees for input.
As Ash Wednesday and lent approach, let us remember why Jesus Christ had to suffer, die, and rise to eternal life for us. By grace we are saved.
Yours, in Christ,
Stephan S.
Thrivent Financial
A Thrivent Financial for Lutheran congregation Coordinator training meeting will be held at St. John Parish Hall on Saturday, March 18th. This will involve about 40 people. Our congregation will be providing refreshments. This training will be from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
St. John Cemetery Committee
We are working on a blueprint for the landscaping of the cemetery as we were told to work on at the last voter's meeting. Schalow's Nursery in Marshfield will be doing a master blueprint that we can work off of, and really see what is needed to give us the dignified environment we are looking for. The cost of the blueprint is being paid by an anonymous donor. W expect to have the blueprint ready by the April voter's meeting. We welcome your suggestions and concerns. Please call or speak with Randy S., Mel N., or Rueben S.
Bethlehem CWIA (Evening Guild)
The CWIA Evening Guild has purchased a new supply of greeting cards. We also have Easter cards and Graduation cards for $.50 each. Come and look at our new supply we have for sale.
St. John "In Faith We Grow-Out and Beyond"
Here is a summary of our loan activity for 2005.
Loan balance- 12-31-04 $176,358.51
Loan balance- 12-31-05 $ 93,317.41
Reduction for 2005 $ 83,041.10
Total paid LCEF $89,385.00 of which $83,041.10 was principal and $6,343.90 was interest. Please note that neither the Treasurer's Annual Report, nor the "In Faith We Grow" Annual Report will match these numbers exactly. Transfers took place in late December of 2004, from the General Fund to the IFWG fund, and from the IFWG fund to LCEF in December 2005, which were not recorded by the receiving fund until January of each respective next year.
Respectfully submitted by: Randy K.
St. John Sunday School News
We met on Sunday, February 19th after worship with prayers for our fellow teacher, Arlene K., who underwent surgery.
A lot of housekeeping details were discussed and attended to. We plan to have some of our older students involved in the Lenten worship as acolytes. Our confirmands will be trained on Sunday, Feb. 26th. They will be doing the Wednesday night Lenten services also. A new smaller acolyte robe has been purchased.
Our Sunday school picture will be taken on Feb. 26th for the 8:15 worship.
We were very happy to welcome Maggie C. to our staff. She has a "heart for missions" and already has a "mission corner" at our church. She will be directing our Sunday school mission projects. This past fall we sent money to the 2 churches in New Orleans and now in spring we sent 2 large boxes of bedding to the Hurricane relief.
We are planning a Palm Sunday "Pageant" and song, and also an Easter song for our students.
Bethlehem Council Capsule
Bethlehem Lutheran Church council met on Feb 20th with 7 members present. Office nominations were reviewed. One additional nominee is needed for board of Elders. A follow up call to a nominee will be made prior to the Voter's meeting. The Congregational meeting was reviewed, and the following were noted:
1. Communication
2. Streamline offices
3. Work harder to let congregation know progress
4. Work on a vision for the congregation
Mileage rate has decreased from .485/mi to .445/mk per the IRS - this will be an agenda item @ the Voter's meeting. Quarterly office reports were handed out and are to be presented. An opportunity to approve the reports and add input will be given to the voters.
The Coordinating Council will meet the 2nd week in March. The Council will have their next meeting on March 20th at 7:30 p.m.
The Trustees have designated the 3rd weekend of April for church cleaning.
The Board of Education has received information regarding the Camp Luther IMPACT project. Suggestion made to keep this in mind for future budgeting. The Board asked how children attending Camp Luther may be reimbursed for the allotted money for congregation has set aside for attendees. Pastor will draw up a form, which may be filled out and turned in to the Treasurer by the camper/family. A suggestion for the Youth Group/Sunday school to assist in painting bright colored road signs for the roadways/corners with directions to Bethlehem was presented. The Council recommended this should be pursued.
Meeting closed with the Lord's Prayer.
Secretary, Gloria C.
St. John Constitution & Special Meeting
The North Wisconsin District Secretary took our new constitution to their quarterly meeting on February 7th. He insisted on two changes to the document. We agreed at Church Council to recommend that we adopt the Constitution as changed by the district. Please prayerfully review the following changes:
Change #1 (Page 4, Article 4)
C. REMOVAL FROM OFFICE
Any officer, pastor, or teacher may be removed from office by the congregation in a Christian and lawful manner for any of the following reasons: persistent adherence to false doctrine, scandalous life, and willful neglect of his official duties, or the prolonged inability to perform them.
(the change is adding the word prolonged)
Change #2 (pg. 5, Bylaws part B, section 5)
5. SELF-EXCLUSION
Any member who does not commune in this congregation, or another Lutheran/Christian congregation while living away, for a period of one year, shall be counseled by the pastor and/or elders to determine and remove, if possible, the cause of absence from the Lord's table....
(the change is removing the word "Christian")
Please note, we are having a voter's meeting on Mach 19th right after services here at St. John to discuss this. The meeting will be very brief, since we only have two choices: either approve it and get ready to sign it at the next regular meeting or refer it back to the constitution committee. Just a note here, that both changes were a part of the document where the committee made no changes. Asking for approval of our constitution led to the whole document being reviewed.
There is no potluck for this meeting, as the meeting should be very short.
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