October Newsletter

The Luther Seal: A Summary of the Gospel The most enduring symbol of the Lutheran Reformation is the seal that Luther himself designed to represent his theology. By the early 1520s, this seal begins to appear on the title page of Luther’s works. Here is how Luther himself explained its meaning: Frst, there is a black cross in a heart that remains its natural color. This is to remind me that it is faith in the Crucified One that saves us. Anyone who He who believes from the heart will be justified (Romans 10:10). It is a black cross, which mortifies and causes pain, but it leaves the heart its natural color. It doesn’t destroy nature, that is to say, it does not kill us but keeps us alive, for the just shall live by faith in the Crucified One (Romans 1:17). The heart should stand in the middle of a white rose. This is to show that faith gives joy, comfort, and peace—it puts the believer into a white, joyous rose. Faith does not give peace and joy like the world gives (John 14:27). This is why the rose must be white, not red. White is the color of the spirits and angels (cf. Matthew 28:3; John 20:12). This rose should stand in a sky-blue field, symbolizing that a joyful spirit and faith is a beginning of heavenly, future joy, which begins now, but is grasped in hope, not yet fully revealed. Around the field of blue is a golden ring to symbolize that blessedness in heaven lasts forever and has no end. Heavenly blessedness is exquisite, beyond all joy and better than any possessions, just as gold is the most valuable and precious metal. (From: Letter from Martin Luther to Lazarus Spengler, July 8, 1530 [WA Br 5:445]; tr. P. T. McCain) The first version was used in Luther’s writings in the 1520s for the first time, and was in black and white, with Luther’s initials.

September Council Minutes: Trinity’s church council met on Thursday, September 21 at 8 PM. Pastor opened the meeting with a brief devotion. Ashley Wagoner has a new full time job and is unable to continue working as the office secretary. The council voted to extend the secretary position to Julie Alkire, who has moved to Morrill and transferred membership from Our Savior/Torrington. Other membership changes: Lydia Dillman (died in Christ, funeral 9/2) and Jacob Powers (baptized into Christ, 9/4).

 LWML News: Trinity’s LWML meetings took place on September 13 beginning at 7 PM with Pastor Humphrey leading a Bible study. Trinity will host the November pastors’ Winkel. The Pine Ridge Fall Zone Rally will take place on October 1st at Trinity beginning at 2 PM, followed by a potato bake. The main speaker will be Rev. James Rockhill from Crawford & Harrison; Pastor Humphrey will lead opening and closing devotions. Reformation 500 Festival The Bi-circuit Reformation service will take place at Immanuel Lutheran in Alliance, beginning at the school at 2 PM. Worship service will take place at the church at 4 PM, followed by a dinner at 5:30. Bulletin inserts have more details. A joint choir will sing, contact Faith in Gering if you are interested. Please plan to attend!

 DATES TO REMEMBER FOR OCTOBER October 3: Manual Strauch, Birthday October 12: Geneva Johannes , Baptismal Date October 13: Debra Schneider, Birthday October 14: Dorothy Stuckert, Birthday October 22: Dorothy Holthus, Birthday October 25: Sharon Schledewitz, Birthday October 26: Wayne & Betty Batt, Anniversary

Announcement Regarding St. James As you know, Rev. Ralph Morris has announced his retirement from St. James Lutheran Church in Scottsbluff, effective at the end of November. In meeting with Wyoming District officials, the voters assembly of St. James has, after prayful consideration, concluded that their preferred option would be to form a dual parish congregation with another nearby parish. Their first choice with whom to explore this possibility is with us at Trinity. We will have a discussion and vote on whether to learn about what would take place if we did agree to form a dual parish. PLEASE NOTE: the question before us at the October voters meeting is NOT whether we want to form a dual parish with St. James. Rather, we will vote as to whether we are willing to learn what would take place if we did decide to form a dual parish and how that would be accomplished. If learning about this is approved, there would then be several meetings with District officers which would cover the various issues of a dual parish arrangement. If, after learning about this, we are still interested in forming a dual parish, then meetings with members of both congregations along with District officials would commence. If, after these meetings, both congregations came to mutual agreement on the issue, then a new congregation would be formed. Obviously, this is a long process and there are a number of issues and concerns to be addressed. However, the question before us at present is whether we wish to learn more about this or not. Please pray about this opportunity, and for our brothers and sisters in Christ at St. James. Please also keep in mind that October is when we elect new council members and set the next year’s budget, so please make every effort to attend this meeting at 8 PM on October 19th.