This document is the September 2010 newsletter from Hope Lutheran Church and Angels of Hope Preschool in De Pere, WI. It contains the following:
1) A greeting from Pastor Matt discussing the centrality of forgiveness of sins in the church and encouraging individual confession with the pastor.
2) Updates on church activities including a catechism lesson, Bible verses, and quotes.
3) Preparation materials for the upcoming Sunday sermons including Bible readings and notes.
4) The third part of a three part series on biblical worship by Dr. John Kleinig discussing how worship involves both divine and human activity with the Holy Spirit helping believers properly receive and respond to God.
1. THE ANCHOR LINE
September 2010
Hope Lutheran Church
and
Angels of Hope Preschool
700 S. Superior St. De Pere, WI 54115 ~ (920) 336-9843
On the web: www.hopedepere.org ~ e-mail: HopeDepere@yahoo.com
Matthew Christians, pastor Gail Thiel, preschool director
office: 336-9843, home: 336-9582 office 336-9843
emergency cell: 615-5136 e-mail: angelsofhopepreschool@yahoo.com
e-mail: matthewchristians@gmail.com
Our Vision at Hope: that we would be a growing, vibrant, praying, caring
congregation– boldly reaching out with Jesus Christ in word and deed.
A Word from your Pastor—
May the fullness of the Word Made Flesh, Jesus Christ our Lord, dwell in you richly!
G race, mercy, and peace from God the
Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.
everlasting."
By the grace of God, the Holy Spirit is forever
1
The forgiveness of sins . I've said it many delivering the precious gift of the forgiveness of
times (perhaps you've heard me say it)... that the sins to blood-bought souls through the wonderful
Church is all about the forgiveness of sins. power of God's mighty Word. We know that
Consider, for example, the Third Article of the because a central truth of the Christian faith is
Apostles' Creed wherein we confess how the that God's Word does what it says. When God
forgiveness of sins lies at the very heart and says something, it happens. When God says "let
center of the Holy Spirit's work in Christ's Church: there be light," well... there is light. His very Word
"I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Christian is reality. Whatever He speaks springs into
Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness existence by Word alone.
of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life The same thing holds true when we talk
about the forgiveness of sins. Whenever we hear
the Gospel Word and believe it, we have exactly
1
This month's article owes a profound debt of what it says: "In Christ, God was reconciling the
gratitude to an essay entitled "Individual Confession—
Personalized Forgiveness," by Rev. Harold L. Senkbeil, world unto Himself, not counting their trespasses
Associate Professor, Pastoral Ministry and Missions, Concordia
Theological Seminary against them and entrusting to us the message of
2. reconciliation" (2 Cor. 5:19). Think about that! confessing but in order to hear what God has
God has entrusted to us that powerful message of arranged for you to be told. What I am saying
reconciliation. That means that God has given to is that you are to concentrate on the Word, on
His Church on earth (that's us!) the special power the Absolution, to regard it as a great and
to forgive sins in Jesus' name and stead. In Dr. precious and magnificently splendid treasure,
Senkbeil's words, this is really a kind of spiritual and to accept it with all praise and
"power of attorney" by which you and I can thanksgiving to God.
receive Christ's forgiveness from His called So magnificent is this splendid treasure of the
servants, "not doubting but firmly believing that Word of absolution, Luther writes, that3:
with these words we are indeed forgiven before
If you are a Christian, then you ought to be
God in heaven" (Sm. Catechism).
happy to run more than a hundred miles to
Hopefully, this news about the forgiveness confession and not let yourself be urged to
Jesus won for us and gives to us is not news to us. come. You should rather come and compel us
Jesus Himself teaches us to ask God for our to give you the opportunity.
forgiveness in the Lord's Prayer and encourages
But wait! "Pastor, I understand about confession
us to confess our sins to our neighbor when have
and absolution and what a great treasure it is, but
done him or her wrong....
what's the big deal about individual confession?
But besides these two kinds of confession, Isn't general confession and absolution just as
did you know that there is a third kind? effective?" The answer is: Yes, certainly! That's
This third kind of confession (which is why individual confession should never be
unfortunately not well known among Christians) required; it is not required, but it IS beneficial.
is the confession we
can make directly to This is the advantage of individual vs. general confession— it's the gift
our pastor. Now, of forgiveness customized for you and for the guilt weighing you down.
we're used to hearing
him say in church:
"As a called and ordained servant of the Word I Individual confession is the opportunity to
therefore forgive you all your sins in the name of receive the forgiveness Jesus earned for you, but
the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." to receive it in a pointedly and personally way—
We call this the general absolution. It's valid and not in a general way, but forgiveness for the
effective, since it has the command and promise specific sins that burden your conscience. Just
of Jesus Christ Himself. But did you know that you think for a minute: which e-mails are you more
can also receive individual absolution, that is likely to open? Those from trusted friends with a
forgiveness, custom-made just for you? In the personal message just for you, or some electronic
2
Large Catechism, Martin Luther writes : spam sent randomly? This is the advantage of
We strongly urge you by all means to make individual vs. general confession— it's the gift of
confession of your need, not with the forgiveness customized for you and for the guilt
intention of doing a worthy work by weighing you down.
Individual confession is a remarkable gift (one
that I, Pastor Matt personally make use of with
2
Concordia, The Lutheran Confessions: a Reader's
Edition of the Book of Concord, (St. Louis: Concordia 3
Publishing House), Large Catechism V(22), p. 469. Ibid, V (30), p. 470.
3. another area pastor). Sadly, however, this gift of
God has fallen into wide-spread disuse in recent
The Catechism Corner
generations. Therefore most people have some The Introduction to the Lord's Prayer
very practical questions when they consider going Hallowed be Thy Name.
to confession the first time:
What does this mean?
1. How do I know my pastor will keep my God's name is certainly
confession confidential? holy in itself, but we pray in
Answer: in the Lutheran Church, one of this petition that it may be
the pastor's solemn vows and promise is a kept holy among us also.
pledge never, ever (for any reason) to How is God's name kept
divulge sins privately confessed to him. holy?
2. What will my pastor think of me when he God's name is kept holy
hears what I've done? when the Word of God is taught in its truth and
purity, and we, as the children of God, also lead
Answer: he will respect you for your
holy lives according to it. Help us to do this, dear
confidence in the power of Christ's Father in heaven! But anyone who teaches or
forgiveness. Besides, sins absolved in lives contrary to God's Word profanes the name
Jesus' name don't exist any more and of God among us. Protect us from this, heavenly
therefore won't affect how he relates to Father!
(submitted to "The Anchor Line" by Pastor Matt)
you in the future.
3. How do I start?
Answer: start with reviewing "Confession"
in your Small Catechism. Then set up an
Life Quote
appointment with your pastor and ask him "People of all ages need to be
to help you understand how Confession touched, but sexual touching
works. He will guide you and —when the is reserved by God for the
time is right for you— hear your commitment of marriage. God
helps men and women keep
confession and absolve you in Jesus' name.
their desires under control by
You've got nothing to lose but guilt and shame... reminding them that their
and a clean conscience and joyful spirit to gain! bodies are 'temples of the
(Psalm 51:10) Holy Spirit who lives within you' (1 Corinthians
6:19). What we do with our bodies should
Yours, humbly, in Jesus' name, bring glory, not to self, but to God!"
Pastor Matt —Lutherans for Life brochure
(submitted to "The Anchor Line" by Pastor Matt)
"Hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so
that [you] may be able to give instruction in
sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who
contradict it." (Titus 1:9)
4. Patristic Quote of the Month
"You, O Jesus, have
New Lutheran Quote of the
redeemed us all with Month
Your blood; and by Your
death You have bound "The Reformation recovered
the powerful adversary. Scripture's truth that there are
Release me from the not higher and lower ranks in
fetters of the evil one; break his shackles and God's family, but that we are all
bonds." brothers and sisters together
before God our Father. This fellowship is one of
— Ephraim the Syrian (AXD ca. 306–373)
the greatest things expressed in congregational
Hymn-writer and theologian
singing. When we as a congregation sing to the
(submitted to "The Anchor Line" by Pastor Matt)
Lord, we do not sing as individuals, but the voice
of each of us is blended into the one voice of
God's family, giving glad answer to our Maker's
Old Lutheran Quote of the message of love. -- Dr. Norman Nagel."
Month — Dr. Norman Nage, M.Div., Ph.D., LL.D., D.D.
Professor at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis
"On the other hand the
Word of God is such a great (submitted to "The Anchor Line" by Pastor Matt)
treasure, that no one can
sufficiently comprehend its
worth. For God himself
considers his treasure immensely great, and Every Sunday Sermon Prep
when he visits us with his grace, he earnestly
desires that we should gladly and freely
Preparation
accept it, and does not compel us as he is To help you prepare for
able to do, but it is his will that we should worship, here are the weekly
gladly obey it from choice and love. For he readings for Divine Services
does not wait until we come to him, but he in September:
comes first to us. He comes into the world,
September 5 & 8. . . . . Deuteronomy 30:15–20
becomes man, serves us, dies for us, rises
Philemon 1–21
again from the dead, sends us his Holy Spirit,
Luke 14:25–35
gives us his Word, and opens heaven so wide
that all men can enter; besides he gives us September 12 & 15. . . . . . . . . Ezekiel 34:11–24
rich promises and assurances that he will 1 Timothy 1:5–17
care for us in time and in eternity, here and Luke 15:1–10
there, and pours out into our bosoms all the September 19 & 22. . . . . . . . . . . . . Amos 8:4–7
fulness of his grace. Therefore the acceptable 1 Timothy 2:1–15
time of grace is now at hand. Yet, we neglect Luke 16:1–15
it, and cast it to the winds, so that he will not
September 26 & 29. . . . . . . . . . . . . Amos 6:1–7
and cannot give it to us."
1 Timothy 3:1–13
— Dr. Martin Luther (AXD 1483–1546) Luke 16:19–31
Lutheran church leader & professor
(submitted to "The Anchor Line" by Pastor Matt)
(submitted to "The Anchor Line" by Pastor Matt)
5. asking him for help in prayer; we react to our
The Biblical View of Worship entry into the presence of our heavenly Father by
(part 3 of 3)
by Dr. John W. Kleinig, Professor joining together with the heavenly hosts in
Emeritus, Australian Lutheran singing the Sanctus; we react to the gift of Christ's
College healing body and cleansing blood by gratefully
(submitted to "The Anchor Line" by Pastor Matt) receiving these gifts and surrendering our lives to
him in the Song of Simeon; we react to God's
C. Transmission blessing by going out into the world and serving
1. A television set does not remain inert as it him in our daily lives. So our order of worship not
receives its transmission. The same electricity only tells us how to respond, but also helps us to
that transmitted the vision helps it receive and respond appropriately to God's presence and
reflect the transmitted vision. We, too, cannot grace.
remain passive and inert in worship. We are 3. We aren't left to our own devices in all this.
affected by God's impact on us. We are, in fact, We join in with our fellow Christians and are led
bound to react and respond either negatively or by the Holy Spirit who prompts us and empowers
positively to God's dealings with us. That's rather us in our worship of the Father through the Son
obvious, even though the priority of divine (Eph 2:18). The Holy Spirit helps us react
activity does not always receive enough emphasis appropriately and respond properly. He directs
in our understanding of worship. We tend to our worship, so that it lets God be God and is
emphasise the human side of worship too much rightly attuned to the ongoing ministry of Jesus.
to the detriment of the divine side, which should, What's more, he turns our whole life into a single
however, always receive most weight. What we act of worship, a continual song of praise about
do in worship stems from what God does and our gracious heavenly Father for the whole world
corresponds with it. We don't take the initiative to hear. So by helping us receive God's heavenly
in this, but merely go along with Jesus; we follow transmission, the Holy Spirit makes us into living
his lead. He's our leader in worship, our chief transmitters of that transmission.
celebrant. What's more, we can't do this by
There are many people who participate
ourselves without the help of the Holy Spirit, any
faithfully in worship but complain that they don't
more than the television set creates its vision by
get anything out of it. I guess we've all felt that
itself without the help of the electricity which can
way at times. What we forget is that the work of
alone enable it to receive and transmit its vision.
God is invisible to us. We don't notice it, but only
Our service of God in worship depends on his
know about it, because he himself tells us about it
service of us. It is empowered by the Holy Spirit.
in his word. We may sense the results of it, as we
2. Our order of worship makes this quite clear sense the results of our nourishment from
to us. In it we first react to God's invitation by breathing and eating, but we don't see it
gathering in his presence; then we react to the happening. I feel that it is just as silly to complain
offer of forgiveness by confessing our sins; we about how boring, useless, and unpleasant church
react to God's acceptance of us by singing the worship is as to complain about how boring good
great Gloria and other hymns of praise; we react food is, or how useless sleep is, or how
to God's speaking by listening faithfully to him unpleasant medicine is. Like good food, proper
and confessing our faith; we react to God's worship is not meant to entertain but to nourish
generosity by offering ourselves and some of our us, and we can often be best nourished by what
money to him; we react to God's offer of help by
6. we most dislike, like broccoli or liver. Like sleep, too severe, drab and gloomy for their liking. Then
worship may seem dull and its benefits often they went to Rome where they learned about
escape our attention, as they can be as much Roman Catholicism. They found it better than
physical as mental or emotional. After all, God Islam, but it lacked a sense of heavenly mystery
instituted the Sabbath in the Old Testament for and beauty. Then finally they went to
physical, and not just spiritual rest, refreshment Constantinople where they experienced Orthodox
and fellowship. Like medicine, worship is at times worship in the great Cathedral of Holy Wisdom.
unpleasant and uncomfortable, just because it They came back from there, all excited, and
attacks, destroys, and heals the evil in us. God reported to their King:
does not necessarily give us what we want, but We did not know whether we were in heaven
what we need in worship. So, though I, for one, or on earth, for surely there is no such splendor
am always grateful if I feel that I have got some or beauty anywhere upon earth, We cannot
blessing from worship, I am not unduly disturbed describe it to you only this, we know, that God
if I feel that I've got nothing. The benefits of dwells there among men and their service
worship are a matter of faith and not of sight. surpasses the worship of all other places.
5. Our worship of God here on earth is So Orthodoxy became the religion of Kiev and
unfortunately always rather clumsy and Russia. I like that legend, because it reminds me
inadequate. Our reception is poor and our about what worship is, the mystery of God's
transmission is poorer. Our worship is more like heavenly presence with us on earth.
learning to play a musical instrument than playing
2. The second story comes from Luke 24:13-35.
a symphony. But that does not matter. The
It is the story of the appearance of Jesus to two
validity of it does not depend on our ability and
disciples on the road to Emmaus. You remember
performance but on Christ's expertise and skill.
how Jesus joined them as they traveled from
What matters is that he gets it right for us. We
Jerusalem and discussed the events of Good
won't be able to get it all right this side of
Friday and that Easter morning. They did not at
eternity. Our whole life then is a matter of
first recognize him. Even when he showed them
earning, bit by bit, how to appreciate, enjoy and
from the Old Testament that the Christ had to
worship God. None of us is an expert in worship;
suffer and die before his coronation as the
we are all beginners. At best we can support and
heavenly King of he world, they still did not catch
encourage each other as we learn to worship by
on. They only recognized him when he took over
worshiping together.
the meal in their home, as if he were their host,
Conclusion: To conclude, let me tell three stories took bread, blessed, broke, and gave it to them.
to illustrate the purpose, nature and importance Then their eyes were opened and he disappeared
of worship. from their sight. Luke calls this the breaking of
1. First a story about the purpose of worship. bread, which is his name for the Lord's Supper in
The story is told about Prince Vladimir of Kiev in the book of Acts. He does this, because he wishes
Russia. At about 1000 AD he decided that the to suggest that we are in the same boat as those
ancestral religion of his people was no longer two men that Easter Eve. Like them we have
good enough. So he sent ambassadors around the heard about the resurrection of Jesus but are
world to assess the claims of various great unaware of his presence with us until he teaches
religions. First they went to Mecca where they us about himself from the Holy Scriptures and
examined the worship of Islam. But they found it reveals himself to us in Holy Communion. So
7. every time two Christians meet together in the
name of Jesus, the risen Lord comes to them and
Green Bay Area Lutheran
makes himself known to them. Every act of Confessions Discussion Group
worship is an Easter celebration where we meet Mark your calendars now— Pastor Matt
with our Lord and get to know him as he sets our and Maggie are organizing a Lutheran
hearts aflame by his speaking to us and opens our Confessions reading group. Tentatively set to
eyes to his presence with us by hosting his meal meet (starting in
for us. Every Sunday the risen Lord appears to us
October) on the first
as he did to them.
Monday of each
3. Lastly, an incident which illustrates the month, 6:00 – 8:00
importance of worship and the folly of its neglect! p.m., this will be an
Some time ago my wife met up with an old friend opportunity to read
whom she hadn't seen for years. In the course of
together the Lutheran
their conversation my wife discovered that she
confession of faith as it
was living with her two children in Adelaide, while
is contained in the
her husband lived more or less permanently in
Book of Concord. In
Canberra. They saw each other occasionally, but
other words, the
they lived mostly apart. It occurred to me that
confessions will be our guide to reading and
many Christians are like that. They are like a
studying what God's Word says to us in Holy
married couple that refuses to live together after
marriage and so does not share a common life. Scripture.
These Christians are baptized and confirmed but # Will it be kid-friendly? YES (of course!) –
seldom worship, pray, or receive the Lord's we'll put a movie on for kids to watch
Supper, because they regard all that as an
# Will there be food? YES (we'll eat dinner
unnecessary business and burdensome
obligation, rather than a marvelous privilege and first before we read)
the highlight of the Christian life. Surely a We already have preliminary interest from
Christian who doesn't interact with God and members of three area Lutheran
doesn't enjoy the lively intimacy with him that congregations (Pilgrim, Redeemer, and
comes from worship is as stupid as a married man Hope); for more information, call Pastor
who lives apart from his wife. Matt (336-9843 office; 336-9582 home) or e-
Ultimately, worship is nothing but our mail him at matthewchristians@gmail.com.
enjoyment of God. The Westminster Catechism (submitted to "The Anchor Line" by Pastor Matt)
begins with the question: “What is the chief end
of man?” The answer is apt: “The chief end of
man is to worship God and enjoy Him forever.” In
the final count, they amount to the one and the
same thing. #
8. Reminder: Confirmation begins Wednesday
Real Reformation Radio evenings starting on September 8th.
I ssues, Etc. is a radio talk show
hosted by LC–MS Pastor
Todd Wilken and produced by
• 6th graders: 5:15 p.m. – 6:15 p.m. (once-a-
month on the second Wednesday)
• 7th/8th graders: 4:00 – 5:15 p.m. (weekly)
Lutheran Public Radio. Topics
include: Jennifer Aniston on Parents, siblings, general church members all
Fatherless Motherhood, the welcome to sit in... anytime!
Secularization of the Church, the Dangers of (submitted to "The Anchor Line" by Pastor Matt)
Hipster Christianity, Repentance, Justification and
more. You can listen to what you want when you
want at www.issuesetc.org. How to Read the Bible
(submitted to "The Anchor Line" by Pastor Matt)
W e all know how to
read the Bible, right?
Pastor's Matt's Office Hours
Many of us read the Holy
P astor is changing his office hours slightly
starting in September (the day after Labor Day).
Scriptures every day.
Many more of us pull out
God's Word in times of
What are office hours? trouble and doubt and
Pastor Matt is in and out uncertainty. The question is: do we always get as
of the office throughout the much out of God's Word as we should? Is there
week. But he does his best to something in us (the "post-modern" man) that
always be in the office (excepting stands between me and my understanding what
vacations and emergencies) at God is telling me? The answer is: yes!
certain times for office hours. We don't always get as much out of God's
And in pastor's
Office hours are a good time to office... the Word because we don't necessarily read the Holy
drop in and catch pastor if you coffee's always Scriptures in the best possible way.
would rather not make an on! ( Our Adult Sunday School class (Sunday
appointment. Of course, he is morning Bible class) will start out this Fall by
available at all times by appointment; just e-mail discussing "How to Read the Bible." It's a timely
or call him at matthewchristians@gmail.com or topic that should be of benefit to all of us in our
336-9843 (office); 336-9582 (home). walk with Christ.
The class meets during the Sunday School
New Office hours:
hour every Sunday 9:15 – 10:15 a.m. We will
‚ Mondays 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
begin at the same time the children's classes
‚ Wednesdays 12:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
begin, on September 12th. If that time doesn't
‚ Thursdays 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
work for anyone and you'd like to suggest an
(submitted to "The Anchor Line" by Pastor Matt)
second alternative time, just call Pastor Matt and
suggest a time.
For those who've never been to a Bible
Youth Confirmation Begins class before, the start of a new school is a great
9. time to try it out. No one is required to read or wooden kiosk for your convenience. A few
speak or anything... just come and listen if you'd excerpts from his newsletter are reproduced
like. below:
Parents with children in tow who are too Hello everyone! Well, I'm finally here in
young to begin Sunday School are welcome too Slovakia! It was hard to say goodbye to all my family
(more than welcome!) Come join us. and friends when I left, but when I met Neil, Ryan,
(submitted to "The Anchor Line" by Pastor Matt) and A.J. at the airport, I immediately became
excited for this year and for doing the work of God
with such wonderful guys! All of our flights went
Memory Verse of the Month really smoothly. I had some wonderful witnessing
opportunities on my plane rides. One I especially
T his year, the Sunday School is
starting something new that
want to share with you is with a girl named Nikol
who I met on my way from Prague to Zilina,
Slovakia. She was 16 and coming home to the Czech
they'd like to share with the Republic from working all summer at a camp in
entire congregation. Each month Maryland. We had a wonderful discussion about the
all the grade levels of the Sunday differences between America and the Czech
School (including the adults!) will work at Republic. She also wanted to practice her English
memorizing a Bible Verse of the Month. Wouldn't with me as much as she could! She was very good
it be a neat thing if the entire congregation could since she spent the whole summer in America! I was
learn by heart this little bit of God's Word: able to share my faith with her and I could sense
God with me as I was witnessing to her. This was
Memory Verse for September: definitely a wonderful start to a year I am so excited
"The Lord . . . is patient toward you, not to begin!
wishing that any should perish, but that all
should reach repentance." (2 Peter 3:9) I want to thank you all so much for your
(submitted to "The Anchor Line" by Pastor Matt)
support of my mission trip! Without you, my work
here in Slovakia would not be possible! I thank you
from the bottom of my heart for your willingness in
partnering with me in bringing Jesus to Slovakia. I
Elliott Derricks, Missionary to had such a wonderful time at all the churches I
presented at about my mission work. I cannot wait
Slovakia
H
to come back and share my experiences with you
ere at Hope Lutheran Church, we are next year when I return! I am not 100% funded yet,
however. I have about $14,000 roughly of the
currently supporting missionary Elliott Derricks
$20,114 needed to fully fund my mission work. If
(member of Zion Lutheran Church in Wayside). He
you feel God moving you to support me I thank you
left last month for a one-year commitment to
so much for that! Be sure that checks are written
serve in Presov, Slovakia. We've received news
out to the LCMS World Mission and have my name
that he arrived safely and has been hard at work
(Elliott Derricks) in the memo line. They can be sent
sharing the great glad news of Jesus Christ the
to LCMS World Mission at: 1333 S. Kirkwood, St.
Savior of sinners. Louis, MO 63122-7295.
One copy of his August 2010 newsletter
(submitted to "The Anchor Line" by Pastor Matt)
will be pinned to the bulletin board if you'd like to
read it and several copies will be placed at the Stewardship
10. vocation. Luther believed that the honest work
“The blessings of honest work” of a janitor, maid or housewife was just as
important and pleasing to God as the work of a
On Monday, September 6, Americans and president, pastor, teacher, doctor, scientist or
Canadians will observe “Labor Day,” a legal any other vocation held in high esteem.
holiday set aside to honor labor. Work is often
thought of as drudgery – something that you Ecclesiastes 2:24-25 (NIV) reads: “A man can
have to do to make a living. So we sometimes do nothing better than to eat and drink and
call work toil, a chore, an obligation, or even a find satisfaction in his work.”
necessary evil. The New World Dictionary does
not agree with that, but holds work up as This too, I see, is from St. Paul in writing to the
honorable and positive. Part of its definition Ephesians and Thessalonians said: “He who has
goes as follows: “work is physical or mental been stealing must steal no longer, but must
effort exerted to do or make something and be work, doing something useful with his own
involved in purposeful activity.” hands, that he may have something to share
with those in need.” (Ephesians 4:28 NIV). For
The Bible takes an even higher view of labor. even when we were with you, we gave you this
Labor is actually a gift from God meant to fill our rule: “If a man will not work, he shall not eat.”
hours and days with meaningful activities that (2 Thessalonians 3:10 NIV).
honor God, respect His creation, and provide
blessings for others and ourselves. It was God God’s redeemed people understand that
who put Adam in the Christian stewardship is the free and joyous
Garden of Eden to work it activity of the child of God and God’s family, the
and take care of it church, in managing all of life and life’s
(Genesis 2:15). This work resources for God’s purposes. Giving money to
was given to Adam before support the work of the church and other
the fall into sin and thus institutions, giving time to help with honest
was a blessing from God. efforts, and using our talents to bring glory to
It is true that after the fall God and blessings to others are all important
into sin, work became wearisome toil as the parts of Christian stewardship. This truth is
ground was cursed so that sinful human beings summed up beautifully in these words from 2
would have to earn their daily bread by the Corinthians 10:31 (NIV): “So whether you eat or
sweat of their brows until their dying day drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory
(Genesis 3:17b-19). But, in spite of that curse, of God.”
labor or work remains a blessing from God.
This Labor Day and every day give thanks to God
Dr. Martin Luther (who wrote much on the for the blessing of work. Giving thanks for
subject of vocation) believed that vocation was honest labor is something that Christian
a calling, which encompassed the whole of the stewards can remember to do in their daily
life of the believer, and was NOT narrowly thoughts and prayers. So, enjoy whatever you
defined as a job, trade, or even a religious are doing to observe Labor Day, and then
11. continue your daily work with joy and Greeters:
enthusiasm. Sun. 9am Wed. 7pm
9/5 Available Available
Financial Figures
Sun. 9am Sun. 10:30am Wed. 7pm
2010 average per week: $3,105.33 9/12 Available Available Available
Budget per week: $3,765 9/19 Available Available Available
Difference: ($659.67)
9/26 Available Available Available
2010 20/20 offerings: $4,685.03
Those Who Serve in July The church calendar for September 2010
through August 2011 is in your church mailbox.
Dates and times are subject to change and will
New sign-up sheets are available in the
be announced in bulletins.
coatroom for all positions. Confirmands will be
signing up for acolyte times at the first
confirmation class at 4:00 pm on Wednesday, Thank You
September 8 or parents may choose times now
on the sign-up in the coatroom. Thank you to those who served in August.
Ushers: Ushers: Dan & Jane, Troy, Paul & Nancy, Dennis,
Sun. 9am Wed. 7pm Darryll, and Dave
9/5 Available Available Altar Aides: Elvera, Louann, Carol
Sun. 9am Sun. 10:30am Wed. 7pm
9/12
Acolyte: Nikki
Available Available Available
9/19 Jane & Available Available Readers: Christian
Dan
9/26 Available Available Available ABC Festival
Flowers: Coming your way again on Saturday, November
9/5 6 from 3:00 until 7:30 pm. Silent auction, chili
Available
dinner and bake sale. Donation slips are
9/12 Available available in the church office for anyone wishing
9/19 Dave & Mary to donate items for the silent auction to benefit
the Hope Lutheran Youth and Angels of Hope
9/26 Randy & Michelle – birthdays
Preschool.
12. background as they are experiencing severe
Church Council & Voters’
financial needs.
Assembly Mini-Minutes
The Voters did vote to guarantee (indemnify)
Both meetings were held on Monday, August $5000 of the loan Our Saviour is giving to Trinity
9, 2010. Below is a synopsis of information from (if Trinity is unable to repay the loan, we would
both meetings; other info covered in the repay up to $5000). The alternative is being
meetings is covered in other articles of the liable for up to 1/4 of the $70,000 debt Trinity
newsletter. currently has.
Bible Studies will resume in September. A bylaw change was presented: Change Article
IIA - Change from “regular meetings of the
Pastor Matt and Maggie will be attending the Voters’ Assembly shall be held quarterly as
third session of the Doxology conferences the announced on the church calendar” to “regular
last weekend of August. meetings of the Voters’ Assembly shall be held
in February and November as announced on the
Matt and Chris will co-chair the Evangelism church calendar.”
Ministry committee.
Financial reports are available throughout the
A chairperson for the Stewardship ministry year; minutes of council meetings are provided
committee is needed. in the newsletter. Special meetings may be
called as needed by the chairman or pastor. A
De Pere Christian Outreach has paid over vote will be taken on this bylaw change at the
$150,000 on the building they purchased. Over November Voters’ Assembly meeting.
80 families are fed through the food pantry
each week. More volunteers are always needed. Nominating committee – David, Pastor Matt
and Helen. Positions available for next year
$100 per month of the regular mission funding include: vice chair, three elders, two trustees,
that we send to Synod will be earmarked for recording secretary, financial secretary and an
funding Elliot Derricks, missionary to Slovakia. appointed treasurer position.
Elliot attends Wayside church and attended
NEWLHS; he made a presentation to Hope in Words from the chairman
July.
Submitted by David
Church office secretary applications have been
received and interviews will be set up.
Summer is here. The weather is hot and we are
all happy that Hope has air conditioning.
A delegate to the Trinity Lutheran Elementary
School board is needed from Hope; we have
I’ve been a little remiss in submitting articles
two delegates, Lynn continues as one delegate.
lately.
They are looking for people with a business
13. It is mainly due to my travels over the past two Hope’s VBS program went very well again this
months. Mary and I have been out of town year. Many thanks to Kim, Alice, and Beth for
many of the past few weeks on vacation, their hard work in putting this together and to
business, and at the LCMS Synodical the many volunteers who helped in many ways
Convention. We have attended over a dozen including creating the ship and other settings,
church services and five Bible studies at various leading a group of children, playing music,
locations including St. Louis, MO; Houston, bringing food, and assisting in many other ways.
TX; and Milwaukee. Services ranged from the Thanks again for all of your hard work – the
very traditional to the very nontraditional. children were excited.
I spent 9 days in
Education Ministry
Houston, TX at the LCMS
Synodical Convention as
The September education ministry meeting will
the lay delegate for our
be changed from Monday, September 27 to the
Green Bay area Circuit.
following Monday on October 4 at 7:00 pm. The
Just in case you missed
October meeting will be Monday, October 25 as
the news, the
scheduled.
Convention elected a
new President to lead
Ya' all come to the all
the Synod going forward. Pastor Matthew
church Family Fall Fest
Harrison was elected President on the first
and Hayride sponsored
ballot. Information about Pastor Harrison and
by the Sunday School
other Convention actions can be found at the
will be at 12:00 noon
LCMS Website.
on Sunday, September
26 at the Loppnow
At the Convention I came to realize the
farm. It will begin with at potluck picnic so bring
importance of making nominations for the
a dish to pass and enjoy fun and fellowship with
various synodical offices/positions as well as
our family from Hope.
making overtures of anything we feel the Synod
needs to take action on. The determination of
who appears on the ballots for President and
www.goodsearch.com
Vice-President positions is heavily dependent
on the number of nominations received. The
determination of which overtures to bring to
Search the web and earn 1 cent
the convention floor is dependent on what is
for each search. Designate Hope
submitted and how many similar submissions
Lutheran Church De Pere as
exist. Therefore if we feel any nominations or
the cause you support. Goodshop
overtures are important, we have to make them
for you’re online shopping.
as the body of Hope instead of assuming
Proceeds benefit Angels of Hope Preschool.
“someone else will do it.”
Participating stores are listed in the Website and
you can still use other coupon codes.
14. Funds raised in 2010: $41.43 well as our community. We are currently
Funds raised since we first registered: $125.22 revisiting our greeters program and publicity
options to communicate “who we are” in the
community. Please mark your calendars for our
Lambeau Concessions
next “New Member Recognition” on Sunday,
October 10, 2010. We will have a potluck
Sign-up sheets for the
luncheon after the 10:30 am service.
next games are on the
bulletin board. Thanks
Look for more details in the upcoming weeks.
to all who have worked
so far!
Our next meeting will be Saturday, September
25 at 8:30 am. If anyone would be interested in
All funds raised from
joining our Evangelism ministry please contact
Lambeau concessions goes toward the payment
one of our current members. New hands and
of the building loan – last year it was over
new ideas are always welcome.
$9,000.
LEVY Online Alcohol Training – Non-Profit Sunday, September 12
Groups:
Instruction sheets are on the bulletin board. Worship at 10:30 am where kids will
This training must be completed before working sing VBS songs.
any Packer games. It’s basically the same as last
year but, of course, a bit different. Remember Carnival and cookout following the
to e-mail Judy so we also have a record of church service sponsored by the Hope
who has completed the training. Thanks. Lutheran Youth.
Proceeds from the carnival and
Evangelism cookout will benefit the Hope
Lutheran Youth program.
Our Evangelism committee
has regrouped and we are
looking forward to a year 2010-2011 Sunday School Year
of progress in our ministry.
First day of Sunday School will be Sunday,
Our committee members
September 12.
include: Paul (Elder), Matt (chair), Chris Below
(secretary/co-chair), Pastor Matt, Maggie &
As we say good bye to summer, we are set to
Nancy.
begin our new Sunday School year for 2010-11
at Hope Lutheran Church. Our theme this year is
We have several existing projects to review and
“Come and go with Jesus to my Father’s
are looking forward to implementing other
House.” We have an exiting day planned for our
ideas for outreach to our members at Hope as
first day of Sunday School on September 12th.
15. Check out our schedule: sharing Jesus' love and the mission will extend
beyond our church home.
• 9:15-9:30 am – opening devotion (ages 3
to high school) Over 50 pencils, scissors, glue sticks, notebooks
• 9:30 -10:15 am – children return to and markers were collected by the VBS children
Sunday School and donated to local De Pere Schools who will
• 9:35-10:10 am – parents meeting & share them with families in need for school
social supplies. Our financial donations for VBS from
• 10:30 -11:30 am – worship with VBS the children and the congregation totaled
songs $500.00. This will be split and sent to Alyssa
• 11:30-12:30 am – carnival Stone, an LCMS missionary in Haiti and to
Friends of Haiti, a local medical and mission
Our Hope Lutheran Youth will sponsor the group who will travel to Haiti October 16-30,
carnival with games and food for sale. Since our 2010. Thank you to all who shared and gave.
youth, senior high and 8th graders will be
involved with the carnival, they will start bible
Angels of Hope Preschool
study on September 19.
Let the school year
On September 12, parents and students should
begin!!!
locate their children’s classroom and meet their
teachers. We will then convene in the
Our preschool will be back
fellowship hall for an opening devotion.
in session on September
Students will return to their classroom and
7th. We are near capacity
parents will stay in the fellowship hall for a
with 16 three year olds
calendar of events and a morning social.
and 16 four year olds
registered for the
2011 Registration Forms:
2010-2011 school year.
We like to make sure we have correct
We are anxious to meet many new families as
information going for the new year, therefore,
well as welcome families from the past.
please complete the form in this newsletter and
return to church before September 12, 2010
We are looking for someone that may be
interested in building a sturdy wooden cart on
Installation of Sunday School Teachers:
wheels to hold the new office laminating
Our teachers will be installed on Sunday,
machine. The dimensions of the cart would be
September 12 . We thank all of our teachers for
30’’x45” and about 28” tall. It would need to be
their willingness to serve. Your gifts are truly a
strong enough to hold a 100 pound machine. If
blessing to all of our children and parents.
you have the interest and ability to accomplish
this task for us please contact Gail Thiel.
Vacation Bible School Missions:
We are so thankful for all that attended and
We are also looking for donations for the
assisted with VBS. It was an awesome week of
preschool. Please read through the list below to
16. see if you can help us out with any As we begin our new school year we want to
of them. We will be placing a once again invite you to stop in any time to give
giving tree in the narthex us a visit and see our program. It is never an
containing apples with these items interruption to have visitors.
on them. If you plan on donating one of the
items, please take the apple from the tree. We In His Service,
would like all of the donations to be to us by Mrs. Thiel and Mrs. Thompson
September 15, 2010.
National Lutheran Youth
• cotton balls (3 bags)
• plastic spoons (100) Gathering
• ziplock baggies (2 gallon size)
• ziplock baggies (sandwich size) The LCMS National Youth Gathering was held on
• ziplock baggies (snack size) July 17- 21, 2010 in New Orleans.
• ziplock baggies (quart size)
• ziplock baggies (gallon size) The theme of the Gathering was We Believe.
• white yarn
• white reinforcement stickers “But these things are written that you may
• Q-tips believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God,
• blue rick-rack and that by believing you may have life in his
• a small cross stamp name.”
• flat lollipops (20) John 20:31
• bingo dabbers (3 blue, 3 red, 3 purple, 3
green) At the 2010 National LCMS Youth Gathering,
• coffee filters we focused on these words. What an awesome
• curly blonde hair (for crafting) experience to see over 25,000 youth and adults
• face paint pens who shared this faith. We asked each youth
• green cellophane three questions regarding the Gathering and we
• bag of white balloons share their responses below:
• bag of purple balloons
• bag of green balloons MEET: SARAH
• plain white paper bowls ATTENDS: De Pere High School, senior
• small white paper plates PARENTS: Dave and Kim
• muffin cup liners WHAT WAS ONE OF YOUR FAVORITE PARTS OF
• foil star stickers THE GATHERING? My favorite part of the
• circle rummage sale stickers (primary Gathering were the mass events. I love seeing
colors) everyone there together worshiping God when
• a bag of white polyester fill the band plays, everyone would stand up
• colored sand for the water table (can be excited to sing and clap, yet when someone
found at Menards) began to speak it became silent so everyone
could hear the Word.
17. HOW DID THE GATHERING STRENGTHEN YOUR FAITH? Just seeing so many kids my age who
FAITH? My faith has grown because of the believe the same thing I do is so reassuring and
Gathering. It is so reassuring to see and be with impactful.
so many people who believe the same things I WHAT IS SOMETHING NEW YOU LEARNED AT
do. THE GATHERING? I learned there are so many
WHAT IS SOMETHING NEW YOU LEARNED AT ways to express our faith like servant events or
THE GATHERING? I learned that it is not about dancing around to upbeat praise music.
you. It is about Jesus. We are not the HERO of
the story, HE (JESUS) is. MEET: TRICIA
ATTENDS: De Pere High School, sophomore
MEET: KATIE PARENTS: John and Deb
ATTENDS: Ashwaubenon High School, senior WHAT WAS ONE OF YOUR FAVORITE PARTS OF
PARENTS: John and Karen THE GATHERING? My favorite part of the
WHAT WAS ONE OF YOUR FAVORITE PARTS OF Gathering was when we all helped out in the
THE GATHERING? My favorite part of the school for our servant event. I like to help
Gathering was that there were 25,000 other people and it was a kind thing to do for others
people celebrating and praising JESUS. that were truly in need. (Our servant event
HOW DID THE GATHERING STRENGTHEN YOUR involved our youth going to a school in
FAITH? This Gathering showed me that I downtown New Orleans that had been failing
shouldn’t be afraid to share and express my for the last 5 years. A new charter school and
faith. I am now more confident to keep Him in group of teachers were taking it over and the
my life at all times. school was in desperate need of organization,
WHAT IS SOMETHING NEW YOU LEARNED AT paint, clean up and more.)
THE GATHERING? One thing I learned here is HOW DID THE GATHERING STRENGTHEN YOUR
not to live 2 separate lives (one with you in the FAITH? It helped me believe more. Because I use
center and one with Jesus). You need to live one to not really read the Bible but it has helped me
with Jesus in it and then everything will fall into to be more confident and want to read it more
place. often.
WHAT IS SOMETHING NEW YOU LEARNED AT
MEET: EMILY THE GATHERING? I learned that we don’t have
ATTENDS: De Pere High School, freshman to hide that we believe in JESUS. So we can
PARENTS: Scott and Lori teach others what happened when Jesus was
WHAT WAS ONE OF YOUR FAVORITE PARTS OF alive on earth but He will always be with us.
THE GATHERING? Bob Lenz was a speaker that
was one of my favorites of the Gathering MEET: SYDNEY
because he was so laid back and could really ATTENDS: West De Pere High School, freshman
relate to our lives as youth. Also, the mass PARENTS: Bill and Char
events were great to see all 25,000 of us all WHAT WAS ONE OF YOUR FAVORITE PARTS OF
singing and dancing to contemporary praise THE GATHERING? My favorite part of the
music. Gatherings was the mass events because I felt
HOW DID THE GATHERING STRENGTHEN YOUR really involved and they helped me strengthen
18. my faith the most. should remember that there is a reason for
HOW DID THE GATHERING STRENGTHEN YOUR what we are experiencing.
FAITH? The Gathering impacted my faith by
making me feel really connected to God. It MEET: BAILEY
strengthened my faith and expanded it. ATTENDS: West De Pere High School,
WHAT IS SOMETHING NEW YOU LEARNED AT Sophomore
THE GATHERING? At the Gathering, I learned PARENTS: Michele
that people everywhere share our faith. Seeing WHAT WAS ONE OF YOUR FAVORITE PARTS OF
this and just hearing it helped me grow in faith. THE GATHERING? My favorite part of the
Gathering was the mass events. I liked the mass
MEET: KRYSTA events because I liked singing and dancing with
ATTENDS: West De Pere High School, freshman everyone and praising God.
PARENTS: Jeff and Dawn HOW DID THE GATHERING STRENGTHEN YOUR
WHAT WAS ONE OF YOUR FAVORITE PARTS OF FAITH? The Gathering impacted my faith by
THE GATHERING? My favorite part was the mass knowing that there are many others Lutherans
events because I loved singing and dancing with out there praising the same God and that you
people that believe the same thing I do. can praise him with whomever and wherever
HOW DID THE GATHERING STRENGTHEN YOUR you are.
FAITH? It strengthened my faith and opened my WHAT IS SOMETHING NEW YOU LEARNED AT
eyes more. THE GATHERING? I learned that God is with you
WHAT IS SOMETHING NEW YOU LEARNED AT through everything and things happen for a
THE GATHERING? I learned that a lot of people reason not just to ruin your life. I learned that
believe and there are many things that I can do anything is possible with God and that there are
to spread the Word and I also learned that God many more people who believe the same thing
has a plan for everyone and that He loves every and you don’t have to be afraid to express your
single one of us. love for God.
MEET: BRIANA
Youth News
ATTENDS: West De Pere High School,
Sophomore
“He who began a good work in you will
WHAT WAS ONE OF YOUR FAVORITE PARTS OF
carry it out until the day of Christ Jesus.”
THE GATHERING? The mass event because it
Philippians 1:6
was cool to see thousands of Lutherans
gathered and having fun hearing God’s Word
and what Jesus did for us.
HOW DID THE GATHERING STRENGTHEN YOUR
FAITH? It strengthened m faith and my
It is the eve of another school year. It is time to
relationship with God.
get ready for the work that is ahead, to practice
WHAT IS SOMETHING NEW YOU LEARNED AT
getting up early again, and to wake up that part
THE GATHERING? I learned that God has a plan
of your brain that has enjoyed vacation. Yes, it is
for everyone and even in the darkest times we
a time of mixed emotions. There is joy for a new
19. start to a new year mixed with sadness that the us. How we live our lives, respond to others,
fun frolicking days of summer are coming to a give of ourselves – all of it is opportunities to
close. No matter where your emotions are it is share the Gospel – to share Jesus with another.
here. I love this time of year. I love walking into God has begun a good work in each of you and
class on that first day of Kindergarten and He will carry it out to completion. As you think
greeting both excited and nervous students. It is back on your own life I am sure you can think of
like looking out at a garden one which God has people that “helped water your seed of faith”. It
given me the tools to help grow and bloom for may have been something they said, or
that year. It is exciting as I prayerfully begin something they did for you but God was using
another adventure. Although the calendar says them to grow your faith. He wants to use you to
it is time to start, the work has already begun. I do the same for another! Are you looking for
am not just talking about the grunt work like those opportunities?
cutting out projects and writing lesson plans but
the “spiritual work” that began months earlier. Beth
At the end of every school year we receive our
tentative list for the coming year. It is then that Worship Service and Carnival:
my job as their teacher begins.
On Sunday, September 12 we will have a
As I spend my summer thinking and preparing carnival following 10:30 am worship service.
what I will teach, I also spend it praying for the Youth in grades 6 to 12 we will need your help
students that will walk into my room tomorrow. in organizing and running
You see I have a gift that God entrusted me with our games and cook out
for the year. I have thirteen little hearts in my on this day. This is the
care to help water the seed of faith which God first day of Sunday School
has planted in them. It is both exciting and at and we will plan to meet
the same time, a bit scary. Like my own for our opening at 10:15 am and then prepare
children, they will imitate what I say, what I do, for the carnival. If you are unable to attend the
how I respond… and that leaves a big August 30 planning meeting please contact Beth
responsibility. Some of you have embarked on or Kim about volunteering. We will need help
the same task here at church. Some of you will with game and serving food and this will be a
be God’s outstretched hands teaching our way to earn funds for your youth account.
children on Sundays at Sunday School, or
volunteering in positions that help “water the Youth Servant Event:
seeds of faith” already planted. What an Friends of Haiti is the
awesome gift God has given you. nonprofit group that will
make a medical and dental
Whether you are in classroom or not you are all mission to the mountains
a valued part of God’s team. Together we of Haiti in October. The
embark on a journey in service to Him. As group is in need of assistance to help pack pills
Christians it is our responsibility to help water for the group. Our youth did this service once
the seeds of faith in the lives of those around before but we would like to help again. Please
20. sign up on the bulletin board to help serve by
Thank You
packing pills on Wednesday, September 15,
Hope Lutheran Church......
2010. We would leave church about 5:40 pm
and return about 8:15 pm. All are welcome to
In July, 8 youth and 2 chaperones did travel to
serve and share God’s love by giving your time
New Orleans to the 2010 Lutheran Youth
to help others.
Gathering. It was a great faith building
opportunity for all of us. What was extra special
Hayride:
about this trip is that we learned much about
On Sunday, September
"We Believe" in Jesus but we also learned about
26, following the 10:30
New Orleans and the needs of this community.
am church service,
Due to the great need still evident in New
come enjoy some fall
Orleans following the recovery from Katrina,
fun at the Hayride at
the Lutheran youth were able to show Jesus'
the Loppnow farm.
love in many servant events. The attached letter
More details are
from Terry
provided in another portion of the newsletter.
Dittmer, Director
of Youth Ministry
LCMS NYG Youth:
for the LCMS,
On Wednesday, September 29 from 6:30 to
highlights many
8:00 pm we will have a follow up meeting to the
of the servant
2010 National Youth Gathering. We will meet at
events and also extends appreciation for all of
the Thompsons to see a follow up to Katrina and
the support. We also want to thank all of the
New Orleans sharing in bible study and planning
congregation for their support. The youth will
for our church service to share the Gathering
be sharing a service in the future highlighting
with the Hope Family.
the Gathering. We had hoped to do this on
August 22 but we will postpone it as we
Calendar Preview:
are still waiting on some materials from the
• The ABC Festival is scheduled for
Gathering to incorporate into our presentation.
November 6, 2010. Plan now by
organizing items to sell at the auction.
Thank you to all of you that supported the Hope
This is a way for you to earn funds for
Lutheran Youth that attended the 2010 National
your youth account.
Lutheran Youth Gathering,
• The Christmas Program is scheduled for
December 18, 2010.
In Christ,
• Youth Winter Retreat at Camp Luther is
Beth and Kim
scheduled for January 21-23, 2011.
Sarah, Katie, Tricia,Emily, Krysta, Bailey ,
• Our Captive Free concert and youth lock-
Briana and Sydney
in will be on February 18, 2011.
21. organizations, and individual
The Incredible Privilege of
homeowners.
Saying, “Thank you!” • Dozens of neighborhood prayer walks
where Gathering participants walked
The LCMS Youth Ministry Staff and Gathering through neighborhoods and prayed with
Executive Team thank God for the participants, and for residents.
planners and volunteers at the 2010 National • Nearly $140,000 was collected for the
LCMS Youth Gathering. We deeply thank the special Gathering offering, of which a
participating congregations and the parents of portion will go to provide grants for local
the youth for entrusting the spiritual nurture of congregational youth programs doing
their youth at the Gathering for five days in July outreach to un-churched and
and for providing the necessary spiritual, marginally-churched youth.
personal and financial support along the way. • 3,000 pounds of non-perishable food
What a humbling privilege it is to organize the items were donated for Second Harvest
Gathering. Food Bank.
• 3,000 personal care kits were assembled
Thanks also to the hundreds of Gathering for area shelters and community
planners for their amazing creativity and organizations through the District Care
energy. Thanks to the awesome local Kit Scavenger Hunt with financial support
volunteers, the yellow-shirted Community Life from our LCMS Districts.
Builders and the “Orange Nation” of Young • 2.000 placemats were created for local
Adults Volunteers. nursing homes.
• 1,000 units of blood were donated for
It’s hard to believe it’s been almost a month southeast Louisiana hospitals.
since the 2010 National LCMS Youth Gathering. • 400 fleece blankets were made.
There were 24,000 youth and adults in New • 50 participants received haircuts and
Orleans gathered to praise God and worship gave their hair for Locks of Love.
Jesus. As we like to say, the Gathering is, first of • 125 baptismal banners were created for
all, all about Jesus – how He loves us, how He local churches.
saves us, and how He inspires and encourages • 665 handmade cards were created for
us to serve Him by serving others. It is an military chaplains, active servicemen and
amazing story about how a Gathering can military families.
impact a community. Check out this short • 200 batches of play dough were made for
inventory of what was accomplished in Jesus’ local preschools and Boys & Girls Clubs.
name, over five days in July. • 2,000 thank-you notes were written for
local oil spill recovery workers
• About half of the 24,000 NYG • In addition, the LCMS Youth Ministry
participants volunteered at 100 servant office sponsored an “Art4Haiti” project.
events benefitting local churches, All told, 144 folk art crosses were
schools, parks, cemeteries, summer assembled and sold, raising nearly $5,000
camp programs and other service for Haitian relief.
22. How amazing to see God working through the
Gathering and making such an impact in a
community! So many people in the city’s
neighborhoods saw the love of Christ shared
through the service of so many.
So many people point to a Gathering as one of
the most significant events in their lives.
Professional church workers – pastors, teachers,
DCEs – point to a Gathering as the event leading
them to pursue a church career. There are many
stories from those encouraged through the
messages shared by Gathering speakers and
performers. Many are led to celebrate their
faith and explore their gifts. The Youth Ministry
Office will share some of these stories in future
Gathering updates. What else is there to say.
Again, thanks be to God. It is His gift of faith that
enables us to confess, “WE BELIEVE!”
Dr. Terry K. Dittmer, Director
LCMS District and Congregational Services –
Youth Ministry