Pastor John M. Taggatz, Carol Wentz, Secretary
November, 2009 Lela Rehmer, Custodian Kevin Kahle, Groundskeeper
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Serving on the Altar Guild for November are: Diane Luthy & Marla Huebner
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Ushers for the Month of November are:
Gary Huebner, Leland Junge, Tony Junge, Carl Laufer, Gene Luthy, Corey Roscow & Mark Schoenbeck
September, 2009
TOTAL RECEIPTS $10, 682.77
Total Personnel Expenses 4,838.73
Parochial School Tuition 1,432.00
District-Synod Missions 1,994.00
Operating & Misc. Expenses 3,476.51
TOTAL EXPENSES 11,741.24
ENDING BALANCE 20,610.82
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 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.
“Why Go to Church?”
Answering the Common Misconceptions about Church Part 2…
“Is the Church Full of Hypocrites?”
In this article we continue to talk about the common misconceptions that people have about church, specifically trying to answer the excuse people often use for not going to church, which is, “I don’t need to go to church, after all the church is full of hypocrites.” Hopefully after reading this article you will have another answer to give to someone as to why going to church is important for a Christian’s life in Christ.
About thirty years ago, Archie Parrish, who at that time led the Evangelism Explosion (EE) program in Fort Lauderdale , FL
The term hypocrite came from the world of Greek drama. It was used to describe the masks that the players used to dramatize certain roles. Even today, the theater is symbolized by the twin masks of comedy and tragedy. In ancient times, certain players played more than one role, and they indicated their role by holding a mask in front of their face. That’s the origin of the concept of hypocrisy.
But the charge that the church is full of hypocrites is false. Though no Christian achieves the full measure of sanctification in this life, that we all struggle with ongoing sin doesn’t automatically bring the verdict of hypocrisy. A hypocrite is someone who does things he claims he doesn’t do. Outside observers of the Christian church see people who profess to be Christians and observe that they sin. Since they see sin in the lives of Christians, they rush to the judgment that these people are hypocrites. If a person claims to be without sin and then demonstrates sin, that person must be a hypocrite. But for a Christian simply to demonstrate that he’s a sinner doesn’t convict him of hypocrisy.
The logic goes something like this: All hypocrites are sinners. John is a sinner; therefore, John is a hypocrite. Anyone who knows the laws of logic knows that this premise isn’t valid. If we would simply change the charge from “the church is full of hypocrites” to “the church is full of sinners,” we would be quick to plead guilty. The church is the only institution I know of that requires an admission of being a sinner in order to be a member. The church is filled with sinners because the church is the place where sinners who confess their sins come to find redemption from their sins. So in this sense, simply because the church is filled with sinners doesn’t justify the conclusion that the church is filled with hypocrites. Again, all hypocrisy is sin, but not all sin is the sin of hypocrisy.
When we look at the problem of hypocrisy in the New Testament era, we see it most clearly displayed in the lives of those who claimed to be the most righteous. The Pharisees were a group of people who by definition saw themselves as separated from the sinfulness of the masses. They began seeking a life of devoted godliness and submission to the law of God. However, when their behavior failed to reach their ideals, they began to engage in deception. They pretended they were more righteous than they were. They gave an outward facade of righteousness, which merely served to conceal a radical corruption in their lives.
Though the church isn’t filled with hypocrites, there’s no denying that hypocrisy is a sin that’s not limited to New Testament Pharisees. It’s a sin that Christians must struggle with. A high standard of righteous behavior has been set for the church. We often are embarrassed by our failures to reach these high goals and are inclined to pretend that we’ve reached a higher righteousness than we’ve actually attained. When we do that, we put on the mask of the hypocrite and come under the judgment of God for that particular sin. When we find ourselves entangled in this type of deception, an alarm bell should go off in our brains that we need to rush back to the cross and to Christ and to understand where our true righteousness resides. We have to find in Christ, not a mask that conceals our face, but an entire wardrobe of clothing, which is His righteousness. It’s only under the guise of the righteousness of Christ, received by faith, that any of us can ever have a hope of standing before a holy God. To wear the garments of Christ in faith is not an act of hypocrisy. It is an act of redemption.
The term hypocrite came from the world of Greek drama. It was used to describe the masks that the players used to dramatize certain roles. Even today, the theater is symbolized by the twin masks of comedy and tragedy. In ancient times, certain players played more than one role, and they indicated their role by holding a mask in front of their face. That’s the origin of the concept of hypocrisy.
But the charge that the church is full of hypocrites is false. Though no Christian achieves the full measure of sanctification in this life, that we all struggle with ongoing sin doesn’t automatically bring the verdict of hypocrisy. A hypocrite is someone who does things he claims he doesn’t do. Outside observers of the Christian church see people who profess to be Christians and observe that they sin. Since they see sin in the lives of Christians, they rush to the judgment that these people are hypocrites. If a person claims to be without sin and then demonstrates sin, that person must be a hypocrite. But for a Christian simply to demonstrate that he’s a sinner doesn’t convict him of hypocrisy.
The logic goes something like this: All hypocrites are sinners. John is a sinner; therefore, John is a hypocrite. Anyone who knows the laws of logic knows that this premise isn’t valid. If we would simply change the charge from “the church is full of hypocrites” to “the church is full of sinners,” we would be quick to plead guilty. The church is the only institution I know of that requires an admission of being a sinner in order to be a member. The church is filled with sinners because the church is the place where sinners who confess their sins come to find redemption from their sins. So in this sense, simply because the church is filled with sinners doesn’t justify the conclusion that the church is filled with hypocrites. Again, all hypocrisy is sin, but not all sin is the sin of hypocrisy.
When we look at the problem of hypocrisy in the New Testament era, we see it most clearly displayed in the lives of those who claimed to be the most righteous. The Pharisees were a group of people who by definition saw themselves as separated from the sinfulness of the masses. They began seeking a life of devoted godliness and submission to the law of God. However, when their behavior failed to reach their ideals, they began to engage in deception. They pretended they were more righteous than they were. They gave an outward facade of righteousness, which merely served to conceal a radical corruption in their lives.
Though the church isn’t filled with hypocrites, there’s no denying that hypocrisy is a sin that’s not limited to New Testament Pharisees. It’s a sin that Christians must struggle with. A high standard of righteous behavior has been set for the church. We often are embarrassed by our failures to reach these high goals and are inclined to pretend that we’ve reached a higher righteousness than we’ve actually attained. When we do that, we put on the mask of the hypocrite and come under the judgment of God for that particular sin. When we find ourselves entangled in this type of deception, an alarm bell should go off in our brains that we need to rush back to the cross and to Christ and to understand where our true righteousness resides. We have to find in Christ, not a mask that conceals our face, but an entire wardrobe of clothing, which is His righteousness. It’s only under the guise of the righteousness of Christ, received by faith, that any of us can ever have a hope of standing before a holy God. To wear the garments of Christ in faith is not an act of hypocrisy. It is an act of redemption.
See You in Church,
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Pastor Taggatz
Do You Have a Question? There are tracts in the narthex that may be able to help… Take a moment as you come into church to check out the Lutheran Hour Ministries tract rack. These pamphlets are free for you to take home. You may see one that would be interesting, maybe not for yourself, but for a friend or relative who is experiencing or questioning a particular topic.
New topics are added throughout the year. The newest pamphlet added to the rack is entitled, “Why do Bad Things Happen?” If you are interested in a particular subject that’s not on the rack, please contact Pastor Taggatz.
Bids for Lawn Mowing and Janitorial Services are to be given to the head Trustee Dennis Wegener before the November 22nd Annual Meeting. For the mowing estimate bids should include what it will cost per week to mow at the church and the cemetery.
Please remember to contact the church office by no later than Wednesday morning of the week that you plan on having something in the bulletin for FLOWERS ON THE ALTAR or SPONSORING THE BULLETIN.
Welcome to our new member Curtis Ryan Baginski!!! Curtis was brought into membership here at St. John St. Paul
Celebration of Holy Baptism— On Sunday Oct. 18th we thank God that He brought into His Heavenly Kingdom Sidney Everett Pautler, the daughter of Joe & Dallas Pautler, through the waters of Holy Baptism! Praise God that another name has been written in God’s Book of Life (Revelation 3:5)!!!
We Remember in Our Prayers— We pray for Clinton Bremer & Russell Mahan who currently are undergoing some medical problems, and for John Eggerding, Linda Nagel & Max, the uncle of Laura Conway, and for Pastor Tim Weiser, all who are battling serious illnesses. We pray for Pastor Arnold Wagner, as he recovers from surgery that he had at Barnes Jewish Hospital. We pray for Isaac Moll, who recently broke his leg that God would grant him healing and for Clifford Luthy, as he recovers from hospitalization. We pray for Alberta Erdmann, Larry Erdmann’s mother, who had some recent medical procedures done. We pray for Richard Brillhart & Deedee Thibodaeux, friends of Curtis Baginski, who are both battling some heart problems. We pray for Lucy Higgins, the sister of John Nieweglowski, that God would grant her healing. We also pray for all those in our congregation who are without current employment, that God would enable them to stand up under his everlasting arms in this time of trial and that He would graciously, according to His will, find new employment for them.
If you would like your High Five donations to COSLHS to count toward your taxes please be sure to put your offering envelope number on your donation so we can record it to your account.
Do You Have an Extra Bible or Devotional Resources? If you have an extra Bible or other devotional resources that you aren’t currently using would you consider donating them for our Southern Illinois District Pastors who are going into the prisons for prison ministry? They will use these Bibles to distribute God’s Word and devotional materials to men and women inmates who so badly need to hear God’s Word of salvation for them. If you have a Bible or some other devotional resource please drop it by the church office or call the church office for further details.
God’s Gifts
“We give Thee but Thine own, Whate’er the gift may be:
All that we have is Thine alone, A trust, O Lord, from Thee.”
It is obvious that there is nothing we can give to the Lord that is our own. Our bodies, our mental faculties, our individual talents and abilities—these have been given to us by God.
The food we grow comes from seed created by the Lord, planted in soil provided by the Lord, nurtured by the warmth and light of the sun given by the Lord, and watered by the rain sent by the Lord.
The goods and produce we manufacture with our hands and machines are made possible through abilities given by God, just as Moses reminded the Israelites. “But remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you the ability to produce wealth. . .” (Deuteronomy 8:18). The benefits from our occupations are blessings received from God. God gives us the abilities, and we have the responsibility to use His gifts with energy and wisdom. God makes our income and wealth possible.
When we contribute to our church we are simply returning to God what He has already entrusted to us. “What do you have that you did not first receive? (1 Corinthians 4:7). We have nothing to give Him that is our own. If God in His wisdom determines to give us much, much will be expected of us (Luke 12:48 ).
God gave—this is the reason for our being and our giving. He gave His all—Jesus Christ so that we might have abundant life. We find this life by losing our lives in total commitment to God through Christ.
Stewardship is an open hand to receive God’s gift of love and an extended hand to share it with others. Your willingness to share your time, talent, and treasure is the measure of your gratitude and commitment to Christ. During this Thanksgiving Season, may God help all of us live with an attitude of gratitude for who God is and what He has done and continues to do for us.
Giving: an Obligation or Opportunity
As the Apostle Paul traveled to churches, he collected offerings for the Christians in Jerusalem Jerusalem
Does someone who views giving as an obligation plead for the opportunity to give? Probably not. When giving is an obligation, we will give, but giving as an obligation will not give us the joy or the attitude of pleading for the privilege to give as the Macedonians had. As God’s people, we have both an obligation and an opportunity. Scripture is clear that we are called to give. Paul said, “On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made” (1 Corinthians 16:2).
Giving is an obligation, but, just as God changed the hearts and minds of the Macedonian people, He changes us so we view our giving as an opportunity rather than an obligation. As renewed and transformed people, our attitudes toward giving change from a “got to” to a “get to” attitude. We stop giving grudgingly, and we start to excel in the grace of giving by giving willingly and cheerfully. We want to give, because giving is an expression of our love and gratitude to God for Who He is and what He does for us. The more we give of ourselves and our gifts the closer our relationship with Christ becomes and the more we want to give, and the more God blesses us, enabling our continued giving. “You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God” (2 Corinthians 9:11 ). We thank God that He fills us daily with His love so that we as members of His Body here at our church see giving as a privilege and an opportunity to praise and thank Him.
Excel in the Grace of Giving”
On Sundays November 8th, November 15th, and November 22nd, our worship theme will be “Excel in the Grace of Giving.” I hope you will make every effort to be present on all three Sundays. During the second Sunday service, we will introduce a giving challenge titled “Give Plus One.”
As your pastor, I hope and pray that the messages offered will help us in our journeys as faithful and generous stewards. By the power of the Holy Spirit through Word and Sacrament, we are molded and transformed into stewards who follow God’s ways and become more Christ-like in our giving. As Christians, we are motivated to give by the gift of God’s grace through His Son. With hearts filled with God’s love and grace, we can give faithfully.
Giving is our faith response to God’s gifts. God wants us to give willingly and cheerfully out of hearts filled with love and gratitude for our present and eternal lives. We also give out of obedience because God’s Word directs us to give. The Apostle Paul said, “But just as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us—see that you also excel in this grace of giving” (2 Corinthians 8:7). Just as Paul urged the people in Corinth
The themes of the Sunday morning Bible studies during these three weeks will be:
“Why Christians Give”
“Outrageous Giving”
“Principles of Giving”
Please bring your commitment forms to church on Commitment Sunday November 22nd, or return them to the church office at your convenience (the form is directly below this article in the newsletter).
May God bless and keep us in His peace and joy as we give to Him!
My Commitment for the Lord
(For our Stewardship Emphasis Nov. 8th-Nov. 22nd)
Lord, grant me faith to “Excel in the Grace of Giving.”
Please return top portion
to the church.
1 I (we) promise to worship regularly.
1 I (we) commit to diligent study in God’s Word.
1Regular group Bible study 1 Personal and/or family devotions
1 I (we) will commit to praying for the mission and ministry of my church.
1 I (we) will faithfully and cheerfully give the following amount:
My (our) firstfruit offering percentage _____________%.
$__________per week, totaling $ ___________annually.
1 I (we) can’t make a financial commitment at this time, but will support and pray for the work of the Lord.
NAME(S):__________________________________________________Please return card to the church (please print) office or drop in the offering plate.
My Commitment for the Lord
Lord, grant me faith to “Excel in the Grace of Giving.”
1 I (we) promise to worship regularly.
1 I (we) commit to diligent study in God’s Word.:
1 Regular Bible study
1 Personal and/or family devotions
1 I (we) will commit to praying for the mission and ministry of my church.
1 I (we) will faithfully and cheefully give the following amount:
My (our) firstfruit offering percentage _____________%.
$_____________ per week, totaling $____________annually.
1 I (we) can’t make a financial commitment at this time, but will support and pray for the work of the Lord.
Please bring card with you on Commitment Sunday
or mail it to the church office.
| Please detach and keep for your records rererecords |
Please be sure to sign the attendance pads during each worship service as it helps us keep track for not only our records, but also for Synods. Also so we can keep track of who has been receiving Holy Communion as that is
also sent to the Synod.
CHRISTOLOGICAL, CREEDAL, CONFESSIONAL...Issues, Etc. is a radio talk show produced by Lutheran Public Radio and hosted by LCMS Pastor Todd Wilken. Topics include: Prayer, Same-Sex Civil Unions, Conspiracy Theories, the Emergent Church Movement, "The Lost Symbol" by Dan Brown and more. You can listen LIVE weekdays from 4-5 p.m. on KSIV, 1320 AM in St. Louis
Disaster News
LCMS World Relief and Human Care is working with U.S. Asia :
1. Earthquake in Indonesia Sumatra and working with Protestant Christian Batak Church (HKBP) – a partner since the 2004 tsunami devastated Southeast Asia .
2. Tsunami in Samoa : A powerful tsunami crashed into Samoa and American Samoa
3. Flood in the Philippines
4. Typhoon in Taiwan Taiwan
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Pray! Please pray for those in harm’s way, who have lost loved ones, homes, and livelihoods. Please pray that Lutheran disaster response efforts touch many lives with God’s hope and mercy.
Connect! To learn more, visit www.lcms.org/worldrelief.
Give! Donations are urgently needed! Your gifts will allow continued disaster response efforts in Asia .
• Mail checks to LCMS World Relief and Human Care, noting “SE Asia
Storm and Earthquake Relief” to:
LCMS World Relief and Human Care
• Phone toll-free 888-930-4438
• Online at http://givenowlcms.org
Any funds not needed for this relief effort will be used for other disaster purposes as determined by LCMS World Relief and Human Care. Your gift is tax deductable to the extent permitted by law.
Also the LYF will be meeting on Sunday Nov. 29th to set up the Christmas Decorations in the Church immediately following the Church service…
LYF UPDATE— The LYF will be selling buckets of Cookie Dough through June 2010 for $15.00 a bucket to earn money for the Youth Gathering next summer. There will be an order sheet on the table at the back of the church.
The LYF will also be selling Rada Knives during the Season of Advent just in time for Christmas. Be watching for further details.
Sunday School News—The Sunday School children will be singing on Sunday Nov. 22nd in church the song, “This is the Day.” Please be sure to bring your Sunday School children to church so that they can sing on that day.
Also, the children will begin practicing for the Sunday School Christmas Program after church on (practice will be from 11:15am-12:15pm ):
-Sunday Nov. 8th
-Sunday Nov. 15th
-Sunday Nov. 22nd
-Sunday Dec. 6th
-Sunday Dec. 13th
-Sunday Dec. 20th
The Sunday School teacher was describing how Lot's wife looked back and turned into a pillar of salt, when little Jason interrupted, 'My Mommy looked back once while she was driving,' he announced triumphantly, 'and she turned into a telephone pole!'
GOOD SAMARITAN
A Sunday school teacher was telling her class the story of the Good Samaritan. She asked the class, 'If you saw a person lying on the roadside, all wounded and bleeding, what would you do?' A thoughtful little girl broke the hushed silence, 'I think I'd throw up.'
DID NOAH FISH?
A Sunday school teacher asked, 'Johnny, do you think Noah did a lot of fishing when he was on theArk
GOOD SAMARITAN
A Sunday school teacher was telling her class the story of the Good Samaritan. She asked the class, 'If you saw a person lying on the roadside, all wounded and bleeding, what would you do?' A thoughtful little girl broke the hushed silence, 'I think I'd throw up.'
DID NOAH FISH?
A Sunday school teacher asked, 'Johnny, do you think Noah did a lot of fishing when he was on the
HIGHER POWER
A Sunday school teacher said to her children, 'We have been learning how powerful kings and queens were in Bible times. But, there is a Higher Power Can any body tell me what it is?' One child blurted out, 'Aces!'
MOSES AND THERED SEA
Nine-year-old Joey was asked by his mother what he had learned in Sunday School. 'Well, Mom, our teacher told us how God sent Moses behind enemy Lines on a rescue mission to lead the Israelites out ofEgypt Red Sea , he had his army build a pontoon bridge and all the people walked across safely. Then he radioed headquarters for reinforcements. They sent bombers to blow up the bridge and all the Israelites were saved.'
'Now, Joey, is that really what your teacher taught you?' his Mother asked 'Well, no, Mom. But, if I told it the way the teacher did, you'd never believe it!'
A Sunday school teacher said to her children, 'We have been learning how powerful kings and queens were in Bible times. But, there is a Higher Power Can any body tell me what it is?' One child blurted out, 'Aces!'
MOSES AND THE
Nine-year-old Joey was asked by his mother what he had learned in Sunday School. 'Well, Mom, our teacher told us how God sent Moses behind enemy Lines on a rescue mission to lead the Israelites out of
'Now, Joey, is that really what your teacher taught you?' his Mother asked 'Well, no, Mom. But, if I told it the way the teacher did, you'd never believe it!'
THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD
A Sunday School teacher decided to have her young class memorize One of the most quoted passages in the Bible - Psalm 23. She gave the youngsters a month to learn the chapter. Little Rick was excited about the task - but he just couldn't remember the Psalm. After much practice, he could barely get past the first line. On the day that the kids were scheduled to recite Psalm 23 in front of the congregation, Ricky was so nervous. When it was his turn, he stepped up to the microphone and said proudly, 'The Lord is my Shepherd, and that's all I need to know.'
UNANSWERED PRAYER
The preacher's 5 year-old daughter noticed that her father always paused and bowed his head for a moment before starting his sermon. One day, she asked him why. 'Well, Honey,' he began, proud that his daughter was so observant of his messages. 'I'm asking the Lord to help me preach a good sermon.' 'How come He doesn't answer it?' she asked.
UNANSWERED PRAYER
The preacher's 5 year-old daughter noticed that her father always paused and bowed his head for a moment before starting his sermon. One day, she asked him why. 'Well, Honey,' he began, proud that his daughter was so observant of his messages. 'I'm asking the Lord to help me preach a good sermon.' 'How come He doesn't answer it?' she asked.
BEING THANKFUL
A Rabbi said to a precocious six-year-old boy, 'So your mother says your prayers for you each night? That's very commendable. What does She say?' The little boy replied, 'Thank God he's in bed!'
UNTIMELY ANSWERED PRAYER
During the minister's prayer one Sunday, there was a loud whistle from one of the back pews. Tommy's mother was horrified. She pinched him into silence and, after church, asked, 'Tommy, whatever made you do such a thing?'
A Rabbi said to a precocious six-year-old boy, 'So your mother says your prayers for you each night? That's very commendable. What does She say?' The little boy replied, 'Thank God he's in bed!'
UNTIMELY ANSWERED PRAYER
During the minister's prayer one Sunday, there was a loud whistle from one of the back pews. Tommy's mother was horrified. She pinched him into silence and, after church, asked, 'Tommy, whatever made you do such a thing?'
Tommy answered, soberly, 'I asked God to teach me to whistle, and He did!'
TIME TO PRAY
A pastor asked a little boy if he said his prayers every night. 'Yes, sir,' the boy replied. 'And, do you always say them in the morning,too?' the pastor asked. 'No sir,' the boy replied. 'I ain't scared in the daytime.'
A pastor asked a little boy if he said his prayers every night. 'Yes, sir,' the boy replied. 'And, do you always say them in the morning,too?' the pastor asked. 'No sir,' the boy replied. 'I ain't scared in the daytime.'
ALL MEN / ALL GIRLS
When my daughter, Kelli, said her bedtime prayers, she would bless every family member, every friend, and every animal (current and past). For several weeks, after we had finished the nightly prayer, Kelli would say, 'And all girls.' This soon became part of her nightly routine, to include this closing. My curiosity got the best of me and I asked her, 'Kelli, why do you always add the part about all girls?'
Her response, 'Because everybody always finish their prayers by saying 'All Men'!'
SAY A PRAYER
Little Johnny and his family were having Sunday dinner at his Grandmother's house. Everyone was seated around the table as the food was being served. When Little Johnny received his plate, he started eating right away.
'Johnny! Please wait until we say our prayer.' said his mother. 'I don't need to,' the boy replied. 'Of course, you do,' his mother insisted. 'We always say a prayer before eating at our house.' 'That's at our house,' Johnny explained 'But this is Grandma's house and she knows how to cook!'
Little Johnny and his family were having Sunday dinner at his Grandmother's house. Everyone was seated around the table as the food was being served. When Little Johnny received his plate, he started eating right away.
'Johnny! Please wait until we say our prayer.' said his mother. 'I don't need to,' the boy replied. 'Of course, you do,' his mother insisted. 'We always say a prayer before eating at our house.' 'That's at our house,' Johnny explained 'But this is Grandma's house and she knows how to cook!'
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.
New LUTHERANS FOR LIFE Chapter—If you would like to be involved in future meetings/events, or if you have any questions, please contact Jennifer Becker-Roscow at 618-282-5343 or mroscow@htc.net.
BIBLE STUDIES—
Monday Night (7pm )
“The Book of Daniel”
Location: School
Lead By: Pastor Taggatz
This course will focus on the Old Testament book of Daniel. Here we will learn that the Book of Daniel is a type of apocalyptic literature that became common among Jewish people at the close of the Old Testament era. As an apocalyptic book, Daniel has certain features in common with similar works, including Revelation and many non biblical writings. In this study we’ll learn how God communicates to us His message of judgment and salvation found in Jesus Christ our Lord and we will learn to appreciate the Book of Daniel’s message as one of encouragement to remain steadfast in the Christian faith.
Sunday Mornings (8:45 a.m. )
“1 Corinthians”
Location: Church
Lead By: Pastor Taggatz
In this Bible class we will be looking at Paul’s 1st Letter to the Christian church in Corinth Corinth
Emma Rehmer
New Athens , IL 62264
Edmund Buch Zuehla Rowold
Red Bud Nursing Home 202 W. Chestnut
350 W. South 1st Baldwin , IL
Red Bud , IL 62278
| Church Council Minutes |
Present: Pastor Taggatz, Marvin Liefer, Connie Buch, Brian Schoenbeck, Bob Wirth, Dennis Wegener, Mark Schoenbeck, Terry Rehmer, Darla Porter, Dave Stahre, SuSan Piel, Fleta Junge, and Gene Luthy.
The meeting was called to order by Pres. Terry Rehmer.
Opening devotions were given by Pastor Taggatz.
The minutes from the previous meeting were read and approved.
Financial Secretary's Report: Total receipts for September, 2009, $10,682.77.
Treasurer's Report: Ending monthly balance for September, 2009, $20,610.82.
Spiritual Ministries: Curtis Baginski request transfer from St Paul
Church Properties:
Steeple repair is complete.
Upon clean up after gym rental or use, it is asked that the tables be cleaned, but left standing. This is to provided adequate drying. If the tables are put away wet, mold is an issue.
Pricing for "Reserved" seating signs for church pews from CPH is as follows:
Signs similar to our current ones are $25.00 per sign. Cheaper version is $6.50.
Stewardship:
Next meeting is scheduled for October 29th to prepare for the Annual Stewardship Drive. The Stewardship Drive
Lutheran Youth Fellowship:
Next meeting is scheduled for October 25th following the church service. The Chili Dinner with Bake Sale is scheduled for November 1st. The youth are grateful for any donations for the Bake Sale. There is a sign up sheet in the back of the church for donations to the Chili Dinner.
The youth will decorate the church on November 29th for Christmas.
Pastor's Report:
PASTORAL ACTS for the month of September & October
PALS (Post-Seminary Applied Learning and Support) MEETING—meeting on Thur. Oct. 22nd…(this will be my 3rd year of belonging to this, also my last year)
-Attended the COSLHS Board Meeting on Thur. Oct. 8th).
-Am on the COSLHS Call Committee and have met on Sun. Sept. 20th and Sun. Oct. 11th
-4th Wednesday of the month @ 2pm leading worship at Randolph County Care Center
-5 Hospital Visits & 14 Homebound visits…
-Circuit Forum—Sun. Sept. 27th
-5 Counseling sessions
-I did chapel at Trinity Lutheran on Wed. Sept. 30th
-I had chapel at COSLHS on Thur. Oct. 8th
- Pastor’s Circuit Conference Oct. 5th-7th in Rend Lake
BAPTISMS—
-Sidney Everett Pautler (daughter of Dallas & Joe Pautler) will be baptized on Sun. Oct. 18th
Pastor encourages attendance to the Bible studies.
Thank you to all who helped with planning, preparations, and clean up at the 125th Anniversary celebration. Church attendance was 192. Approximately 175 people attended the dinner.
Special prayer request for Pastor Arnold Wagner who is battling stomach cancer.
The Sunday School students will be singing in church on October 25th, November 22nd, and January 24th. Pastor and Traci Liefer continue to work on the Christmas Eve Program.
Ray Hill has stepped down as the interim Principal at COSLHS due to health reasons. The new interim Principal is Ann Ryherd, a teacher at the high school.
Vacation request for Pastor was granted by the council for December 27th following the church service through December 31st. No church services will be missed.
Lay Delegate for the 2010 National LCMS Convention—Larry Erdmann was voted to be our Lay Delegate for our circuit to the 2010 National LCMS Convention in Houston , TX
Old Business:
New Business:
Bids for Custodial Duties (yearly) and Lawn Mowing (per mowing) for 2010 are now being accepted. Pleae contact a Trustee to submit your bid(s).
The Annual Meeting is scheduled for the fourth Sunday in November, November 22nd at 7:00 p.m.
(This was a change that was voted on at last year’s Annual meeting)
Pres. Terry is currently working on the Budget Committee.
Motion was made to adjourn.
The meeting was closed with prayer.
CHRIST OUR SAVIOR LUTHERAN
HIGH SCHOOL
Thrivent Matching Funds: Matching funds will be coming to an end shortly. Make your donation to the school before funds are depleted. New program information will soon be available.
Sports: The school is looking for coaches for girls and boys basketball teams. We are also looking for an Athletic Director. Call the school at 618 853 7300 or Jim Carroll at 618 201 1993.
Coming Events: Smoked pork butts are being sold for $22.00. They are 7-9 pounds and can be picked up on Nov. 14, in time for Thanksgiving. Please call the school by Nov.1 to order. 618 853 7300
Music Extravaganza: The music show that is being set up for November 7th, 2009 will be a fun time! We have several bands and music groups lined up: Blend, Jessie’s gang, Donnie Salger and friends, Joy N Jesus, and more. Please mark your calendar and plan to spend the day with us. Music of all kinds, great food, and fellowship are the order of the day.
Administrator: We are gathering names for the call list for administrator at COSLHS. If you wish to submit a name for consideration please give it to the school office.
Wish List: VHS/DVD tape players; coolers,
Prayer requests for:
● Students, staff, and teachers of COSLHS.
● All who are sick, hurting, or just need prayers
● The congregations and their members as they consider
their part in the continued “Walk of Faith” program to raise funds for our operating expenses..
ARTICLE XXVI
The Distinction of Meats
Introductory Note: Choosing not to eat particular foods, or any food at all, at particular times or on particular occasions is entirely a matter of Christian freedom. By the time of the Reformation, however, the Church had devised complex regulations commanding abstinence from certain foods on certain days. Church teaching misled people into believing that by following such regulations they merited God’s grace and favor. Such a theory is entirely contrary to the Gospel, overturns the all-sufficient merit of Jesus Christ, and replaces Him with human works. Contrived laws such as these placed enormous burdens on the common people, who frequently considered themselves less spiritual than the monks and nuns who adhered to these dietary regulations very closely. Bodily discipline and working to curb one’s sinful desires is entirely appropriate and necessary, but never is it to be suggested that such activities earn God’s grace. In highlighting the issue of dietary restrictions, the Augsburg Confession once more repeats that Lutherans do not do away with good traditions and practices, such as the order of Bible readings in the Communion Service, but only such things as take away from the Gospel. (See also SA III XV.)
Not only the people, but also those teaching in the churches, have generally been persuaded to believe in making distinctions between meats, and similar human traditions. They believe these are useful works for meriting grace and are able to make satisfaction for sins. From this there developed the view that new ceremonies, new orders, new holy days, and new fastings were instituted daily. Teachers in the Church required these works as a necessary service to merit grace. They greatly terrified people’s consciences when they left any of these things out. Because of this viewpoint, the Church has suffered great damage.
First, the chief part of the Gospel—the doctrine of grace and of the righteousness of faith—has been obscured by this view. The Gospel should stand out as the most prominent teaching in the Church, in order that Christ’s merit may be well known and faith, which believes that sins are forgiven for Christ’s sake, be exalted far above works. Therefore, Paul also lays the greatest stress on this article, putting aside the Law and human traditions, in order to show that Christian righteousness is something other than such works [Romans 14:17]. Christian righteousness is the faith that believes that sins are freely forgiven for Christ’s sake. But this doctrine of Paul has been almost completely smothered by traditions, which have produced the opinion that we must merit grace and righteousness by making distinctions in meats and similar services. When repentance was taught, there was no mention made of faith. Only works of satisfaction were set forth. And so repentance seemed to stand entirely on these works.
Second, these traditions have hindered God’s commandments, because traditions were placed far above God’s commandments. Christianity was thought to stand wholly on the observance of certain holy days, rites, fasts, and vestments. These observances won the exalted title of the “spiritual life” and the “perfect life.” Meanwhile, God’s commandments, according to each one’s vocation, or calling, were without honor. These works include a father raising his children, a mother bearing children, a prince governing the commonwealth—these were considered to be worldly and thus imperfect works, far below the glittering observances of the Church. This error greatly tormented people with devout consciences. They grieved that they were held in an imperfect state of life, as in marriage, in the office of ruler, or in other civil services. They admired the monks and others like them. They falsely thought that these people’s observances were more acceptable to God.
Third, traditions brought great danger to consciences. It was impossible to keep all traditions, and yet people considered these observances to be necessary acts of worship. Gerson writes that many fell into despair, and that some even took their own lives, because they felt that they were not able to satisfy the traditions. All the while, they had never heard about the consoling righteousness of faith and grace. We see that the academics and theologians gather the traditions and seek ways to relieve and ease consciences. They do not free consciences enough, but sometimes entangle them even more! The schools and sermons have been so occupied with gathering these “traditions” that they do not even have enough leisure time to touch on Scripture. They do not pursue the far more useful doctrine of faith, the cross, hope, the dignity of secular affairs, and consolation for severely tested consciences. Therefore, Gerson and some other theologians have complained sadly that because of all this striving after traditions, they were prevented from giving attention to a better kind of doctrine. Augustine forbids that people’s consciences should be burdened. He prudently advises Januarius that he must know that they are to be observed as things neither commanded by God nor forbidden, for such are his words.
Therefore, our teachers must not be regarded as having taken up this matter rashly or from hatred of the bishops, as some falsely suspect. There was a great need to warn the churches of these errors that arose from misunderstanding the traditions. The Gospel compels us to insist on the doctrine of grace and the righteousness of faith in the churches. This cannot be understood if people think that they merit grace by observances of their own choice.
So our churches have taught that we cannot merit grace or be justified by observing human traditions. We must not think that such observances are necessary acts of worship. Here we add testimonies of Scripture. Christ defends the Apostles who had not observed the usual tradition (Matthew 15:3). This had to do with a matter that was not unlawful, but rather, neither commanded or forbidden. It was similar to the purifications of the Law. He said in Matthew 15:9, “In vain do they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.” Therefore, He does not require a useless human service. Shortly after, He adds, “It is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of the mouth; this defiles a person” (Matthew 15:11 ). So also Paul, in Romans 14:17, “The kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit,” and in Colossians 2:16, 25 “Let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to … a Sabbath.” And again, “If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world, why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations—‘Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch’ ” [Colossians 2:20–21]. Peter says, “Why are you putting God to the test by placing a yoke on the neck of the disciples that neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear? But we believe that we will be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they will” (Acts 15:10 –11). Here Peter forbids burdening consciences with many rites, either from Moses or others. In 1 Timothy 4:1–3 Paul calls the prohibition of meats a teaching of demons. It is contrary to the Gospel to institute or do such works thinking that we merit grace through them, or as though Christianity could not exist without such service of God.
Our adversaries object by accusing our teachers of being against discipline and the subduing of the flesh. Just the opposite is true, as can be learned from our teachers’ writings. They have always taught that Christians are to bear the cross [Matthew 16:24 ] by enduring afflictions. This is genuine and sincere subduing of the flesh [1 Peter 2:11 ], to be crucified with Christ through various afflictions. Furthermore, they teach that every Christian ought to train and subdue himself with bodily restraints, or bodily exercises and labors. Then neither over-indulgence nor laziness may tempt him to sin. But they do not teach that we may merit grace or make satisfaction for sins by such exercises. Such outward discipline ought to be taught at all times, not only on a few set days. Christ commands, “Watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness” (Luke 21:34 ). Also in Matthew 17:21 , “This kind never comes out except by prayer and fasting.” Paul also says, “I discipline my body and keep it under control” (1 Corinthians 9:27 ). Here he clearly shows that he was keeping his body under control, not to merit forgiveness of sins by that discipline, but to keep his body in subjection and prepared for spiritual things, for carrying out the duties of his calling. Therefore, we do not condemn fasting in itself [Isaiah 58:3–7], but the traditions that require certain days and certain meats, with peril of conscience, as though such works were a necessary service.
Nevertheless, we keep many traditions that are leading to good order [1 Corinthians 14:40 ] in the Church, such as the order of Scripture lessons in the Mass and the chief holy days. At the same time, we warn people that such observances do not justify us before God, and that it is not sinful if we omit such things, without causing offense. The Fathers knew of such freedom in human ceremonies. In the East they kept Easter at another time than at Rome
It was not the mind of the apostles to enact rules concerning holy days, but to preach godliness and a holy life.
Ap Apology of the Augsburg
SA Smalcald Articles
FC Ep Formula of Concord
SD Solid Declaration of Formula of Concord
Concordia : The Lutheran Confessions. Edited by Paul Timothy McCain. St. Louis , MO
| Lori Adair | | | 11/2 |
| Laura Conway | | | 11/5 |
| Sidney Buch | | | 11/16 |
| Lindy Bunte | | | 11/12 |
| Ashley Dawson | | | 11/27 |
| Laura Dawson | | | 11/4 |
| Leroy Eckert | | | 11/6 |
| Glenda Junge | | | 11/13 |
| Debbie Kezely | | | 11/7 |
| James Knott | | | 11/30 |
| John Nieweglowski | | | 11/15 |
| Jessica Otten | | | 11/27 |
| Frank Piller | | | 11/13 |
| Jacob Roscow | | | 11/30 |
| Joyce Schmoll | | | 11/21 |
| Roger Schoenbeck | | | 11/21 |
| Emilie Sommer | | | 11/1 |
| Frieda Sommer | | | |
| Michael Turnure | | | |
Steven & Patricia Bunte 11/9/1974
Terrell & Toni Rehmer 11/24/1990
| Non-Profit Org. Permit No. 1 |
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
Don’t forget the time change on October 31st.
Set your clocks back one hour on Saturday night so you won’t be too early for church on Sunday morning.
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