Dear saints at Trinity: do you
ever get a little down when you look at the state of the Church? I don’t
necessarily mean our little congregation, but the Church as a whole? We see
fewer and fewer people attending worship services, and fewer people describing
themselves as Christians. Increasingly, church bodies will downplay or even
deny the basic teachings of the Christian faith in order to fit in with the
current (and ever-changing) worldview. We know Jesus’ promise that “the gates
of hell will not prevail against” His bride, the Church (Matthew 16:18), but we
also remember our Lord Christ’s words from Luke 18:8—“ Nevertheless, when the
Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?”
It's a challenge to be a believer
in our day and age (although, to be frank, when has it ever been “easy” to be a
believer? If it ever was, then I suppose we wouldn’t need the Holy Spirit to
create and sustain our faith, would we?). We certainly see attitudes and
behaviors that seem designed to mock God’s Word and belittle and marginalize
Christians. And so, we may think that Christianity is on the wane. But then,
look at this post from the International Lutheran Council (of which the LCMS is
a member) from last week:
On May 25, 2018, the Malagasy
Lutheran Church (Fiangonana Loterana Malagas – FLM) voted to “more fully
realize our unity as Lutheran Christians” between itself and The Lutheran
Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS), with hopes that a closer relationship between the
two churches will lead to the recognition of altar and pulpit fellowship in the
future. The decision came during a gathering of the Committee of Highest Synod
Leaders (KMSL), the highest decision making body in the Malagasy church, as
they met in Antananarivo.
“We give thanks to our Lord who
leads His church. I am very pleased to announce that FLM has decided to seek
fellowship with the LCMS,” said FLM’s President, Bishop David Rakotonirina.
“This is the first step to open the door by working together in the areas of
development. We pray for the next steps. We desire to keep FLM a confessional
Lutheran church. Praise the Lord.”
LCMS President Matthew Harrison greeted news of the vote with
joy, calling it “one of the most significant days in the history of The LCMS
and world confessional Lutheranism.”
“We are deeply humbled and deeply
thankful,” he continued. “This is the result of growing love and partnership,
recognizing a unity of confession of Christ, the gospel, and the truth of the
inerrant scriptures, and of the Lutheran confessions,” President Harrison
continued. “We have grown together through LCMS World Relief and Human Care
medical mercy work, aids projects, graduate education for Malagasy leaders at
our Fort Wayne seminary, the work of our Africa region missionaries, of our
church relations division, the Commission on Theology and Church Relations, and
more. The Malagasy have taught us much about zeal for outreach, and care for
the most needy. And we have much more to learn. Thanks be to God.”
The Malagasy Lutheran Church was founded in 1867 by Norwegian
missionaries and is currently celebrating its 150th anniversary. Today, FLM is
one of the largest Lutheran churches in the world, with approximately 4 million
members in 8,500 congregations. It counts 1,500 pastors, and has more than
1,000 schools for Christian education. The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod has 2
million members, and is a member of the International Lutheran Council (ILC), a
global association of confessional Lutheran churches.
Rev. Dr. Albert Collver, LCMS
Director of Church Relations and Executive Secretary for the ILC, brought
greetings to the KMSL on behalf of the Missouri Synod. In remarks to the
assembly, he encouraged them to maintain their faithful witness in the Gospel.
“Our churches are sisters, in the same family, but separated while we were both
young but now we have found each other as we celebrate important jubilees,” he
noted. “We are confessional Lutherans who are faithful to the Bible with a
strong Lutheran identity. The Missouri Synod and our partner churches around the
world are eager to walk with the Malagasy Lutheran Church. We hope to come
closer to you and partner together to bear witness to Jesus Christ throughout
the world.”
“This marks a historic moment in
world Lutheranism, where a Lutheran church in the Global South seeks a true
partnership to mutually strengthen and encourage one another,” he said of the
vote. “Today, the LCMS has the ability to help build capacity, while tomorrow the
Malagasy Lutheran Church will send pastors and missionaries both to Europe and
to North America. In fact, they already are doing this.” The Malagasy Lutheran
Church and The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod will now turn their attention to
planning next steps for their growing partnership.
This is where we, even as fewer
Americans are active Christians, can serve our brothers and sisters around the
world. By my count, there are more Lutherans in sub-Saharan Africa than there
are in Europe and North America combined. These Lutheran are coming to us in
the LCMS, essentially saying “Teach us! Train our pastors into the right
understanding of God’s Word.” Pastors from our own Wyoming District go
regularly to Liberia and Sierra Leone to train up pastors in the Word. Just
recently, Pastor Dan Mulholland brought two hundred Small Catechisms to Liberia
for distribution; many of which were donated by you here at Trinity.
And this is how the Church will
grow; God using us to bring the Gospel to others. It may be dramatic, like in
Africa and Asia, or it may be subtle, as when you speak the truth of Christ’s
love to your neighbor. God is using all these things, large and small, to bring
about His Kingdom. Please keep our pastors and the leaders of our churches in
your prayers, and that our gracious Lord would continue to work the miracle of
faith in peoples’ hearts!
In
Christ –
Pastor
Humphrey
An Introduction to the Athanasian Creed
By Pastor Darren Pflughoeft
1.Our Lutheran Service Book notes
that, Early in the fourth century, a
north-African pastor named Arius began teaching that Jesus was not truly
God. The Church responded decisively in A(nno) D(omini) 325 with a statement of faith, the Nicene
Creed, which confessed that Jesus is, in fact, true God. Toward the end
of the fifth century, another creed was written that delved further into the
mystery of the Trinity. Though attributed to Athanasius, a fourth-century
opponent of Arius, this anonymous creed came at a later stage in the debate;
The
Athanasian Creed declares that its teachings concerning the Holy Trinity and
Jesus’ incarnation are “the catholic faith.” In other words, this is what
the true Church of all times and all places has confessed. More than
fifteen centuries later, the Church continues to confess this truth, confident
that the Triune God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, has given Himself for our
salvation (Lutheran Service Book, 319).
2.The Athanasian Creed is divided
logically (and theologically) into two parts:
a.In the first part
(stanzas 1-26), we confess God the Holy Trinity;
b.And, in the second
part (stanzas 27-40), we confess Jesus’ Person (who He is) and Jesus’ work
(what He has done, is doing, and will do).
3.Also, in the second-to-last stanza
(stanza 39), we confess that they that
have done good shall go into life everlasting; and they that have done evil,
into everlasting fire;
a.Here, we are not confessing salvation by works; the Bible is clear, For by grace you have been saved through
faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a
result of works, so that no one may boast (Ephesians 2:8-9);
b.Rather, we are
confessing the public judgment at the Last Day (Matthew 25:31-33), at which
public judgment the good works of the believers will be submitted by Jesus as
public evidence of our faith in Him (Matthew 25:34-40, 46); and, the lack of
good works of the unbelievers will be submitted by Jesus as public evidence of
their lack of faith in Him (Matthew 25:41-45, 46);
c. In this way, God
will show Himself to be just and the
justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus (Romans 3:26).
LCMS Stewardship Ministry
June 2018:
By Rev. Jason Braaten
Immanuel Lutheran Church – Tuscola, Ill.
“There are three conversions necessary
to every man: the head, the heart, and the purse.” Attributed to Luther, though
yet to be located in his vast writings, this statement echoes what Jesus taught
about hearts and treasures. He said, “For where your treasure is, there will
your heart be also” (Matthew 6:21; Luke 12:34).
But which conversion comes first? I submit that the order is
this: first the head, then the purse, then the heart. Let me explain.
Our Lord Jesus Christ dwelt among us to save us. He took on
our flesh, fulfilled the demands of the law in our place, became sin for us,
and suffered torture and death on our behalf, in order that we would be free
from sin, death, and hell. He gives us what He accomplished through Baptism,
Absolution, and the Lord’s Supper.
And so, He doesn’t just do it for us but gives it to us,
makes what He did ours by making us His. Thus, we are called by His name:
Christians. We have a new life in Him.
Through the preaching of Law and Gospel, God grants us
repentance, a changing of our minds. It is a conversion of the mind. We are
called to turn away from our sins and turn toward Him for forgiveness, life,
and salvation. For when God calls us away from something, He is, at the same
time, calling us to something.
And thus, He calls us to a new life, with new deeds. This is
the conversion of the purse. Jesus said that “it is easier for a camel to enter
through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God”
(Matthew 19:24). “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”
Notice that our hearts follow our treasures, not the other
way around. As Christians, God calls us to invest our treasures in His Kingdom
to ensure that the gospel is preached and the sacraments are administered. He
calls us to share all good things with the one who teaches us the doctrines of
Christ. He calls us to be generous in giving to the church, for it is more
blessed to give than to receive.
So where is your treasure? If it is not invested in the
kingdom of God, then the only response is repentance—a conversion of the
heart—and to begin doing just that. And as our Lord promised, where your
treasure is there your heart will be also.
This is not to say that you earn your way into heaven. It is
simply to say that as Christians, those who have been made to be temples of the
Holy Spirit, who have been given a new life in Christ, who are dead to sin and
now alive in Him, we are, actually, to live — think (conversion of the mind),
do (conversion of the purse), and be (conversion of the heart) — a new life in
Him.
And when you fail, know that God in Christ loves and
forgives you and still calls you away from that and to Himself.
District Roundup
The Year of the Formula of
Concord
“...REMEMBERING YOU IN MY
PRAYERS...” (Eph. 1:16)
For Krista Grams, daughter of Rev. Jeff and
Kim Grams. Her persistent headaches continue, but a new diagnosis and treatment
has resulted in great improvement.
For Rev. Claude and Deloris Constable, who
are in assisted living with health issues.
For Rev. Phil Grovenstein, undergoing
treatment for cancer.
For Rev. Jeffery Grams as he continues to
heal.
PASTORS AND
CONGREGATIONS
Trinity,
Rock Springs and Emmanuel, Green River
are nearing completion of a multi-point parish agreement. Trinity is being
served by Rev. James
Martin (Emmanuel,
Green River) during the vacancy.
St.
James, Scottsbluff and Mount Calvary, Bayard
(Rev. George Naylor) are nearing completion of a multi-point parish agreement.
St. James is being served by Rev.
Kenneth Humphrey (Trinity, Morrill) during the vacancy.
The parish of Zion, Grover and Grace, Pine Bluffs
are working their way through their self-study and will be considering their
options. The parish is being served by Rev.
Richard Boche during the vacancy period.
2018
District Convention
The Wyoming District Convention met May 3–5, 2018, in
Casper. Elected: District President, Rev. John Hill; Vice-Presidents, Rev. Mark
Maas (1st), Rev. Ted Bourret (2nd), Rev. Jonathan Lange
(3rd); Secretary, Rev. Paul Cain; Board of Directors, Rev. Peter
Bertram and Mr. John Schmall; Commission Chairman-Elect, Rev. James Rockhill
(CCS) and Rev. Gerald Heinecke (CMS). Circuit Visitors: Rev. Allen Strawn, Rev.
Tim Schnare, Rev. Jon Olson, Rev. Jais Tinglund, Rev. Roger Sterle, and Rev.
Lincoln Winter. Your pastor and lay delegate will give you a complete report.
THE BRIDE CONFESSES CHRIST: THE FORMULA OF CONCORD
Article Four of the
Formula of Concord, “Good Works,” addresses the matter of good works in
relation to salvation. Some people had claimed that good works are necessary
for salvation, while others said that good works are harmful to salvation. Other
contentions arose from this disagreement. Here are some key theses which state
“The Pure Teaching of the Christian Churches about This Controversy.”
“For the thorough statement and decision of this controversy, our
doctrine, faith, and confession is as follows:
“1. Good works certainly and without doubt follow true faith—if it
is not a dead, but a living faith—just as fruit grows on a good tree.
“2. We believe, teach, and confess that good works should be
entirely excluded from the question about salvation, just as they are excluded
from the article of justification before God. . .
“3. We also believe, teach,
and confess that all people, but especially those who are born again and renewed by the Holy Spirit, are
obligated to do good works. . .
“6. We also believe, teach, and confess that when it is said, “The
regenerate do good works from a free spirit,” this is not to be understood as
though it were an option for the regenerate person to do or not to do good when
he wants, as though a person can still retain faith if he intentionally
perseveres in sins. . .
“10. We believe teach and confess also that works do not maintain
faith and salvation in us, but God’s Spirit alone does this, through faith.
Good works are evidences of His presence and indwelling.”
Antitheses
“2. . . In these last times it is certainly no less needful to
encourage people to Christian discipline and to do good works. We need to
remind them of how necessary it is that they exercise themselves in good works
as a declaration of their faith and gratitude to God. But works should not be
mingled in the article of justification. . .
“3. We also reject and condemn the teaching that faith and the
indwelling of the Holy Spirit are not lost by willful sin, but that the saints
and elect retain the Holy Spirit even though they fall into adultery and other
sins and persist in them.”
In Article Five, Concerning Law and Gospel, we confess one of the
most important doctrines recovered in the Lutheran Reformation. Some people had
taught that the preaching of grace (or the Gospel) not only announces
forgiveness but is also a preaching of repentance and reproof, while others
taught that repentance and reproof were brought about the Law.
“1. We believe, teach, and confess that the distinction between
the Law and the Gospel is to be kept in the Church with great diligence as a
particularly brilliant light. By this distinction, according to the admonition
of St Paul, God’s Word is rightly divided [2 Timothy 2:15].
“2. We believe, teach, and confess that the Law is properly a
divine doctrine. It teaches what is right and pleasing to God, and it rebukes
everything that is sin and contrary to God’s will.
“3. For this reason, then, everything that rebukes sin is, and
belongs to, the preaching of the Law.
“4. But the Gospel is properly the kind of teaching that shows
what a person who has not kept the Law (and therefore is condemned by it) is to
believe. It teaches that Christ has paid for and made satisfaction for all
sins. Christ has gained and acquired for an individual—without any of his own
merit—forgiveness of sins, righteousness that avails before God, and eternal
life.
“5. The term Gospel is not used in one and the same sense in the
Holy Scriptures. That’s why this disagreement originally arose. Therefore, we
believe, teach, and confess that if the term Gospel is understood to mean
Christ’s entire teaching that He proposed in His ministry, as His apostles did
also (this is how it is used in Mark 1:15; Acts 20:21), then it is correctly
said and written that the Gospel is a preaching of repentance and of the
forgiveness of sins.
“6. The Law and the Gospel are also contrasted with each other . .
. [W]e believe, teach, and confess that the Gospel is not a preaching of
repentance or rebuke. But it is properly nothing other than a preaching of
consolation and a joyful message that does not rebuke or terrify. The Gospel
comforts consciences against the terrors of the Law, points only to Christ’s
merit, and raises them up again by the lovely preaching of God’s grace and favor,
gained through Christ’s merit . . .
Antithesis: Contrary Doctrine That Is Rejected
“We reject and regard as incorrect and harmful the teaching that
the Gospel, strictly speaking, is a preaching of repentance or rebuke and not
just a preaching of grace. For by this misuse the Gospel is converted into a
teaching of the Law. Christ’s merit and Holy Scriptures are hidden, Christians
are robbed of true consolation, and the door is opened again to the papacy.”
REFORMATION
500: 1518 in Review
In the summer after
the Heidelberg Disputation, the issues raised by the Ninety-Five Theses
received increasingly public debate. John Tetzel, the seller of indulgences,
wrote a treatise against Luther and the Theses, asserting the authority of the
pope and the obedience owed him. Luther wrote a brief response which concluded with the beautiful prayer, “Help, O God of truth, and no one else!”
A more serious
opponent and former friend, John Eck, wrote sharply against Luther, identifying
Luther’s teaching as heresy. Luther’s response indicated that the entire body
of doctrine and practice was now being drawn into the debate. He expressed with
clarity the source of his doctrine and faith: “Christ and his Word are with me
and I shall not fear, no matter what the entire world may do to me.” The
groundwork was laid for the dramatic events that would begin to unfold in the
second half of 1518.
Pastors’ Wives
Reminder
All
district pastors’ wives are invited to attend this year’s Pastors’ Wives
Retreat on June 7-9 at the C’mon Inn in Casper. Deaconess Natalie Sabol will
present “Katie Luther and Her 21st Century Sisters”, offering an
overview of Katie’s life and learning what Katie’s experiences can teach modern
wives. Using Galatians and Psalms, topics to be explored include: Church vs.
World; Katie the Former Nun; Charity in the Church and Community; Katie’s
Family and Her Household; Katie the Wife; The Christian, The World, and Reason;
The Importance of Church; Katie the Widow; and the Fruits of the Spirit. The
deadline to register is May 25. For questions or more information, please call
Vickie Mars at (308) 241-0248.
Organists/Musicians
Workshop
You
are invited to a workshop for organists, musicians, pastors, parishioners, and
youth at Bethel Lutheran Church, Lander, Friday, June 1 (6 PM) to Saturday,
June 2, 3:00 PM. Contact Bethel (307-332-4320) or Kantor Hoffman (307-287-1960)
for information.
LWML Scholarships
The
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League Wyoming District will be offering four (4)
scholarships for the 2018-2019 school year to college/seminary students who are
members of the Wyoming District
Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod and will be attending an LCMS higher
educational institution. First priority will be given to those students
studying for full-time church work, especially seminary students.
Scholarship applications may be found on the Wyoming District LWML website www.wyolwml.org or call 307.473.2312 for one to
be mailed to interested students. The application due date is June 1, 2018.
NEXT ROUNDUP…
… will be delivered to congregations around
June 20 (July 2018 issue). Watch for it!
RURAL AND
SMALL TOWN MISSION: STRONG
FAITH, FERVENT LOVE
Pastor Todd Kolbaum
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be
hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a
stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light
shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to
your Father who is in heaven” (Matt. 5:14–16).
In the June 2014 RSTM newsletter, I wrote, “Change … it’s a
tough word that carries a lot of baggage. Many, if not most, people have an
innate dislike of the idea of change. Can’t we just keep things the way they
are? It’s worked this long, hasn’t it? We’ve never done it that way before.”
Now, four
years later, I don’t think much has “changed” with regard to our feeling about
change. Yet, recently, I had the wonderful opportunity to watch my third child
graduate from college. As has been the tradition at the commencement service at
Concordia University, Nebraska, Seward, Neb., the new graduates were joined by
a great group of “graduates,” celebrating their Golden (50-year) Reunion. It
was fun to watch both groups and how they reacted to the day. Interestingly,
what I enjoyed most was hearing references to “how things were” and “how things
are now.” Massive changes have taken place since those Golden Reunion folks
were college students, yet massive change was happening right there for those
new grads as well. What struck me was what a blessing it was to be able to have
both those groups and so many others serving our Lord in His church for His
Kingdom. Without the wisdom and maturity of those “golden agers,” we would lose
so much. Still, without the vibrancy and innovative thoughts of those new
grads, we’d be mired in a yesterday that doesn’t still exist. Fortunately for
us, we have the timeless Word of God, eternal Savior and His promise of life
forever! Without that, we would be in an awful mess. Yet we as the Church have
the joyous opportunity to engage this ever-changing world in whatever ways we
can so that the clear message of the Gospel can be heard above the noise and
clatter. For God has called us to be where we are at this very time, so that we
might do the very thing He has called us to do … be light in this sin-darkened
world. What a great and glorious opportunity we have to engage those around us
with this Good News! May God bless you with the strong faith and fervent
love we need to lead in this ever-changing world.
Council Meeting
The May Council meeting was called to
order by the Chairman, Don Bowlin. The
minutes of the March council meeting were approved as read. The treasurer’s
report was read by Levi Bowlin in the absence of Harlan Kurtz, due to
illness. The report was approved as
read.
Pastors Report:
Pastor stated that Vista Beam has installed the Internet, but service for the
phone has not yet been installed. He has
purchased 3 phones to go with the new service.
He reported St James and Mt Calvary have concluded their discussions and
it has been approved by their respective
voters.
District will approve it on May
22. He and the elders have sent out the
first set of delinquent letters. He will
be attending CCS and board meeting in Casper this Monday and Tuesday. Debra Schneider
and Lisa Kaufman have volunteered to lead VBS this year.
Elders Report: Wes Bowlin reported that George and Tracie Ross,
and Kerrie Heimbouch have been received into membership by affirmation of
faith.
Trustees Report: Virgil Ritz reported that the tree work at
the parsonage is all done and some sprinkler heads have been fixed. There will be a meeting Monday night to
discuss the handicap parking project.
SS Supt:
Pastor, for Roxane stating Sunday School will continue this summer as long as
kids keep coming.
Old Business:
None
New Business
None
There being no
further business, the meeting closed with the Lord’s Prayer.
Gerald Ritz,
Secretary
LWML NEWS
From
Danyne Six:
I
write with a prayerful heart this morning about the following message from
Susan Tobin, our convention registrar:
I just updated my
spreadsheet for the registrations for the June convention and this is where we
are as of today, May 17th:
12 delegates
including 1 past president
4 guests
1 clergy
2 counselors
4 speakers
2 exhibitors
25 total
Please share this and encourage the ladies in your congregation
to experience our convention. Every congregation and/or
society has received a packet and information. Additional packets and
registration forms can be found at wyolwml.org
Many might shake their heads and say, “This is LWML, we’re not
interested.” Please share that over $65,000 was given this past biennium
to mission grants, scholarships and Wyoming’s share to national LWML.
Only through the participation of everyone in our district, including those who
do not include LWML in their vocabulary, could we meet this goal.
We also want to invite the pastors in our Wyoming District to
this convention. You’re registration is on us – we want you to
learn more about the breadth of LWML.
It’s not only the numbers – which we need to meet the costs of
the convention – but it is also the respect shown to the High Plains
Zone. Much work, care, love, tears and planning have gone into making
this the quality convention that it is guaranteed to be. And remember,
we’re on a rotation base – so every zone will have their turn, as Headwaters is
next!
I have prayed (lots) and the Lord has graciously answered,
“Everything will be okay.” That has given me peace – and also peace has
come about as I answered the Lord’s call, “Get the word out!”
As always,
and blessings!
Danyne
An Update on St. James
Here is the latest as to the
situation at St. James and their dual parish arrangement with Mount Calvary: on
Tuesday, May 22nd, the Wyoming District Board of Directors met at
their regularly-scheduled meeting in Casper. Among other items, they approved
the agreement drawn up by members of St. James in Scottsbluff and Mount Calvary
in Bayard. The congregations are officially notified by mail by the outgoing 2nd
vice-president of the District, Rev. Mark Maas. The only thing that remains is
for St. James to extend a call to Pastor George Naylor and for him to be
installed at St. James. Right now, this is planned for July 8, 2018.
I appreciate everyone’s patience with this situation, as it has gone on for
quite a bit longer than initially planned—things were to have been wrapped up
around Easter, then the end of April, then the start of May, then certainly
before June, and now it’s to be the 2nd Sunday of July.
While it really hasn’t been that long in terms of a pastoral vacancy, the
frequent push back of the time my service would end at St. James has made it
seem much longer. I for one miss leading Bible study on Sunday mornings
and being able to talk with you all and see how things are going. I truly
appreciate the work Wes and Levi have done filling in for me on Sunday
mornings, but I am looking forward to being back.
The thing to keep in mind is that
our brothers and sisters in Christ are in real need of our help, and they are
truly appreciative of your willingness to share your pastor with them. Thanks
be to God, all this definitely seems to be wrapping up here soon, and July 8th
will be the last Sunday I will need to dash off right after Divine Service here
at Trinity. Your prayers for a smooth conclusion to all the changes at both
congregations would be greatly appreciated. Thank you all for your kind
support.
