Thursday, September 27, 2012

Oct. '12 Newsletter for St. John Baldwin


St. John Ev. Lutheran Church, LCMS Newsletter                       P.O. Box 162, Baldwin, Illinois 62217-0162 (618) 785-2344             
                                                                     Pastor John M. Taggatz,          Jenna Otten, Secretary
October, 2012                              Lela Rehmer, Custodian          Kevin Kahle, Groundskeeper      
                                                                                                                                                                        
                                                            Church E-mail:  stjohnch@egyptian.net; jtaggatz@yahoo.com
                                                            Church Web Site:  www.stjohnbaldwin.ctsmemberconnect.net

 

Serving on the Altar Guild for October are:  Linda & Toni

Ushers for the Month of October are: Larry Erdmann, Kevin Luthy, Terry Rehmer, Cory Rehmer, Brian Scheonbeck, Bruce Schoenbeck, Wes Stellhorn, Dennis Wegener
CALL THE CHURCH OFFICE…
(618) 785-2344    (or)
(618) 785-2602

-When a member of your family is admitted to the hospital, so a visit can be made by Pastor Taggatz.
- When your group plans to hold a meeting, so it can be cleared and placed on the church calendar.
-When your home or business phone number or address is changed, so church records can be corrected.
- When you are planning to move either out of town or locally.
- When you know you are pregnant so that we will be able to assist you in any way we can with prayers, encouragement and support.
- When a new baby arrives in your family or in the family of another church member.
- When you are planning a wedding or baptism.

Church Information—
Pastor’s E-mailjtaggatz@yahoo.com
Pastor Taggatz on Twitter:  @jtaggatz
Pastor Taggatz’s Blog: www.thewordendures.blogspot.com 

“In Season and Out of Season”

                Ecclesiastes 3 begins with words familiar to much of the world: “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under Heaven.”   Like it or not, the summer season is over.  Many sighed with regret that relaxing, fun-filled, less structured days are over.  Others, refreshed and invigorated, have eagerly plunged into the routines of Fall again, excited about new challenges and enthusiastic about projects and activities that lie ahead.
                Even though the ebb and flow of our lives change with the variation of the seasons, some things remain constant.  One of those constants is, of course, God’s presence with us: “I will never leave you nor forsake you,” promises the Father.  “So we can confidently say, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; What can man do to me?’”  (Hebrews 13:5-6)
                Another is God’s complete control over the seasons.  We may become impatient, but God’s timing and His response are always right.  “At an acceptable time, O God, in the abundance of Your steadfast love answer me in Your saving faithfulness,” (Psalm 69:13), we boldly pray, asking that God’s will be done.
                Another constant is the privilege to be about our Father’s business.  As long as we remain on earth, God has a purpose for us.  The Apostle Paul exhorts us, “Preach the Word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching” (2 Timothy 4:2).  He goes on to remind us that our words won’t always be heeded.  In every season, throughout the history of the Church, there have been scoffers and those who “will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions” (2 Timothy 4:3).  We leave them to God; we are called simply to be “ready in season and out of season.”
                As Christians, we don’t go on vacation.  Wherever we are we are preaching the Word, to whomever God places around us. The whole object of our Christian life is that God’s Word be preached and taught.  We do this directly and indirectly.  We provide the help to those whose entire lives are given to this preaching and teaching, even as we use the gifts God has given us to witness to His saving grace as we go about our daily lives.  “In season and out of season” we joyfully proclaim His gift of salvation to all who will hear.

See You in Church!

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Pastor Taggatz
You can learn to be content with your circumstances as you find your rest in Christ.

“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty.  I have learned the secret of being content in every situation, whether well         fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want” (Philippians 4:12).


LUTHERAN WITNESS SIGNUP
IMPORTANT UPDATE…
It’s that time of the year again that our congregation is asked by our Southern IL District Office to send in the number of people who would like to subscribe to the Lutheran Witness Magazine, our LC-MS church body’s flagship news source.  If you would like to continue to receive a copy of the Lutheran Witness as it’s paid for by our congregation please call the church office at:  785-2344 or sign your name in the back of the church to continue to receive the subscription for next year in 2013.  If we don’t hear from you by: November 1 you will NOT be able to get a subscription paid for by our church, but will have to contact Concordia Publishing House to continue to get your subscription.  There is an envelope in your church offering box that you received at the beginning of the year for the Lutheran Witness if you would like to make a donation toward your subscription to offset the cost that the church pays for these magazines for members of our congregation.  Thank you for your response in this matter. 

LWML Sunday will be on September 30th.  The Ladies Aid is going to be having a door offering on that Sunday to support the SIGHT Ministry center, which puts together large print Christian devotional materials (books of the Bible, hymns etc…) for those who are visually impaired.  Thank you for your support!!! 

SPECIAL FAMILY NIGHT Oct. 26th @ 6pm!  The next special family night at our church will be on the fourth Friday of the month (Oct. 26th) from 6-8:30pm.  These family nights will be informal with opportunities for the children to play and for families to fellowship with one another while doing a variety of activities and having a few treats as well.  At this upcoming Family Fun Night the children will be having a special bike ride race at the St. John parking lot, as well as some treats, they are welcome to wear their costumes as well, since it’s close to Halloween, and there will be a special devotion from God’s Word for everyone.  Come join us for a fun and exciting time!!!

All you can eat Spaghetti and Homemade Meatballs Dinner @ St. John Sun. Oct. 14th--This will be on Sunday Oct. 14th from 11am-1pm.  $8 a plate for Adults, $4 a plate for Children 5-12, and Children 4 and under free.  This price includes all you can eat homemade spaghetti, meatballs, Italian salad, garlic bread, dessert and a drink.  Carry outs are available, please bring your own container.  Proceeds go to our local Lutheran parochial schools for children’s tuition, there will be Thrivent matching funds for this event. We are asking for donations of desserts. Please sign up in the back of the church. Thanks for your support & God bless you!!! 

Lutherans for Life Meeting @ St. John Red Bud
The next meeting in on Sept. 28th at 6:30 p.m.at the St. John SCHOOL LIBRARY in Red Bud.  We will still be viewing the documentary BLOOD MONEY -- an insider look at the abortion industry.  If you wish, please bring a snack to share.  Drinks will be provided.  Hope to see you there.  New Members and Guests are always welcome.

Fox Business Channel to air 'Intersection' September 30th
Mark your calendars and grab some popcorn! On Sunday, September 30, the Fox Business Channel will air The Intersection of Church & State as paid programming. Viewing times will be 5 p.m. Eastern, 4 p.m. Central, 3 p.m. Mountain, and 2 p.m. Pacific.

The Intersection of Church & State, a production of Lutheran Hour Ministries, spends a profitable hour exploring the give-and-take relationship shared by church and state in this country. Expert commentary from clergy and government officials, lawyers, educators and social service providers offer insights and depth to the historical background and ongoing fruition of this vital liaison. Viewers are reminded that though the church-state connection can be contentious at times, enormous good is accomplished when the two work together, addressing human concerns in a collaborative manner. Program host for this election year program is the Rev. Gregory Seltz, the Speaker of The Lutheran Hour.

Have you Changed your Phone Number or Address?-With the popularity of cell phones, we are finding an increasing number of people are dropping their local lines and switching to using only their cell phones. If your phone number has changed, or you have a new address, please be sure to let the church/school office know so we can change our records. Thank you.

Pastor’s Visits--Pastor makes visits to homebound and nursing home members on a regular basis. If you or someone you know would like to be added to his visitation list, let him know. Any member who would like to talk with him at the Church is welcome to call the office (785-2344) for an appointment.

The Pastor’s Study--The Pastor's Study is a symbol of the calling of the Christian minister to be the shepherd of a flock of God. Here, sermons are prepared to feed the congregation on God's Holy Word. Here the work of the church is planned so that the congregation may grow in Grace and bear fruit in Service, Fellowship, Teaching, and Witnessing. Here you will always find a friend and counselor in time of need. He will not be surprised at your sins, nor will he judge you on them, but he will always invite you to share with him the wisdom and love of God, the knowledge of forgiveness of sins, and the saving Grace of God in Jesus Christ, our Lord.

STWRDSHP“Living Each Day as a Steward”
This Year’s Stewardship Emphasis

C.S. Lewis said, “There are two kinds of people: those who say to God, ‘Thy will be done,’ and those to whom God says, ‘All right, then, have it your way.’ ”   As redeemed children of God, of course, we desire to belong to that first category.  We long to live each day as stewards who earnestly pray, “Thy will be done.”  As God’s stewards, we are devoted to using all that we are and have for His purpose.  We are God’s stewards each and every day.

On Sundays October 7th, 14th, & 21st, 2012 the theme of our worship services and our Bible studies will be living each day as a steward.  We will learn how the Holy Spirit, working through Word and Sacrament, transforms us to be more like our Chief Steward, Jesus, Who willingly poured out His life in giving and serving, ultimately sacrificing His very life for our eternal lives.  Just as Jesus faithfully served His Father by serving us, we are to use our lives and gifts in faithful service to Him by serving others.  “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace” (1 Peter 4:10).

As your pastor, I pray that each of you will take advantage of these opportunities to grow in the grace and knowledge of your Lord that you might be strengthened in faith both for eternity and for a fruitful life here on earth.  The three weekly themes are as follows:

Sunday Oct. 7th-- “The Steward’s Identity”
Sunday Oct. 14th-- “The Steward’s Purpose”
Sunday Oct. 21st-- “The Steward’s Lifestyle” (Commitment Sunday)

The Apostle Paul says in 1 Cor. 15:58,“Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.”        During our three-week program, “Living Each Day as a Steward,” both our worship services and our adult Bible classes will focus on the work of the Holy Spirit through Word and Sacrament as He teaches us how to live each day as stewards. 

Commitment Sunday will be Sunday Oct. 21st.  I’m asking that you make a financial commitment to the Lord’s work through our church for the coming year.  Your support enables the work of the Lord gets done day after day through our church.  Please bring the enclosed commitment form to church with you on this Sunday Oct. 21st

God’s blessings on your continued faithful stewardship of the blessings He has entrusted to your care.

Pastor Taggatz
We remember in our prayers—[If you would like to add to our prayer list please call the church.]
 “Pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” (James 5:16)

In your prayers this month, pray for the Church;  For our nation as we prepare for another Presidential election; For those who serve in the armed forces; For the families of our church;  For our Southern IL District Prison Ministry;  For all who travel;  For seasonable weather for our farmers as they harvest their crops; For missionaries who bring God’s Word to the nations, Rev. Tim & Lisa Beckendorf of Lutheran Bible Translators to Botwsana, Africa & Nicole Dekker who is a missionary to South Africa. For those who are ill, awaiting, or recovering from surgery: We pray especially for Carol Jean Orella, Sally Fadler, Mickey Umbdenstock, Karen Willis, Linda Nagel, Elizabeth Montroy, Lee Hogandobler, Evan Saldana, & Margaret Dixon, the grandmother of Nicki Buch, all who are battling serious illnesses.  We pray for Hayden Smith, a friend of Christa Poynor, who is currently battling cancer.  For Greg Laufer, Elvera & Russell Mahan, Susan Reinhardt, and Krista Hammel, that they would be healed in the midst of their illness. For all of those who are unemployed or underemployed, that they would be able to find suitable work to support themselves and their families.  For those who are in nursing homes or homebound.

We mourn with the families of Clinton Bremer, who was called home to heavenly rest last month, and Rhonda Nieweglowski, upon the death of her father, Charles Augustus Lindbergh Coke.  We pray that God the Father would comfort Clinton & Rhonda’s families with His Son Jesus’ victory over death and with the assurance that Clinton & Charles, who have departed in the Christian faith, have joined the whole company of heaven in singing praises to the living Lamb who was slain; and that they too, through faith in Jesus as their Lord and Savior, will see Clinton & Charles again and their Lord Jesus, who bled and died so that we would have eternal life with Him in heaven. 

PRAISE GOD THAT MORE NAMES HAVE BEEN WRITTEN IN GOD’S BOOK OF LIFE!!!  Congratulations to Megan Steibel, upon the baptism of her son Brayden, Ginny & Timothy Higgerson, upon the baptism of their son, Bentley, and to Zachary & Deanne Junge, upon the baptism of their daughter Ellie.  Thanks be to God that these children have been baptized into God’s family through water and the Holy Word of God!!!  Praise God from Whom all blessings flow!!!
BIBLE STUDIES—
                  Sunday Mornings (8:45 a.m.)  “Martin       Luther’s Catechisms”
                  Wednesday Mornings (10 a.m.)   Who Am               I? What Am I Doing Here?”

Remember:  Every 3rd Sunday of the month we are praying for people who are in the military.  If you have a relative or friend who is an armed serviceman and woman in our Nation’s military please let the Church know so that we may be able to pray for them on the third Sunday of the month.  Also, please let us know if your family member is no longer serving in our US Military so that we can keep our records up to date.

Are you or a family member…coping with grief and loss… stressed out by financial issues… dealing with family or marital problems? Lutheran Child and Family Services of Illinois’ professional licensed counselors can help. They provide individual, couple, marital and family counseling to help address these types of situations. Insurance is accepted. Call800-363-LCFS (5237) to schedule a FREE confidential initial consultation.  LUTHERAN CHILD & FAMILY SERVICES IN SPARTA HAS MOVED With the closing of the Nice Twice Thrift Shop, Lutheran Child and Family Services moved its office to 1107 N. Market in Sparta

CHRIST OUR SAVIOR LUTHERAN HS
810 Soldiers Way, Evansville, IL   62242
Phone 618-853-7300       Fax 618-853-7361
www.coslhs.org               admin@coslhs.org
John Christman, Principal
Found: While cleaning the trailer, a pair of reading glasses & sunglasses were found. Stop by school to claim them.

Coming Events:
Oct. 1                     VB away @ 6:00 pm vs. Oak Ridge, MO
Oct. 9                     VB away @ 6:30 pm vs. Marissa
Oct. 11                   VB home @ 6:30 pm vs. Governor French, Belleville
Oct. 12-14             Steeleville Oktoberfest
Oct. 18                   8th Grade visit day
Oct. 18                   VB away @ 6:30 pm vs. Trinity Christian, Carbondale

Church Council Meeting

Sept. 11th, 2012 7:30 pm


 







Vision: Making Known the Love of Christ
Mission: St. John Lutheran Church is dedicated to the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ within its church and into the community

Regular Council Meeting --September 11, 2012

Present:  Pastor Taggatz, Gene Luthy, Gerald Poeniski, Marla Huebner, Susan Piel, Dennis Wegener, Marvin Liefer, Tony Junge, Bob Wirth, Corey Roscow, Linda Schoenbeck, and Fleta Junge.

The meeting was called to order by President Gene Luthy.

Opening devotions were given by Pastor Taggatz.

Minutes from the previous meeting: Were read and approved.

Financial Secretary’s Report:  Total receipts for Aug. 2012, $11,813.51.

Treasurer’s report:  Ending balance for the general fund for Aug 2012, $8,211.30. Motion was made and second to approve. Motion carried.

Spiritual Ministries/Elder: Membership transfer requested and approved for Erica (Reinhardt) Kisro’s children to St. John Lutheran Church in Chester.  Motion was made and second to grant transfer. Motion carried.
- Request for membership transfer for Rhonda and Faith Greatting from St. John Lutheran, Sparta to St. John Lutheran, Baldwin.  Motion was made and second to accept transfer. Motion carried.
- Special meeting on September 16th to vote on a lay delegate for the Circuit meeting to be held on September 30th.  Marvin Liefer has volunteered.
- Special meeting on September 16th to vote for a lay leader for the Doxology Session to be held in November 16 thru 18th in Donaldson, IN.
               
Church Properties:  Cemetery exempt for the next four years.
- Light pole behind school should be soon.

Social Ministries:
 COSLHS:
Christian Education:
Evangelism: 

Sunday School:  There are presently 16 to 18 registered for Sunday School with six children in the preschool class.
 
Stewardship:  Have not heard anymore on the Thrivent Grant for the food pantry.

Lutheran Youth Fellowship:  LYF will be holding their Chicken & Dumpling Dinner on September 16th.
- LYF meeting will be on October 7th.
- LYF Chili Dinner will be on November 4th.

Pastor’s Report: 
Pastoral Acts from Aug.15th ‘12 through Sept. 11th, 2012—
-Regular Saturday & Sunday worship responsibilities
                 -3 Bible Study class sessions (Sunday            mornings) & 3 Wed. morning Bible Studies
                        - 1 Pastor’s Circuit Meeting on Tue. Sept. 4th hosted by St. John Baldwin
                        -18 Homebound Visits
                -7 Hospital Visits
                -Led Worship for the COSLHS Opening         Service on Sun. Aug. 19th 
                -6 Spiritual Care Meetings
                -1 Funeral for Clinton Bremer on Wed. Aug.                 29th
                -2 Funeral Visitations for Clinton Bremer on                 Tue. Aug. 28th and Wed. Sept. 5th for Rhonda               Nieweglowski’s                 family
                -1 Baptism planning meeting on Thur. Aug. 30th
                -R. County Nursing Home Chapel, Aug. 22nd
                -1 COSLHS Meeting--Tue. Sept. 4th
                -1 Family Night @ St. John Baldwin on Friday             Aug. 24th--(We had 5 adults and 7 kids in       attendance)…
Baptisms
-for Bentley Higgerson, the son of Ginny & Tim Higgerson will be baptized on Saturday, September 15 at 5:00 pm service.
- Christa Poynor plans on having her son, Nathan baptized within the next few weeks.
- Ellie Marie Junge (daughter of Zachery & Deanna Junge) will be baptized on Sunday, September 23rd, 2012.
- Special Congregational Meeting will be held on Sunday, September 16th to elect a lay & alternate delegate for the upcoming Circuit Forum to be held on Sunday, September 30 at St. John Lutheran in Red Bud at 7:00 p.m.
- Special Family Night will be on the third Friday of the month September 21st from 6:00 to 8:30 pm.
- Door Offering for Missions at St. John Baldwin for 2012 will be:
-SIGHT Ministry Center in September 30th,   2012 for LWML Sunday.
- Giving through Thrivent Choice Program for September 2012 has amounted to $189.00. Total amount our church has received from this program since January is $2,641.00.
- Confirmation & Pre-confirmation Instruction started on September 5th. Those students are 8th graders--Lindsay Harbaugh, Justin Prost and Michaela Seders; 7th graders-- Margaret Copple and Tabitha Seders; and 6th grader--McKenna Ford.

Old Business: 

New Business:  Motion was made to accept Heuman Heating & Cooling to be the contractor for the furnaces and air conditioners. He will check and clean as needed. Costs for his services will be $825.00. Motion was seconded and motion carried.
- October 14th, there will be a Spaghetti Dinner to help raise money for tuition for students.  Currently there are five students at St. John Lutheran at Red Bud and four students at Trinity Lutheran at Prairie.
- Insurance policy coverage’s and comparison of rates will be conducted.
- Adopt-A-Student forms for Concordia Seminary St. Louis Seminarians are available if anyone is interested.
- Altar Guild interested in purchasing new banners for special religious holidays with vestry decoration funds if monies are available for that usage or the possibility of memorials going toward the purchases of banners.
- Marvin Liefer has volunteered to be a lay delegate for the Circuit Forum.

Adjournment:  Motion was made and second to adjourn. Motion carried.

The meeting was closed prayer and with the Lord’s Prayer.

President, Gene Luthy
Secretary, Marla Huebner

Special Congregation Meeting                      

September 16, 2012

The meeting was called to order by Pres. Gene Luthy.

President Luthy addressed the congregation in regards to vote for a lay delegate for the Circuit meeting to be held on September 30th.
Marvin Liefer has volunteered. Motion was made and second to accept Marvin Liefer.  Motion carried.
President Gene Luthy volunteered himself as an alternate lay delegate for the Circuit meeting. Motion was made and second to accept Gene Luthy. Motion carried.

Adjournment:  Motion was made and second to adjourn. Motion carried

President, Gene Luthy
Secretary, Marla Huebner

Special Council Meeting

September 16, 2012

Present:  Pastor Taggatz, Gene Luthy, Marla Huebner, Marvin Liefer and Susan Piel.

The meeting was called to order by Pres. Gene Luthy.
Harry Wetzel has volunteered to be the lay leader for the Doxology Session to be held in November 16 thru 18th in Donaldson, IN.  Motion was made and second to accept Harry Wetzel. Motion carried.

Adjournment:  Motion was made and second to adjourn. Motion carried.

President, Gene Luthy
Secretary, Marla Huebner


We Believe, Teach and Confess.
Formula of Concord:  Epitome
Article 2-- Free Will
                                                                                       
Introductory Note:  Since the fall into sin, the will of mankind is so blind and corrupt that we can choose only to do evil. We are spiritually dead by nature, enemies of God and naturally hostile toward Him. While we are free to choose in earthly matters, we have no power, ability, or free will in spiritual matters. Before conversion we are entirely incapable—in any way—of responding to or cooperating with God’s grace. After conversion and because of Christ, the new man in us does in fact respond to and cooperate with God the Holy Spirit. (See also AC XVIII; Ap XVIII; FC SD II.)
AC-Augsburg Confession; SA-Smalcald Articles; FC Ep-Formula of Concord, Epitome; SD-Formula of Concord, Solid Declaration 
                                                                                               
The Chief Questions in This Controversy
1 The will of mankind is found in four different states: (1) before the fall; (2) since the fall; (3) after regeneration; and (4) after the resurrection of the body. The chief question in this article is only about the will and ability of mankind in the second state. That is, what powers in spiritual matters does a person have after the fall of our first parents and before regeneration? Can a person by his own powers—prior to and before his regeneration by God’s Spirit—get ready and prepare himself for God’s grace? Can a person accept ‹and apprehend› or reject the grace offered through the Holy Spirit in the Word and holy ‹divinely instituted› Sacraments?
The Pure Teaching about This Article, according to God’s Word
2 1. This is our teaching, faith, and confession on this subject: in spiritual matters the understanding and reason of mankind are ‹completely› blind and by their own powers understand nothing, as it is written in 1 Corinthians 2:14, “The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.”
3 2. Likewise, we believe, teach, and confess that the unregenerate will of mankind is not only turned away from God, but also has become God’s enemy. So it only has an inclination and desire for that which is evil and contrary to God, as it is written in Genesis 8:21, “the intention of man’s heart is evil from his youth.” Romans 8:7 says, “The mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot.” Just as a dead body cannot raise itself to bodily, earthly life, so a person who by sin is spiritually dead cannot raise himself to spiritual life. For it is written in Ephesians 2:5, “even when we were dead in our trespasses, [He] made us alive together with Christ.” And 2 Corinthians 3:5 says, “Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God.”
4 3. God the Holy Spirit, however, does not bring about conversion without means. For this purpose He uses the preaching and hearing of God’s Word, as it is written in Romans 1:16, the Gospel “is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.” 5 Also Romans 10:17 says, “Faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” It is God’s will that His Word should be heard and that a person’s ears should not be closed (Psalm 95:8). With this Word the Holy Spirit is present and opens hearts, so that people (like Lydia in Acts 16:14) pay attention to it and are converted only through the Holy Spirit’s grace and power, who alone does the work of converting a person. 6 For without His grace, and if He does not grant the increase, our willing and running, our planting, sowing, and watering (1 Corinthians 3:5–7)—are all nothing. As Christ says ‹in John 15:5›, “apart from Me you can do nothing.” With these brief words the Spirit denies free will its powers and ascribes everything to God’s grace, in order that no one may boast before God (1 Corinthians 1:29; [2 Corinthians 12:5; Jeremiah 9:23]).

Concordia : The Lutheran Confessions. 2005 (Edited by Paul Timothy McCain) (477–479). St. Louis, MO: Concordia Publishing House.

EQUIPPING THE PRIESTHOOD OF ALL BELIEVERS…Issues, Etc. is a radio talk show produced by Lutheran Public Radio and hosted by LCMS Pastor Todd Wilken.   Topics in the past have included: The Apocrypha, Jesus Raises a Widow’s Son, Entering the Promised Land, Jonah, Matthew, and more.  You can tune in LIVE weekdays from 3-5 p.m. on KFUO, 850 AM in St. Louis.  You can also listen on-demand at  www.issuesetc.org.

The deadline for getting articles and reports in to be included in the Newsletter is the 18th of every month.

Church Office Hours have changed to Monday and Tuesday from 10am -1pm starting in May. Please get the announcements no later than 10am on Tuesday. If you can’t get them in by that time, they will still be announced, but will not be in the bulletin.  Thank You!

Stand to Reason Blog: Should Homosexuals Be Allowed to Marry Whom They Love?

str.typepad.com  By: Alan Shlemon
                Are we really depriving homosexuals the right to marry the person they love? Yes. But there’s nothing unusual about that. Nobody has the right to marry any person they love. Everyone has restrictions.
                When you take an honest look at the marriage law, it turns out that there is nothing unfair about it. Homosexuals have the same rights and the same restrictions as heterosexuals. For example, there is no legal right granted to a heterosexual that does not apply in exactly the same way to every homosexual. Both can marry in any state. Both can marry someone of the opposite sex. Both can receive the benefits that come with legal marriage. Heterosexuals and homosexuals are treated alike.
                There is also no legal restriction for homosexuals that does not also apply in exactly the same way to every heterosexual. Neither one can marry their sibling. Both are prohibited from marrying someone already married. They can’t marry a child. And neither has the freedom to marry someone of the same sex.
The marriage law applies equally to every person, whether they are homosexual or not. Everyone is treated the same.
                Homosexuals cry foul, of course, because the kind of person they are legally entitled to marry is not a person they love. They believe this is a restriction that is limited to them. But it’s not. There isn’t a person in the United States that has unfettered freedom to marry anyone just because they love them. There are numerous parings of people who love each other and can’t marry.
I have a male friend who I’ve known for over a decade. We have a long-term, committed relationship. We talk every week, we make sacrifices to visit one another, and we’re there to meet each other’s needs. We’re not sexually involved, but I routinely say I love him and he says the same to me. I can’t marry him even though he’s someone I love. I’m restricted. The state won’t recognize our relationship.
                Brothers and sisters usually develop strong bonds. They love one another and often have deep, meaningful relationships that can last a lifetime. Their commitment to one another is significant. But they can’t marry one another. Though they love each, they state won’t recognize their relationship. The same is true of two brothers or two sisters.
                Fathers and daughters also have long-term, committed relationships. There’s a special bond between them that develops and lasts for years. I can say that the love I feel towards my daughter has a unique texture to it. It’s taught me an aspect of love that, until I had a daughter, I never experienced. There are things that I’ve done and would do for her that virtually no one else on the planet can make me do. And like many fathers and daughters, our special relationship could last half a century or more. But guess what? The state doesn’t care about us as a couple. It doesn’t matter how much we love each other. We can’t get married.
                There are dozens of more examples of pairs of people who develop strong, meaningful, and long-term relationships. These people love each other, but that doesn’t mean the state is required to recognize them within the definition of marriage.
                Sometimes people point out that in these examples there is no sexual activity and that’s why it’s not the same as a homosexual pair. But why does that matter? Why do we have to use our sex organs with one another to qualify for marriage? Isn’t it enough that we love each other and are committed? Making sexual activity a requirement for marriage is arbitrary.
So what do all these relationships (and many others) have in common? None of them produce the next generation. Committed male friends, siblings, and parent-child relationships don’t have kids.
                There is one kind of couple that, throughout all of human history, is known to produce children: heterosexuals. Long-term, monogamous, heterosexual unions as a group and by nature produce the next generation. They create families that become the building blocks of civilization. These families are the most stable and advantageous environment for raising children. They not only stabilize society,they make society possible. That role can’t be underestimated.
Notice that I said, “As a group and by nature.” As a group, heterosexual couples have kids. There may be exceptions, but the group’s tendency is to produce children. Laws are designed to generalize for the group. “By nature” is a reference to the fact that heterosexual unions produce children by the natural function of their sexual activity. Unlike male friends, siblings, and other relationship couples, it is biologically natural for heterosexuals to produce children.
                The government, that normally has a hands-off policy to most relationships, gets involved in sanctioning these long-term, heterosexual unions. It creates a group of privileges and protections for these male-female couplings because it recognizes their role in creating and stabilizing society.
                But the government doesn’t get involved in any other relationship pair. It doesn’t legally sanction two male friends, siblings, or father-daughter relationships. That’s because, though there are exceptions, they don’t as a group and by nature produce the next generation. They might love each other – deeply and for a long period of time – but that is irrelevant to the government. The state has a concern to perpetuate and protect our civilization and that explains its vested interested in heterosexual unions.
                So why does the government not sanction the relationship of two homosexual males? For the same reason it doesn’t sanction the relationship of male friends, siblings, or a father and daughter. Homosexual couples don’t as a group and by nature produce the next generation. Although, theoretically, homosexuals can adopt, this is the exception. Most same-sex lovers don’t pursue parenting. Furthermore, children don’t naturally result from their sexual activity.
                Instead, the state must intervene and grant them children. As Jennifer Roback Morse explains, “Same-sex couples cannot have children. Someone must give them a child or at least half the genetic material to create a child. The state must detach the parental rights of the opposite-sex parent and then attach those rights to the second parent of the same-sex couple. The state must create parentage for the same-sex couple. For the opposite-sex couple, the state merely recognizes parentage.”
                A common objection is that marriage can’t be about children because not all married couples have kids. First, although that’s true, every child has a mother and father and a right to know them. These children have a vested interest in the union and stability of their parents. But that’s not something they can protect. Society needs to secure that right for kids so far as we are able.
                Second, even if some marriages don’t produce children, it doesn’t nullify the natural tie of marriage to procreation. The purpose of marriage remains regardless of whether married couples actualize it or not. Books are meant to be read even if they collect dust on a bookshelf.
Third, marriages create the optimal environment for raising children. Same-sex marriage intentionally creates the condition where a child is denied their mother or father or both. This is not healthy, a claim that has been long noted by researchers.
                The push for same-sex marriage is not primarily about the right to marry the person you love. No one has that right because everyone – including heterosexuals – is restricted. Nor is it to secure the right to adopt children. Homosexuals could be granted every legal right and privilege of marriage, but they would still demand the right to legal marriage.
                That’s because this battle is not principally about rights, but about respect. Homosexuals demand public approval for their lifestyle and relationships. As Time magazine wrote, same-sex marriage advocates, “want nothing less than full social equality, total validation—not just the right to inherit a mother-in-law’s Cadillac. As Andrew Sullivan, the (also persistently single) intellectual force behind gay marriage, has written, ‘Including homosexuals within marriage would be a means of conferring the highest form of social approval imaginable.’”[i]
                Make no mistake about it. Redefining marriage will impact our culture. It won’t be today, next week, or next year. It will be in the long-term because ideas have consequences. When you sever the natural tie of marriage to procreation and no longer require that children be attached to their parents, you’re doing violence to a vital institution. Marriages start families and families produce the next generation. This is how we secure and stabilize society. That’s why you can’t take a sledgehammer to the core of civilization – the family – and expect that no harm will come.

This post by Alan Shlemon is part of a Thursday series responding to common challenges pertaining to homosexuality.

“Antidote for Materialism”

      We live in a society that focuses on the gaining of more and more things.  We’re daily bombarded by advertising that tells us that our lives won’t be complete unless we buy what the advertisers are trying to sell.  We see our friends and neighbors with new cars and boats, and we notice an attitude of materialism creeping into our own thinking.  Instead of maintaining an eternal perspective and focusing on God’s gifts to us, we’re looking at the things of the world to bring us satisfaction.
      God doesn’t desire that we go without any comforts of life or that we live in broken down homes and drive beat-up cars.  What He does desire is that we put him first.
      The best way to break loose from the grip of greed and materialism is to give.  “God loves a cheerful giver,” Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 9:7.  One church bulletin added this message: “God loves a cheerful giver, but we will accept from a grouch!”  Giving under pressure, however, bars us from the joy God wants us to experience from giving willingly.
      Paul commended the Macedonian churches because “out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity” (2 Corinthians 8:2).  How was it that people in “extreme poverty” can give with an “abundance of joy”?  The answer is found in verse 5 “…they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us.”
      May we nurtured by God’s Word and Sacrament, be equipped by His Spirit to ignore the world’s pull on our affections so that we will be eager to give as we have been blessed and even beyond.

Oktoberfest--Activities Include: Pumpkin Carving, Bible Study, Fall Nature Hike, and more!
Join us for a time of fellowship and fun!
Where: Camp Wartburg
When: 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
October 15th, 2012
Cost: $40—includes lunch!
RSVP attendance to Camp Wartburg (618.939.7715) by Monday, October 8th.

A Retreat For
Gracefully Aging Adults!

Hosted by the Southern Illinois District & Camp Wartburg

“FANTASTIC! A LIFE-CHANGING EXPERIENCE!”
                That’s what most couples say after attending a Lutheran Marriage Encounter Weekend. In fact, their greatest regret is that they didn’t attend sooner!
                Why? On a Lutheran Marriage Encounter Weekend, couples are gently guided through a communication process that deepens their relationship and communication with each other. They receive not only the gift of greater depth and growth, but also renew and rekindle the sparks they felt for each other when first married.
                Isn’t it time for you to experience new life in your marriage? Whether married 3 years or 50 years, you’ll rediscover the love you have for each other on a Lutheran Marriage Encounter Weekend. In a comfortable and private environment away from family, work, and all the other “stuff” that keeps you from making your relationship a priority, together you can refresh your marriage.
                The next St. Louis area Lutheran Marriage Encounter Weekend is scheduled for November 2-4, 2012, at the Holiday Inn on South Lindbergh Blvd. For more information or to apply, visit GodLovesMarriage.org or contact Tom & Kathy Von Behren at 636-343-9453 or vonbeh@sbcglobal.net. Applications are due October 24! Don’t let yourself miss out on this great event!

The LYF would like to say THANK YOU!!! To everyone who supported the Chicken and Dumplings Dinner and for all the wonderful desserts that were donated. Your kindness is very much appreciated.

We also would like to say a big THANK YOU!!!! To the following people for their extraordinary effort to go above and beyond by pitching in to help with the dinner: Jeff Rowold, Mark Schoenbeck, Red Schoenbeck, and Linda Schoenbeck. Your dedication will always be remembered. God's Blessing to all of you.

LYF UPDATE—Our first meeting will be on Sunday Oct 7th. On that day there will be an LYF gathering at around 11:30 a.m. after church. We will have a short activity, Bible study, and discussion about upcoming activities and fundraisers for our Youth Group.

DONATIONS FOR THE CHILI DINNER FOR SUN. NOV. 4th—In the back of the Church on the table is a signup sheet for donations for tomato juice, tomato sauce and fried hamburger for the Chili Dinner Nov 4th. Please take the can donated items to the kitchen by Oct 28th. The fried hamburger can be taken to the kitchen Saturday November 3rd. All LYF parents and members who want to take part in the youth events that we offer here at St. John Baldwin are asked to help participate at the Chili Dinner.

If you have any questions call or email Fleta Junge: tfjunge@htc.net /call 282-4642 or 618-444-2764.
                                                     
Our Ladies Aid Society belongs to the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League. The LWML has Zone Officers, District Officers and National Officers. The LWML collects mites from each member and distributes this money collected throughout the world for projects of churches, schools, and missions.

Each of our members receive a small mite box where we place our spare change we wish to donate. The LWML Mission Grant for 2010 - 2012 Totaled $58,000.00
These funds were disbursed to Camp Wartburg, Christ Our Rock Lutheran High School at Centralia, Christ Our Savior Lutheran High School at Evansville, International & American Campus Ministry at SIU Carbondale, Lutheran Braille Workers Center here at Baldwin, Metro-East Lutheran High School in Edwardsville, Seminary Student Scholarships of Southern Illinois District, Shared Prison Ministry with Southern Ill. District, SIU Edwardsville Lutheran Campus Ministry and Unity Lutheran Christian Elementary School of East St. Louis. On LWML Sunday, which will be celebrated here on Sept. 30, more information will be given to let you know how you can help meet the mission goals of the LWML by giving us your spare change.

During the past year a few of our members and even others from our community have worked very hard quilting and funds from that project are given back to our church or used for some mission work. Our ladies held a bake sale at the Chicken Dinner to also help raise funds. We received some matching funds from Thrivent and profits were given to help a Seminary Student.
Prior to the chicken dinner our ladies are responsible for organizing and cleaning the kitchen. Some of our ladies spend time making comforters which are distributed through World Relief and given to some local charities also. The ladies aid also likes to keep a few nice comforters on hand to have available in case that someone in our community is in need. Baby Comforters are also made and are given to the Pregnancy Center in Sparta or to other organizations in Belleville called Blankets for Linus.
Over this past year we have given funds to The Randolph County Care Center, Child Fund International, Violence Prevention, Adopt a Seminary Student, Lutheran Bible Translators, Epiphany Gift, donated to the Light and Fuel fund for the church, and given to LWML Grants.
Our members bring an item such as a hand towel or other toiletry item to each meeting and later in the year the items will be wrapped up and given to the Pregnancy Center in Sparta for distribution.
We have a condolence Committee that gathers the ladies to help serve meals after a funeral. On Sept. 4, we served lunch for a Circuit Pastors Conference in Baldwin.
Other committees are the Altar, Flower, Card and quilt
Committee. The Altar Committee consists of our aid members as well as other women from the congregation. Their duties are to change the altar paraments, fill the candles and put out the wine and bread for Communion. The Flower Committee makes sure that there are flowers on the altar. The Card Committee sends greeting cards when needed. The Quilt Committee organizes quilting times.
Our group meets the 1st Thursday of each month at 7:00 p.m. All women of the congregation are invited and encouraged to join us in Christian fellowship.
On Sunday, November 4, 2012, Randolph County Thrivent Chapter will host a Board member election and Rib-eye dinner at St. John Veteran Memorial Hall, 1324 High Street, Chester, IL. A fun day of cards and games starting at 2p.m with dinner at 5pm. A Randolph County Thrivent members are invited to attend. Please RSVP to Mike Welge @ 618-826-5453 or Julie Ratz @ 618-282-3873 or 573-579-3592 by October 26th.

Correction for the Family Fun Night (Oct. 26th) There will be no Bike ride but can still bring costumes and receive treats!

Our Ladies Aid Members are asked to come and help clean our room at the school on Tues. Oct. 2. Bring some buckets and rags and help us get the fall cleaning done. Let's meet at 9 a.m.




St. John Ev. Lutheran Church
P. O. Box 162
Baldwin, IL 62217-0162
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED


































































“Jesus the Good Shepherd Leads Us to Our Heavenly Home” (Psalm 23) Elvera Mahan’s Funeral Sermon (9.27.12)


“Jesus the Good Shepherd Leads Us to Our Heavenly Home” (Psalm 23) Elvera Mahan’s Funeral Sermon
(9.27.12) Pastor John M. Taggatz St. John Lutheran Church Baldwin, IL

1.                         In the name of Jesus.  Amen.  Dear family and friends of Elvera, our thoughts and prayers go out to you as you mourn her death.  But, Elvera wouldn’t want you to grieve as one who doesn’t have any hope.  She would want you to know that she was a baptized child of God, who was brought into God’s Kingdom through water and the power of His Word here in this church at St. John Baldwin on Feb. 19, 1922.  It was there that Elvera was connected to Christ’s sacrifice on the cross for her sins and also raised to new life, just as Christ was raised from the dead.   On her Confirmation Day here at St. John on March 25th, 1934, Elvera came to confess the faith she received in her baptism, that Jesus Christ is her Savior.  On that day she received her confirmation verse from Psalm 145:18-19, 8The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.  19He fulfills the desire of those who fear him; he also hears their cry and saves them.”  Elvera wanted her funeral sermon to be from Psalm 23, which points to the fact that Jesus our Good Shepherd hears our cries for help, as her confirmation verse says, and leads us to everlasting life.  The message is entitled, “Jesus the Good Shepherd Leads Us to Our Heavenly Home.”   Dear family and friends of Elvera.
2.                         Over the past five years I’ve had the privilege of getting to know Elvera and her husband Russell.  I always enjoyed my visits with them and I know that as her pastor I will deeply miss her, but I know that one day, we who believe in Jesus as our Savior & Good Shepherd, will see her again for all eternity in the glories of heaven.  Elvera was a matriarch to her family.  For her, family was always number one, as one can see from the fact that she was married to her husband Russell for 69 years.  She was an organizer and planner; I’ve seen that full well in the Church Record Book she translated from German into English along with her sister Emma in the early 1980s.  The church greatly thanks her for that work she and her sister did.  Elvera loved to plan family gatherings where she would have a slip & slide ready for the children to use before slip and slides were even invented.  She would plan hay rides too for these family gatherings along with homemade chicken noodle soup.  Her and her husband Russell would tell me about the travels they had taken across the world to Africa, Australia, and other parts of the United States. Elvera enjoyed music and dancing and even had her own Country Western Band where many people remember her playing her signature song, “Behind the Barn.”  Many family members still remember the Christmas carols she would sing with them while playing the accordion in celebration of our Savior’s birth.  Elvera showed her dedication to her family after her daughter Diane died when she drove many, many times to take care of her grandchildren, David & Catherine.   
3.                         As her pastor I always appreciated being able to give to Elvera & her husband Russell our Lord’s body and blood in the Sacrament of Holy Communion for the forgiveness of her sins.  She and her husband Russell truly did want to hear God’s Word and receive the gifts of forgiveness, life and salvation that our Lord Jesus Christ the Good Shepherd freely gives. 
4.                         As I said before, Elvera had asked that her funeral sermon be from Psalm 23.  Let me read it to you again, 1The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.  3He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 4Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
5.                         Why does God compare us as His people to sheep and Himself as our Good Shepherd?  After all, sheep are helpless animals.  They can’t outwit their enemies.  They don’t have sharp hoofs to ward off an enemy’s attack.  They don’t have sharp teeth to tear at the flesh of an attacking animal.  They don’t have great speed to outrun their predators.  They really have only one means of defense.  That’s their shepherd.  If it were not for the faithful shepherd, the sheep would perish.  I guess it’s no coincidence then that God’s Word compares us with sheep.  We, too, are helpless, the Bible tells us that we were conceived and born sinful from birth and we could do nothing on our own power to earn God’s forgiveness for our sin.  We were at one time spiritually dead in trespasses and sins, helpless and destitute, but Jesus our Good Shepherd through His death and resurrection has raised us up through the hearing of His Word and the Sacrament of Baptism and made us one of His sheep.  Elvera knew this and that’s why she took confidence in the baptism that she received here at St. John and the hearing of Jesus her Good Shepherd’s Word for the forgiveness of her sins and eternal life. Elvera knew that in and of ourselves we can’t stand against the attacks of the devil, the world, and our own sinful flesh.  If it weren’t for the constant care of our Good Shepherd Jesus, we too would perish.
6.                         It’s for good reason that Jesus is called “The Good Shepherd.”  The prophet Ezekiel foretold the fact that the shepherd of God’s people would be a king descended from the line of King David in Ezekiel 34.  Zechariah prophesied that this shepherd Jesus would be struck down (13:7), sold for 30 pieces of silver, (11:2) and pierced through His side (12:10).  All of this coincides with the words of Jesus in John 10:11, “I am the Good Shepherd.  The Good Shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”  Elvera knew that Jesus her Good Shepherd died for her so that she could have eternal life in Him, and not just for her soul, but for her body as well, when Jesus comes in glory at the End of the Age to raise her body from the dead so she will be with the Lord for all eternity in heaven in both soul and body.  This promise is for all who believe in Jesus as their Good Shepherd who laid down His life for them, His sheep.  And, Jesus not only cares for His flock’s physical needs, he has taken care of our greatest need, the need for the forgiveness.  He did this by His death on the cross and His resurrection from the dead.
7.                         Even though Jesus’ lifeless body was in the grave for a brief time, He rose from the dead triumphant on the third day.  And we too, the members of His flock, have the assurance that Jesus lives to preserve us as His own until we stand with Him in heaven.  And, we will be with Elvera too in a reunion that will have no end on account of the faith we have in Jesus as our Savior as St. Paul promises us in 1 Thessalonians 4There in heaven we’ll see the glorious vision of St. John fulfilled from Rev. 7:17, “For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water.  And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” 
8.                         When we become frightened by the troubles in our lives, by the death of our loved ones, like our dear sister in the faith Elvera, and our own frailty and mortality, let us as the sheep of Jesus our Good Shepherd turn our eyes to Him.  For Jesus says to us, just as He promised Elvera all the days of her earthly life, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.  I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand.” (John 10:29).
9.                         Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, know that as your Good Shepherd, Jesus guides you, He feeds you, and He gives you rest. He leads us through his Holy Word, where we find nourishment and rest for our souls. He guides us in the paths of righteousness, which lead to eternal life, as He has done for our dear sister in the faith, Elvera. These paths of righteousness are not our own righteousness and good works but the way to eternal life opened by Christ’s righteousness.  Our Good Shepherd Jesus gives us rest when He delivers us from the burden of sin and from our pointless efforts to save ourselves by our own works. Jesus says to us, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). His Word revives our souls whenever the assurance of forgiveness brings peace and joy to our hearts.
10.                     This brings us to the final verse of this psalm. Our Good Shepherd brings us all the way from the green pastures and still waters to His Heavenly Father’s house.Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” In John 14:2–3 the Lord Jesus says to us, “… I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” We have a wonderful Shepherd in Jesus.  Elvera knew this and trusted her salvation in Him, and she wanted you to hear this wonderful message as well, that’s why she wanted her funeral sermon based on Psalm 23. If you can say, “The Lord is my shepherd,” through the faith you received in your baptism and the hearing of His Holy Word, then you can be sure that all the wonderful promises of this psalm are yours.  You can be assured that you will join Elvera and all the sheep of God in the glories of heaven to sing praises to the Lamb who was slain and rose again for all eternity.  What a wonderful reunion without any end it will be!  Amen.