“Are You Weary… Jesus Gives You Rest”--Matthew 11.28-30, Gary Harms funeral sermon, 11.3.12

  

1.       Grace, mercy, and, peace to you from God our Heavenly Father and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  Dear family and friends of Gary.  At a time of grieving like this, those who are present, and I on behalf of this church, offer your family and all who were close to Gary our deepest sympathy.  May our Lord, who knows your needs, comfort and give you strength and faith to uphold one another.  Today we’re going to look at Matthew 11:28-30.  We hear the words of our Lord Jesus who says, “²⁸Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. ²⁹Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. ³⁰For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”  This verse is fitting for us to look at, since the last few years of Gary’s life haven’t been easy with all of the health problems that he’s suffered through. 

2.         Christians know that when we’re confronted with struggles, sickness, and sorrow we have a sure source of comfort, strength, and hope in Jesus our Lord and Savior, the one who died on the cross to save us from our sins. When we live by faith in our Good Shepherd and Savior, we know that He will lead us through all the valleys of life, until that blessed day comes when his angels will welcome us to our eternal home in heaven. This is why Gary’s parents brought him to the baptismal font on September 17^th, 1950 to be washed and cleansed of all of his sins and to know that on that day, Gary was clothed with Christ and received the promise of eternal life.  And this faith in Jesus as our Lord and Savior from sin, death, and the power of the devil is what led Gary to confess with his lips that Jesus Christ is Lord when he confirmed his Christian faith on the day of his confirmation on June 6^th, 1965.  And it was this same Christian faith that Gary had that led him to be married with Gail at St. John Baldwin and to raise their children here by having them baptized, attend Sunday School, and be confirmed.

3.          We all know that Gary dealt with a long and difficult illness.  When he was going through all of his health problems, where could he and his family turn to for peace and comfort?  Well, the words of our Lord Jesus here in Matthew 11:28-30 speak to the problems that Gary faced.  Our Lord Jesus says, “²⁸Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. ²⁹Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. ³⁰For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

4.           Jesus continually invites us to leave our heavy burden of sin and shame on his shoulders and in return to accept a light burden from him.  Those who leave their heavy burden of sin with Jesus aren’t going to be without a burden altogether.  Gary’s long-term illness that he fought can remind us of that.  And when we think of our own lives as Christians, all of us have problems and burdens of our own that we have to deal with.  But, Jesus has given us another burden to carry in the place of the heavy burden of sin.  It’s the yoke of the cross of Calvary.  This yoke of the cross is what every Christian bears as a result of being a disciple of our Lord Jesus.  For in the same way they have persecuted me, so they will persecute you, Jesus says.  Though our heavy burden of sin has been lifted, there will still be trials and tribulations, for a disciple isn’t above his master. 

5.         And yet, compared with the heavy burden of sin which has been lifted from us, the yoke of Christ is easy and his burden is light.  A Christian knows that these crosses don’t come upon him by chance.  They’re sent into his life by a loving God and are intended for our good.  The Christian also knows that God will never let the cross become heavier than he’s able to bear.  With each trial of faith God will also provide the ability to endure.  God will supply to you the necessary strength for each new day.  That’s why the burden of being a disciple and follower of Jesus will draw us closer to Him.  The afflictions that we encounter in our own mortal flesh, which is slowly wasting away because of our own sinful nature, will be turned to the eternal good of our soul on account of what our Lord Jesus did for us through His death on the cross and His glorious resurrection from the dead.

6.         Finding rest in Jesus doesn’t mean He will remove and shield us from all pain and sorrow, or lift each heavy agony of life.  That’s not His promise.  The promise of our Lord Jesus is that He will be with us in our pain and suffering and see us through it.  Christ will lighten every heavy load.  At the end of each day we have the comfort as we place ourselves in His care.  Rest in Jesus means that we as Christians have certainty and reconciliation.  In Christ we have sure forgiveness of our sins.  Through His cross we are reconciled with God our Heavenly Father.  God’s wrath toward our sin is removed.  Through Gary’s baptism into Christ this promise was given to him as well, as the Apostle Paul reminds us in Romans chapter 6.

7.        What matters most of all is to be able to live—and to die—with the sure confidence that when our Lord calls his people to their eternal home, Jesus our Good Shepherd himself “will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes” (Rev 7:17).  Living and Dying in Faith in Christ Jesus—we receive our eternal rest.  Amen.

“Dancing to Our Tune or God’s Tune”—Matthew 11.12-19, Oct. ’12 Reformation Day

 

1.        Please pray with me.  May the words of my mouth and the meditation of our hearts be pleasing in Your sight, O Lord, our Rock and our Redeemer.  Amen.  The message from God’s Word this day we observe the Festival of the Reformation is taken from Matthew 11:12-19 and it’s entitled, “Dancing to Our Tune or God’s Tune,” dear brothers and sisters in Christ. 

2.        No matter what the Christian Church teaches and preaches, someone will object to the message and use it as an excuse for not going to worship and being in fellowship with other Christians.  John the Baptist fasted and stayed away from wine.  Because of this, some of the religious leaders of his day said that he was possessed by a devil.  Jesus went to the homes of his friends and also sat down to eat with tax collectors and other sinners, and these same people said He was a glutton and a drunkard.  By this text in Matthew 11 we learn that you can’t please everyone, especially those who are looking for something to find fault with. 

3.        What should we do then?  Nothing?  That would be the easier course.  But, that’s not a God pleasing way to face objection and criticism.  So what should we do?  Continue with patience and determination to teach, preach and carry out what God has directed us to do in His Word.  The rest we leave to God.  We’ll never be able to please everyone.  This Jesus experienced for Himself and He was the sinless Son of God.  Matthew 11:16-19 says, ¹⁶“But to what shall I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling to their playmates, ¹⁷“‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.’ ¹⁸For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’ ¹⁹The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look at him! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Yet wisdom is justified by her deeds.”

4.        Jesus probably shook His head when He heard the criticism of His opponents.  “To what shall I compare this generation?” we hear Him say.  They act like children who say you can’t play in our yard because you don’t play by our rules.  We’ve played our music and you’ve not danced according to our tune.  This holds true today as well.  Many have played—they want an easy Christianity with preachers who say “smooth things.” (Isaiah 31:10).  Many want sin condemned as long as it’s not their own sin that’s being spoken about.  It’s fun to sit in the pew and hear the pastor shoot darts at those who absent from worship.  But, he must not say anything against our conduct.  It’s too much when the pastor brings up that we have spoken bad things about our neighbor and tried to hurt his reputation.  It’s too much when he brings up how we have lusted after other people, desired things that don’t belong to us and how we have hated our neighbor in our heart.  When he says these things this strikes too close to home.  We want the pastor to dance to the tune we play.   In order better to understand Jesus’ perspective on an unbelieving world, he likens the world to children who refuse to play any game in the marketplace, whether they’re invited to mourn or dance.  Jesus Wants to Move Us from Mourning Our Sins to Celebrating Our Salvation, but will we mourn—or dance? (vv 12–17).

5.        We’ve mourned, but you haven’t lamented.  This is another tune many play.  They want an easy going Christianity.  They come to worship to be entertained and to be catered to.  And yet, they never lift a hand for anyone.  But, let them have some kind of problem, and they expect everyone to jump and come to their rescue.  We mourn, and when we do, we want the church.  We look for an emergency device that will take all the bitter pain out of our lives.  In sickness, we want the help of the church to be near to us.  When death comes to our door, we want the services of the church and the pastor to say nice things to us.  Are we only looking for a church membership that will bring the service of the church in times of crisis?

6.        On this day we observe the Reformation we remember Martin Luther’s Ninety-five Theses that he nailed to the Castle Church at Wittenberg in 1517.  These theses were a funeral song calling the Church of his day to repentance.  Rather than face the total desperation of man before God, the need for a savior, the Church was offering a save-yourself-for-cash scheme: indulgences.  Luther declared this to be foolish, calling instead for personal repentance and faith in Christ.  But, the Church’s response was to excommunicate Luther.

7.        We can refuse to mourn when God sings the sad song of our sin, the Law.  God’s Word sadly describes the brokenness of our sinful condition (Rom 3:19–20).  God calls us to turn away from our sinfulness and to him in faith—repent.  But so often we instead cling to our sins and convince ourselves they can’t really be so bad. Surely we can make up for them somehow.

8.        We can be like children who refuse to dance to a flute (v 17a).  God plays his happy tune through the ministry of Jesus.  Jesus is the Lord and Messiah who has come (Mal 4:5).  Jesus “plays a tune” of healing and good news of forgiveness (Mt 4:23).  But, rather than believe and receive their Savior, the Jewish leaders condemned him (v 19a), finally condemning him to die on a cross.

9.        This beautiful Gospel of Christ was Luther’s great discovery.  There’s no need to invent some save-yourself scheme, for Jesus has done it all for us by his death and resurrection.  Through passages like Romans 3, Luther came to realize that we have eternal salvation by faith alone, simply believing in Christ’s work of dying for us and rising again.  But the Roman Church refused to dance to this beautiful music, even condemning to hell anyone who says that we are saved by faith apart from our works (Council of Trent).

10.    We can refuse to dance when God plays the happy tune of our salvation, the Gospel.  God’s Word clearly preaches the gift of salvation (Rom 3:24).  God calls us to trust in Jesus’ person and work for our eternal life.  But too often we take the good news of Christ as too simple to be true, thinking something more must be necessary for our salvation.

11.    God wants us to mourn and dance.  It’s not enough for us simply to hear God’s song and dance.  “Wisdom is justified by her deeds” (v 19b).  We are saved by faith alone (Rom 3:24–25).  Genuine faith will manifest itself in the lives of believers (James 2:14–26).  God wants us to mourn our sins.  He wants us to agree with him that we have sinned and fallen short of his glory (Rom 3:23).  He wants us to grieve over our sins so that we leave them behind.  He wants to wash away our sins through Baptism (Mt 3:6).  He wants to forgive us through the blood of Jesus (Rom 3:25).  God wants us to celebrate our salvation.  He wants us to hear the good news.  He wants us to receive the free gift of forgiveness, life, and salvation (Rom 3:24).  He wants our salvation to manifest in our lives.  He wants this message to go to every nation.

12.    John the Baptist came neither eating nor drinking, and he was faulted for his conduct.  Jesus ate and drank with tax collectors and sinners and He was accused of living a loose lifestyle.  Some people can’t be pleased they want someone to dance to their own tune and not God’s tune.  No matter what the church does, it’s wrong in the opinion of such faultfinders.  “To what shall I compare this generation?”  Jesus says.  The crowd is critical.  No matter what is done, it’s wrong.  If we are joyful, then we are taking our Christianity too lightly.  If we’re sad, then we’re told about the joy of the Gospel.  But, these faultfinders of 2,000 years ago didn’t harm Jesus and His Gospel.  They only closed the door of home and salvation upon themselves.  We don’t want to make the same mistake today!  

13.    The gift of the Reformation is the clarity of the good news through Martin Luther. Like Luther, generations could hear the song and dance of God clearly and without confusion. We can take comfort in the fact that we are not saved by paying our way or by crying and lamenting our sins during endless hours of confessing our sins before a Pastor; we mourn for our sins, knowing God is leading us to celebration. We do not live with the false hope that our amended lives of good works will earn our salvation; we dance because Christ has already played the happy tune of salvation as a free gift. We dance because Jesus has already lived a perfect life, died for our forgiveness, and risen again so that we, too, will have eternal life. We have a lot to celebrate! Now we can dance to God’s tune and His gift of salvation through our Savior Jesus and not to the tune of our own sinfulness.  Amen.

 

 

“The Steward’s Purpose”--Luke 16:8, Oct. 14th, 2012

1.             Please pray with me.  May the words of my mouth and the meditation of our hearts be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, our Rock, and our Redeemer.  Amen.  The text for the second week in our three-week stewardship sermon series, “Living Each Day as a Steward” is from Luke 16:8: “The master commended the dishonest manager for his shrewdness.  For the sons of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own generation than the sons of light.”  The message is entitled, “The Steward’s Purpose,” dear brothers and sisters in Christ.
2.             Many of the parables of Jesus had their focus on finding and recovering something that had been lost.  Specifically, they were aimed at lost souls.  In the parable of our text for today the focus shifts to dealing with how our faith in Jesus as our Lord and Savior is reflected by the way we live.  For us as Christians, the way that we go about living our day to day lives can’t be separated from our relationship with God.  That’s what Jesus is sharing with us in this Parable of the Shrewd Manager.  This parable touches the lives of every one of us as we struggle to balance in our lives our relationship with God and our desires and dealings with the things of this world and what they offer to us.  We’re often tempted into thinking that having more things of this world will make us happier, which is totally not true. 
3.             The parable of our text is a picture of worldliness.  Jesus aims it at Pharisees, scribes, publicans, and open sinners.  All those people who need to hear a lesson on worldliness because, they have this problem of being absorbed in thinking more is better.  Guess what, my friends!  Jesus also points this parable in the direction of the disciples and so to us.  If you’re sitting there all smug and secure in your pew thinking, “Well, I’m not guilty of worldliness,” think again!  No matter what your age: involvement with the things of this world are part and parcel of all of us.  We may not want to admit that often God’s purpose for our lives is replaced by the American dream which is to live in a big house, drive fancy cars, and have large retirement accounts.
4.             Three teens were talking about their future plans.  One of them talked of being a doctor because he could have fame and people would come to him and be helped.  He saw becoming a doctor as a way to gain popularity.  His purpose in life was to gain fame.  Another listened and decided he might like to be a doctor too.  He described the car his doctor drove, a Ferrari, and shared that being a doctor would mean he could have the Lamborghini he wanted.  He then started into a speech listing all the things his parents couldn’t afford that he would have.  His purpose in life was to gain wealth.  The third teen was confused.  He thought a few moments and then shared his desire to do something that God wanted him to do.  Maybe that would mean becoming a doctor, or maybe he would be a farmer.  His purpose in life was to glorify God by serving others.  As he shared his purpose of serving others, the other two teens laughed at him. 
5.             In the parable we have a rich man whose business is extensive, so much so that he employed a general manager, a steward, who had full power to handle all his business affairs.  We’re not talking about a small business.  Eight to 900 gallons of olive oil, 1,000 bushels of wheat show us the wealth involved.  No doubt this steward lived quite a life equal with the wealth he dealt in.  As it turns out, the steward who managed the affairs of the rich man was a crook.  Most of us are aware that this is nothing new in managers who have powers like his.  In the parable we look in on him at a time in his career when somebody has blown the whistle on him and denounced him to his employer.  The evidence that’s presented is overwhelming and convinces the employer to fire the steward.  It’s interesting that the steward makes no effort to defend himself and so, more or less, admits to his guilt.
6.             The great emphasis of the parable at this point finds itself in the words of the text and the shrewdness of the steward.  The steward thought about his predicament.  He made a decision and then acted quickly.  That shows us some good managerial skills.  He figured that he wasn’t strong enough to do hard labor like that of a hired hand, not was he about to lower himself to have to rely on begging for his existence.  His plan was to set things in motion so that his employer’s debtors would take him into their own homes so that he could live at ease until something better came along.  Having squandered his employer’s possessions up to that point he decided to do it again, one final time.
7.             He pulled the debtor’s notes out of the strong box, handed it to him and told him to write a receipt for much less than what it really called for.  For a second debtor, he repeated the process.  In that day as in ours, tampered documents would invalidate a transaction, so new obligations must be drawn up and substituted for the originals.  The deed is done.  What a clever man!  What a shrewd man!
8.             The question arises, what does Jesus have in mind by telling this parable?  In the verses following the Parable, Jesus helps us apply the parable to our lives as His stewards.  In verse 9, Jesus said, “And I tell you, make friends for yourselves by means of unrighteous wealth, so that when it fails they may receive you into the eternal dwellings.”  In this verse, Jesus referred back to the Shrewd Manager who used worldly wealth in order to make friends for himself who would take him in when he was fired.  Jesus tells us as stewards to use the same shrewdness in using our resources.  The difference between the Shrewd Manager and us, however, is the motivation and goal.  God calls us to use all His gifts to us with the purpose of helping others to come to know His Son.  In so doing, we will be welcomed in Heaven by those to whom we have witnessed and with whom we have shared our blessings.
9.             In the next verse, verse 10, Jesus said, “One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much” We often fail to see the witness of Christian faith and conduct that we can communicate in little things:  how we deal with our neighbors around the block, how we value our conversations with our children or our parents, how well we do our homework, perhaps even our ethics on the golf course, or how we play a game of cards.  Our consistency of conduct, and our honoring of principles will be seen in the “little things,” and these may even constitute the practice field for the big things in life, what God entrusts to us.
10.             With verse 13, Jesus concludes His explanation and application of the Parable of the Shrewd Manager.  It reads, “No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other.  You cannot serve God and money.”  I don’t believe anyone here today would admit that he or she is serving money and not God.  However, God looks at our hearts, and He sees how we use our credit cards and check books.  God knows what we see as our purpose in life.  When we seek God’s forgiveness and help, He will take away our love for money and possessions.
11.             In this Parable, we see that the shrewd manager’s entire focus was rest and ease in this life.  But recall Jesus’ words.  “And I tell you, make friends for yourselves by means of unrighteous wealth, so that when it fails they may receive you into the eternal dwellings.”  Who is it that receives us into the eternal dwellings mentioned in the text?  God in Christ alone.  Therefore, our motivation as people of God is not rest and ease in this life.  It is serving almighty God.  It is becoming wise stewards of the material things that God entrusts to us by using them to fulfill His purposes.  It’s loving Him because Jesus first loved us, enough to die for us to save us from our sins.  We respond out of thanksgiving and praise for who God is and what He has done for us, living each day as stewards who give Him glory and honor.  Amen.

“Trouble” John 14.1-4; 1 Peter 1.6-7, Preached @ Christ Our Savior Lutheran High School Oct. 9th, '12

“Trouble” John 14.1-4; 1 Peter 1.6-7

1.                 In the name of Jesus.  Amen.  Job 5:7 says, “Yet man is born to trouble as surely as sparks fly upward.”  You can almost picture it can’t you?  A craftsman is hunched over a grinder’s wheel, sharpening a blade.  The most important piece of equipment he can have is safety goggles to protect his eyes, because that’s the direction the sparks fly--upward.  It’s a difficult thought that in this world, trouble will find us, or we’ll find trouble, popular books like the “Hunger Games” can remind us of this.  But, thanks be to God that Jesus knows our troubled hearts, and He promises that He’s overcome the world.
2.                 Jesus says in John 14:1-4-- “¹“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. ²In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? ³And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. ⁴And you know the way to where I am going.”  We know that Jesus is with us in the midst of our troubles and promises us that He has prepared for us a home with Him in heaven.  But, sometimes the worries and anxieties of this life can make us forget that or at least cloud our vision from these promises our Lord Jesus gives to us.
3.                 There’s trouble that’s of our own making, as we’re often able to recognize it.  For instance, if we didn’t do our homework the night before, we shouldn’t be surprised that we’ll get punished for it when we get to school the next day.  If you didn’t study for a big test that you know is coming up, then it’s probably a no-brainer that you won’t be getting a good grade on it after you’ve taken it.  Or, if you don’t exercise and practice hard along with your teammates in the High School sport you play in, then chances are your team probably won’t do well when you compete against other schools.  But, then there’s trouble that seems to come out of nowhere.  And there are troubles we have in our relationships.  These things are hard to understand and we ask, “Why did this happen to me?”
4.                 But, we have a merciful God in Christ who is full of forgiveness toward troubled people like you and me.  Jesus was tempted in every way like we are, yet without sin.  He understands those who suffer, for He suffered for us on the cross and suffers with us in all of our troubles.  The Apostle Peter writes in 1 Peter 1:6-7--“⁶In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, ⁷so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”
5.                 One day a teenage named Joe was approached by Mr. Kidd, one of his father’s friends, “Joe,” he said, “I’ll be gone a lot over the next six months, and I need someone to take care of my place.  You know, wash the windows, dust, vacuum, and mow the lawn.  Also, my 3 cars need to be started now and then just to keep the batteries up.  What do you say?  Joe knew that Mr. Kidd was a wealthy man, and he was delighted at this opportunity to make money for college.  “I’ll be glad to,” said Joe. 
6.                 All went well.  Joe kept the yard neat and the house clean.  He doted on the cars but grew weary of just revving the engines and letting them idle.  “This isn’t doing much good,” Joe said to himself one day as he sat behind the wheel of Mr. Kidd’s beautiful ’57 Chevy.  “It would be even better for the engine if I took it for a spin.”  Joe pulled out of the driveway and onto the street with a rush of exhilaration.  But the feeling didn’t last long.  Halfway through a busy intersection a truck ran a red light and crashed into him.  Joe was shaken but not hurt.  Foremost on his mind was the question, “What will I do know?” Joe’s trouble shows us that bad decisions usually lead to unpleasant and often dangerous consequences.  Despite Joes’ best intentions, trouble literally ran right into him! 
7.                 We know that poor choices will likely result in poor outcomes.  When we smoke too much it will result in weak lungs, when we spend money frivolously, it can lead to money woes, an unkind word or action can return to haunt us.  King David made the worst possible choice in committing adultery with Bathsheba.  Even though he had to suffer the consequences, God didn’t cast him away from His presence.  God forgave David, and He’ll forgive you.

8.                 When trouble strikes us without warning, we’re left dazed and confused.  The worst natural disaster in our country’s history occurred in 1900 when a hurricane slammed into Galveston, TX and killed 8,000 people.  None knew when they woke up that morning that it would be their last.  The insurance industry calls these things “acts of God.”  But, the greatest act of God was to bring His wrath down upon His own Son Jesus Christ, on the cross, so that in Him we have forgiveness of sins.
9.                 Trouble hits us hardest when it comes to our personal relationships.  A famous psychologist once said that human beings are always moving in one of three directions--toward, against, or away from others.  Those who move against or away from people, he claimed, experience troubled relationships.  Which of us isn’t moving against or away from God?  That’s the trouble with our own sinful flesh.  But, thanks be to God that while we were yet sinners, God sent His Son Jesus to die for us and restore our broken relationship with God so that we can then take that forgiveness that God gives to us in Christ into our relationships with those around us.
10.                 Troubles tend to isolate us.  In the midst of sorrow we feel all alone.  But, we’re not.  God is with you in Christ.  He sends to you His Holy Spirit to comfort you in all your trouble.  He’s placed you in this school here at Christ Our Savior where you can learn more about your relationship to your God who is Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  Here at Christ Our Savior you have learned that God invites us to bring our troubles to Him in prayer.  With such assurance we’re enabled to refocus our circumstances in healthy ways.  God tells us to “Call upon Me in the day of trouble, I will deliver you and you will honor Me.”  And when our troubles get the best of us we can take comfort that God has placed us in His Church where we can gather around His Word and receive the Lord’s Supper.  In worship God makes Himself known, continual proof of an amazing grace that moved Him to make the greatest sacrifice to save us from the troubles of the devil, the world, and our own sinful flesh.  “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16).  Amen.

“The Steward’s Identity Shapes Giving” 1 Corinthians 16:1, Oct. 7th, ‘12

1.             Grace, mercy, and peace to you from God our Heavenly Father and from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  Amen.  Today’s the first week of our stewardship emphasis living each day as a steward.   Our text for is taken from 1 Corinthians 16:1 “Now concerning the collection for the saints: as I directed the churches of Galatia, so you also are to do.”  I hope and pray that the message today titled, “The Steward’s Identity Shapes Giving” as well as those messages you’ll hear over the next two weeks will help us become people who live each day as stewards.  Dear brothers & sisters in Christ.
2.             There are many Christians who have misunderstandings about what stewardship is.  Because of this they often react negatively when it’s talked about.  One of the major misconceptions is that it deals strictly with the “M” word, you know, “money.”  Or, as some people may put it, the church’s lack of money.  It’s my prayer as your Pastor that I can help you disconnect stewardship from the idea that it’s only about “paying the bills.”  At the heart of stewardship is a personal relationship with Jesus.  I’m convinced that there’s little in life that can help us grow in our relationship with Jesus more than solid Biblical stewardship.  So, today let’s put all of our ideas about stewardship aside.  Let’s start all over with our understanding of stewardship by getting back to basics of God’s Word.
3.             First of all, God has chosen us to be His stewards.  He has given us our identity as His stewards.  It’s first being a steward before it’s doing stewardship.  Who we are determines what we do.  Everything we do and say and everywhere we go flows from our sense of identity.  Understanding whose we are and our identity as God’s stewards, we seek to please Him by faithfully doing His will.  As stewards, we manage everything that the Lord has given us, which is everything that we are and have.  Then we’re to see to it that it’s used in the most useful manner according to God’s will to help build His kingdom.  Stewardship, then, is service to God from the perspective of being a manager or steward of what He has given us.  In the words of Dr. Walton Greever: “Christian stewardship is what I do after I have once said, ‘I believe!’  It’s the response of my entire life to Christ out of gratitude for amazing love that meant death on the cross.  It is giving of everything I am and everything I have to Him, as He directs.  It’s total commitment.  It’s faith in action.”  You can see from that definition that what you give to the church monetarily speaking is only a small portion of the overall stewardship picture.
4.             Second, in our text for today we note that Paul gave instruction to the churches of Galatia concerning stewardship, specifically the stewardship of that portion of money to be used for the Lord’s work and that he’s extending those instructions to the Corinthians, and in a very real way, to us.  How do you determine how much of your time, abilities, and resources you’ll give back to the Lord for work in his kingdom?  Well, Paul gives some information in a very specific way in the verse following our text.  “On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collection when I come.”  Then in chapters 8 and 9 of his second letter to the Corinthians he expands on that verse starting at the very beginning, with the reason why we give.  St. Paul spends almost the entire chapter before our text sharing what Christ’s death and resurrection means to us: the fact that all Christians will one day rise from death to new life.  This is what causes us to be concerned about the spiritual and physical well-being of others.  We love because Christ first loved us.  Responding to His love and sacrifice on the cross for our sins, we live each day as God’s stewards.  With changed hearts, our identity changes from being self-centered people to being God-centered. 
5.             The following story is an illustration of what Christ has done for us.  There was a boy who lived near the Atlantic Ocean.  Because of this he had a lot of contact with sailors and boats.  One day he decided to make his own model sailboat.  He got together all the things he needed.  It was getting near the end of summer so the boy planned to work on his boat during the cold winter months when he couldn’t go outside.  Every spare moment he had he spent working on his sailboat: after school, on Saturdays, and holidays.  Finally, spring came and after hundreds of hours of work, the sailboat was finished.  It was the most perfect model you’d ever seen of a 3 masted schooner.  The boy was so excited.  He picked up his sailboat and headed for the bay.  He put the sails in place, and there was a perfect wind blowing.  Out to sea and away sailed the boat.  Oh no!  In his excitement the boy hadn’t thought of a way to bring his boat back.  As it sailed out of sight the boy swallowed hard trying to hold back the tears.  What he’d worked so hard to make and what had given him so much joy was now making him sadder then he had ever been before.  He loved that boat.  Well, one day about mid-summer of that year the boy was walking in town when what should he see in the window of the hobby store but a boat.  From the distance it looked something like the one he had built.  He took a closer look.  There it was!  It was a little weather-beaten and needed a few repairs, but it was his boat.  The merchant had bought it from a sailor, and, in order for the boy to have it back, he would have to pay a price.  The boy worked hard all summer to earn enough money to buy his sailboat back.  Finally, he had enough.  He ran to the store, paid the merchant, picked up his boat in his arms and said, “Now you’re twice mine.  First, I made you, and now I’ve bought you back again.”
6.             Brothers and sisters, we are twice God’s.  First, He made us, and then, by the holy precious blood of his only Son, Jesus, Who shed His blood and life on the cross of Calvary, He bought us back again.  The price has been paid and He’s forgiven us all our sins.  He’s forgiven us for all the wrongs we’ve repented of and as well as those for which we haven’t repented—even when we’re unforgiving.  He’s given us a new identity: He calls us His children (John 1:12)!  That love of God which we see in that forgiveness is where Christian stewardship begins.  With God’s love is connected the first of four basic principles of Christian stewardship—that we, with God’s help, give ourselves to the Lord.  That we give Jesus the first and foremost place in our lives, that we make Him the central point of our lives.  Everything we are and do we do with eyes fixed on Him.
7.             We do that because of the second principle of Christian stewardship which is that we know the grace of Christ.  In 2 Corinthians 8:9 Paul says we know “that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you by His poverty might become rich.”  We know the great love our heavenly father has for us by the very fact of our salvation brought about by his Son Jesus.  So, if we give ourselves to the Lord because we know the grace of Christ, then we’ll recognize the third principle of Christian Stewardship—the needs of ministry in extending God’s Church and the needs of those around us, and we will willingly and cheerfully seek to meet those needs.              
8.             That brings us to the fourth principle of Christian stewardship—the promise, the blessing that comes with it.  The Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 9:7 writes:  “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”  Did you hear that?  “God loves a cheerful giver.”  When we give cheerfully, we give joy to our Heavenly Father as we display His image and likeness.  The prophet Malachi wrote of that blessing almost as a challenge to us.  “’Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house.  And thereby put Me to the test,’ says the Lord of hosts, ‘if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need’”  (Malachi 3:10).
9.             For sure, I believe that’s a challenge to us.  How much should you give to the Lord Who has given you all things?  The Old Testament law was 10% and over a three-year period could reach as high as 23 1/3%.  But that was the law.  Christ fulfilled the requirements of that law for us, so now we give as the Lord has given to us, as we have prospered.  We’re no longer bound by the Law, for the Gospel has given us a new identity.  We live under grace.  As new creatures, we’re not limited to ten percent.  As such, we’re channels through which God sends His blessings out to those around us, to meet the needs as they exist, according to His will!  The more we give to meet those needs, the more God will bless us that we may give even more.  “Put me to the test,” says the Lord almighty.  So that He can show us His love and faithfulness, God wants us to test Him as people living each day as stewards.  What are you waiting for?  Amen.

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-mail:  jtaggatz@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 30^th.  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. 26^th @ 6pm!  The next special family night at our church will be on the fourth Friday of the month (Oct. 26^th) 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. 14^th--This will be on Sunday Oct. 14^th 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 30^th
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.

“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 7^th, 14^th, & 21^st, 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. 7^th-- “The Steward’s Identity”

Sunday Oct. 14^th-- “The Steward’s Purpose”

Sunday Oct. 21^st-- “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. 21^st.  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. 21^st. 

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 3^rd 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. Call:  800-363-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                   8^th 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 16^th to vote on a lay delegate for the Circuit meeting to be held on September 30^th.  Marvin Liefer has volunteered.

- Special meeting on September 16^th to vote for a lay leader for the Doxology Session to be held in November 16 thru 18^th 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 16^th.

- LYF meeting will be on October 7^th.

- LYF Chili Dinner will be on November 4^th.

Pastor’s Report: 

Pastoral Acts from Aug.15^th ‘12 through Sept. 11^th, 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. 4^th hosted by St. John Baldwin

                        -18 Homebound Visits

                -7 Hospital Visits

                -Led Worship for the COSLHS Opening         Service on Sun. Aug. 19^th 

                -6 Spiritual Care Meetings

                -1 Funeral for Clinton Bremer on Wed. Aug.                 29^th

                -2 Funeral Visitations for Clinton Bremer on                 Tue. Aug. 28^th and Wed. Sept. 5^th for Rhonda               Nieweglowski’s                 family

                -1 Baptism planning meeting on Thur. Aug. 30^th

                -R. County Nursing Home Chapel, Aug. 22^nd

                -1 COSLHS Meeting--Tue. Sept. 4^th

                -1 Family Night @ St. John Baldwin on Friday             Aug. 24^th--(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 23^rd, 2012.

- Special Congregational Meeting will be held on Sunday, September 16^th 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 21^st from 6:00 to 8:30 pm.

- Door Offering for Missions at St. John Baldwin for 2012 will be:

-SIGHT Ministry Center in September 30^th,   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 5^th. Those students are 8^th graders--Lindsay Harbaugh, Justin Prost and Michaela Seders; 7^th graders-- Margaret Copple and Tabitha Seders; and 6^th 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 14^th, 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 30^th.

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 18^th 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 18^th 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 1^st 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. 26^th) 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