December 2018
O, What
Joy?
Dear friends in Christ: may our
Lord bless you as we prepare for Advent and Christmas—as we rejoice that a
Savior has been born into the world to save the world. Well, are you getting
everything ready for Christmas? I mailed off Christmas cards to family and
friends today, and I think I’ve got a fair number of the presents squared away. Roxane’s siblings will be coming here for
the holiday, so there’s lots of house cleaning and meal planning to do—but hey,
at least I don’t have to worry about driving long distances on icy roads this
year.
I’d imagine that many of you are
going through the same sorts of things (or are about to). Is that the thing
that sucks the joy out of Christmas? The constant busyness and pressure to
“perform” for the Christmas season and all the expectations that come with it?
Do we find ourselves wondering where the joy of this season went? Or was it
never there in the first place?
If so, I’d submit to you that
it’s our expectations that may need adjusting. That is, we should focus on
Christ Jesus as He comes to us in human flesh as the babe of Bethlehem. Of
course, that’s easy to say—and often it ends up bring one more thing for us to
get done before December 25th. Even the season of Advent, with its
idea of preparing us for the Savior’s birth, can turn into another set of
spiritual duties to perform, and I don’t mean the extra services during Advent.
No, I mean that we can see this
season as us doing everything (being more pious, more sorrow for our sins,
increasing devotions, and so forth) to make ourselves worthy of Christ’s
coming. If so, we’re getting things backwards. Consider St. Paul’s words to the
Galatians (4:4-7): But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth
his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the
law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God
has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” So you
are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.
That’s where our joy lies; not in
all the things that happen this month, as good and salutary as they may be.
Notice that God didn’t wait for us to clean up our act and make ourselves
worthy of being called sons. He doesn’t ask what sort of presents you bought or
how many people you hosted at your home or how much you gave to charity. Am I
saying that doing those things is wrong? Certainly not! We certainly ought to
be showing love to our neighbor—we are called to love the Lord and our
neighbors as ourselves. But if we’re doing this to justify ourselves before
God, then we’re got things turned around.
Why are we joyful? Because God
first loved us (I John 4:19), and that brings true joy—eternal joy. In Luke
2:10, it is written The angel said to them, “Behold, I bring you good
tidings of great joy which shall be to all the people; for there is born to you
this day a savior, who is Christ the Lord.” Martin Luther wrote in his
sermon for Christmas Day in 1521 on this verse that “The Gospel teaches that
Christ was born, and that he died and suffered everything on our behalf, as is
here declared by the angel. In these words you clearly see that he is
born for us.
He does not simply say, Christ is
born, but to you he is born. Neither does he say, I bring glad
tidings, but to you I bring glad tidings of great joy.
Furthermore, this joy was not to remain in Christ, but it shall be to all the
people. This faith no condemned or wicked man has, nor can he have
it. Christ has a pure, innocent, and holy birth. Man has an
unclean, sinful, condemned birth; as David says (Psalms 51:5): ‘Behold, I was
brought forth in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.’ Nothing
can help this unholy birth except the pure birth of Christ. For this
purpose Christ willed to be born, that through him we might be born anew.
O, this is the great joy of which
the angel speaks. This is the comfort and exceeding goodness of God that, if
anyone believes this, he can boast of the treasure that Mary is his rightful
mother, Christ his brother, and God his father. For these things actually
occurred and are true, but we must believe. This is the principal thing
and the principal treasure in every Gospel. Christ must above all things
become our own and we become his. This is what is meant by Isaiah 9:6:
‘Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given.’ To you is born and
given this child.
Therefore see to it that you do
not treat the Gospel only as history, for that is only transient; neither
regard it only as an example, for it is of no value without faith.
Rather, see to it that you make this birth your own and that Christ be born in
you. This will be the case if you believe, then you will repose in the
lap of the virgin Mary and be her dear child. But you must exercise this
faith and pray while you live; you cannot establish it too firmly. This
is our foundation and inheritance, upon which good works must be built.
The Gospel does not merely teach
about the history of Christ. No, it enables all who believe it to receive
it as their own, which is the way the Gospel operates. Of what benefit would
it be to me if Christ had been born a thousand times, and it would daily be
sung into my ears in a most lovely manner, if I were never to hear that he was
born for me and was to be my very own?” (From The Sermons of Martin Luther, vol.
1, pp. 136 ff.)
We have joy because Jesus came
for us; our Lord is the Light that shines in the darkness (John 1:5).
Further, He came that we might have life, and have it abundantly (John 10:10).
May that truth give you joy this Advent, this Christmas, and always!
Rev. Kenneth L. Humphrey, Pastor
The
Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
LCMS Stewardship Ministry
December 2018
newsletter article
Throughout his epistles and his preaching recorded in the
Book of Acts, St. Paul refers, in one way or another, to thanksgiving and
thankfulness nearly 50 times. Whether vertically toward God, or horizontally
toward the neighbor, thanksgiving is a major theme within St. Paul’s body of
work.
What does this mean? It means thankfulness is intrinsic to
the life of those baptized into Christ. In other words, giving thanks is what
Christians do as they live out their lives in this world.
The problem is that we often forget this. Consider your average, run-of-the-mill, normal day. When you get home, and your parents, your spouse or your children ask about your day, what first comes
our neighbors as ourselves. But
if we’re doing this to justify ourselves before God, then we’re got things
turned around.
Why are we joyful? Because God
first loved us (I John 4:19), and that brings true joy—eternal joy. In Luke
2:10, it is written The angel said to them, “Behold, I bring you good
tidings of great joy which shall be to all the people; for there is born to you
this day a savior, who is Christ the Lord.” Martin Luther wrote in his
sermon for Christmas Day in 1521 on this verse that “The Gospel teaches that
Christ was born, and that he died and suffered everything on our behalf, as is
here declared by the angel. In these words you clearly see that he is
born for us.
He does not simply say, Christ is
born, but to you he is born. Neither does he say, I bring glad
tidings, but to you I bring glad tidings of great joy.
Furthermore, this joy was not to remain in Christ, but it shall be to all the
people. This faith no condemned or wicked man has, nor can he have
it. Christ has a pure, innocent, and holy birth. Man has an
unclean, sinful, condemned birth; as David says (Psalms 51:5): ‘Behold, I was
brought forth in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.’ Nothing
can help this unholy birth except the pure birth of Christ. For this
purpose Christ willed to be born, that through him we might be born anew.
O, this is the great joy of which
the angel speaks. This is the comfort and exceeding goodness of God that, if
anyone believes this, he can boast of the treasure that Mary is his rightful
mother, Christ his brother, and God his father. For these things actually
occurred and are true, but we must believe. This is the principal thing
and the principal treasure in every Gospel. Christ must above all things
become our own and we become his. This is what is meant by Isaiah 9:6:
‘Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given.’ To you is born and
given this child.
Therefore see to it that you do
not treat the Gospel only as history, for that is only transient; neither
regard it only as an example, for it is of no value without faith.
Rather, see to it that you make this birth your own and that Christ be born in
you. This will be the case if you believe, then you will repose in the
lap of the virgin Mary and be her dear child. But you must exercise this
faith and pray while you live; you cannot establish it too firmly. This
is our foundation and inheritance, upon which good works must be built.
The Gospel does not merely teach
about the history of Christ. No, it enables all who believe it to receive
it as their own, which is the way the Gospel operates. Of what benefit would
it be to me if Christ had been born a thousand times, and it would daily be
sung into my ears in a most lovely manner, if I were never to hear that he was
born for me and was to be my very own?” (From The Sermons of Martin Luther, vol.
1, pp. 136 ff.)
We have joy because Jesus came
for us; our Lord is the Light that shines in the darkness (John 1:5).
Further, He came that we might have life, and have it abundantly (John 10:10).
May that truth give you joy this Advent, this Christmas, and always!
Rev. Kenneth L. Humphrey, Pastor
The
Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
LCMS Stewardship Ministry
December 2018
newsletter article
Throughout his epistles and his preaching recorded in the
Book of Acts, St. Paul refers, in one way or another, to thanksgiving and
thankfulness nearly 50 times. Whether vertically toward God, or horizontally
toward the neighbor, thanksgiving is a major theme within St. Paul’s body of
work.
What does this mean? It means thankfulness is intrinsic to
the life of those baptized into Christ. In other words, giving thanks is what
Christians do as they live out their lives in this world.
The problem is that we often forget this. Consider your
average, run-of-the-mill, normal day. When you get home, and your parents, your
spouse or your children ask about your day, what first comes to your mind?
After 99 percent of things went right, went exactly as planned, were enjoyable
and blessings, we tend to focus on and remember the 1 percent of things that
went poorly, that didn’t go as planned, and that were nuisances.
We remember the bad things. We focus on discontent. And we
fail to give thanks in all circumstances for everything (Eph. 5:20) and to
rejoice in the Lord always (Phil. 4:4).
Thankfulness and contentment go together. We are content
with things for which we are thankful.
St. Paul could be content with having plenty or when in need because He
gave thanks to the Lord for all things. He thanked the Lord for those who had
prayed for him and listened to his proclamation of the Gospel. He gave thanks
for their good works in and for the Church of Christ. He gave thanks for the
grace of God in Christ Jesus and found that God’s grace was sufficient for him.
So, give thanks for all things and in all circumstances dear
brothers and sisters in Christ. For you have been saved from sin, death, and
hell by the death and resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ. You have been
added to the very family of God in an adoption of grace through Holy Baptism.
God is your Father. Our Lord, Jesus Christ is your brother.
But He not only provides for your spiritual well-being, He
cares also for this body and life. Your Father in heaven provides food and
clothes, house and home, husband, wife, and children. He gives you reason and
all your senses. He has given you the raw talents that you have developed into
careers. Everything you are and everything that you have is a gift from His fatherly
divine goodness and mercy, without any merit or worthiness in you.
Give thanks for these things. Make a list – every morning if
you must. Say them out loud. Sing about them within the congregation of the
saints. And remember this: God has given you these things so that you may be of
service to those around you – your family, your neighbors, your brothers and
sisters in Christ. For to whom much is given; much shall be required (Luke
12:48).
Wyoming District
Round-Up
December 2018
District Website: www.wylcms.org
The
Year of the Formula of Concord
“...REMEMBERING
YOU IN MY PRAYERS...” (Eph. 1:16)
For
Nelda Simonson, wife of Rev. Duane Simonson, who is mostly homebound and
in the advanced stages of cancer.
For
Rev. Vernon Boehlke, who is receiving treatments for cancer.
For
Rev. Richard Boche, who will have heart surgery November 26 to repair a
valve.
PASTORS
AND CONGREGATIONS
Rev.
James Martin (Emmanuel, Green River) has accepted the call to Trinity, Rock
Springs and will be installed in January. Emmanuel and Trinity have entered
a multi-point parish agreement.
Beginning
in Advent, the parish of Zion, Grover and Grace, Pine Bluffs will
be served in a vacancy arrangement by Rev. Lincoln Winters (Trinity,
Wheatland).
Trinity,
Cheyenne has
received a call list and is preparing to call. Trinity is being served by Rev.
Marcus Baikie (Our Savior’s, Cheyenne) during its vacancy.
St.
Paul’s, Sidney is
studying the doctrine of the Divine Call and the Holy Ministry as part of its
pre-call process. Rev. Allen Strawn (St. Paul’s, Bridgeport) is serving
St. Paul’s during the vacancy.
Rev.
Travis Sherman (Grace, Gordon, NE) is serving Grace, Merriman, NE (Nebraska
District) while it considers its future.
Rev.
Kenneth Mars (Immanuel, Burns and St. John’s, Kimball) received and is
considering a call to Victory in Christ Lutheran Church, Newark, Texas.
THE BRIDE
CONFESSES CHRIST: THE FORMULA OF CONCORD
In Article
11, “God’s Eternal Foreknowledge and Election,” we confess a doctrine that
is comforting to Christians, to those called in Holy Baptism and God’s Word and
who believe in Jesus Christ for their salvation from sin, death, and hell. This
teaching is taught in God’s Word alone, is centered on Christ, comforts
Christians in their troubles and trials, and gives certainty to the Christian’s
faith and conscience.
Theses
(Affirmative Statements): The Pure and True Teaching about This Article
“1. To
begin with, the distinction between God’s foreknowledge and His eternal
predestination ought to be kept accurately.
“2. God’s
foreknowledge is nothing else than this: God knows all things before they
happen . . .
“3. This
foreknowledge extends over the godly and the wicked alike. But it is not the
cause of evil or of sin. In other words, it is not what causes people to do
wrong (which originally arises from the devil and mankind’s wicked, perverse
will). Nor does it cause their ruin, for which they themselves are responsible.
But foreknowledge only regulates this and fixes a limit on their ruin, how long
it should last. All this happens to serve His elect for their salvation, even
though such ruin is evil in itself.
“4.
Predestination, or God’s eternal election, covers only the godly, beloved
children of God. It is a cause of their salvation, which He also provides. He
plans what belongs to it as well. Our salvation is founded so firmly on it that
the gates of hell cannot overcome it.
“5. It is
not to be sought in God’s secret counsel. It is to be sought in God’s Word,
where it is revealed.
“6. God’s
Word leads us to Christ, who is the Book of Life, in whom all are written and
elected who are to be saved in eternity. For it is written in Ephesians 1:4,
“Even as He chose us in Him [Christ] before the foundation of the world.”
“7. Christ
calls all sinners to Himself and promises them rest. He is eager that all
people should come to Him and allow themselves to be helped. He offers them
Himself in His Word and wants them to hear it and not to plug their ears or
despise the Word. Furthermore, He promises the power and working of the Holy
Sprit and divine assistance for perseverance and eternal salvation so that we
may remain steadfast in the faith and gain eternal salvation.
“8. We
should not reach conclusions about our election to eternal life based on reason
or God’s Law. That would lead us either into a reckless, loose, Epicurean life
or into despair. It would stir up destructive thoughts in people’s hearts. . .
“13. Besides,
we should act with the greatest diligence to live according to God’s will. As
St. Peter encourages in 2 Peter 1:10, ‘make your calling and election sure.’ We
should especially cling to the revealed Word, which cannot and will not fail
us.
“14. By
this brief explanation of God’s eternal election, glory is entirely and fully
given to God. Out of pure mercy alone, without any of our merit, He saves us
according to the purpose of His will. No reason is given to anyone for despair
or a vulgar, wild life.”
The final
article, Article 12, “Other Factions and Sects That Never Embraced the
Augsburg Confession,” contains lists of various false beliefs no included in
previous articles. The following errors are recorded here because they are
still held by many people today. Please note that the Bible rejects each of
these teachings regarding life in the church, government, and home.
Articles
That Cannot Be Tolerated in the Church
“3. Our
righteousness before God stands not on the sole merit of Christ alone, but in renewal,
and therefore in our own godliness in which we walk. This is based in great
part on one’s own special, self-chosen spirituality. In fact, it is nothing
other than a new kind of monasticism.
“4.
Children who are not baptized are not sinners before God, but righteous and
innocent. In their innocence, because they have not yet gained the use of their
reason, children are saved without Baptism. According to their assertion,
children do not need Baptism. Therefore, they reject the entire teaching about
original sin and what belongs to it.
“5.
Children are not to be baptized until they have gained the use of their reason
and can confess their faith themselves.
“6. The
children of Christians, because they have been born of Christian and believing
parents, are holy and children of God even without and before Baptism. And for
this reason they do not attach much importance to the Baptism of children or
encourage it, contrary to the clear words of God’s promise, which applies only
to those who keep His covenant and do not despise it.
Articles
That Cannot Be Tolerated in Government
“1. Under
the New Testament, public office is not a calling that pleases God.
“2. A
Christian cannot with a good, clear conscience hold or fulfill public office.
“3.
In cases that require action, a Christian cannot use the office of the
magistracy against the wicked without harming his conscience. For protection
and defense, citizens may invoke the power that the magistrates possess and
have received from God.
“4. A Christian cannot take an oath
with a good conscience. Nor can a Christian promise loyalty with an oath to the
hereditary prince of his country or sovereign.
“5. Under
the New Testament public officials cannot, without injury to conscience, impose
capital punishment on evildoers.
Articles
that Cannot Be Tolerated in Domestic Life
“3. Married
people may be divorced on account of differences in faith. One may abandon the
other and be married to another person who shares his faith.”
“This is
the doctrine, faith, and confession of us all. We will give an account of it on
the Last Day before the just judge, our Lord Jesus Christ. We will not speak or
write anything against this doctrine, either secretly or publicly. By God’s
grace we intend to persevere in it. After mature deliberation we have
testified, in the true fear of God and invocation of His name, by signing this
Epitome with our own hands.” (FC SD XII.31)
REFORMATION
500: 1518 in Review
All the
politics of church and empire were focusing on Luther as the Reformation
entered its second year 500 years ago. Luther, however, poured most of his
energies into his calling as preacher and professor. He took his turn at the
University of Wittenberg as dean of the theology faculty during winter semester
1518–1519. He began a second set of lectures on the Psalms and continued
revising his lectures on Galatians for publication. One of Luther’s students
described him as follows (Brecht, vol. 1, 297):
He was a
man of medium size. His voice could be as sharp as it could be gentle, i.e.,
gentle in tone, sharp in the enunciation of syllables, words, and caesuras
[pauses]. He spoke with neither a too rapid nor too slow a tempo, rather with
average speed; he spoke with a quick wit and expression in such logical fashion
as if each thought flowed from the previous one. He expounded his individual
thoughts not by means of a long labyrinth of words but by single words and
phrases, so that it became evident: the substance for the exposition [lecture or
sermon] originated and flowed directly from his text.
THE NEXT ROUNDUP… Changes are coming
In 2019 we will be making changes to the Roundup. In order to
communicate the district’s work more fully, there will be a quarterly
supplement to the Roundup distributed through email and on the district website
(www.wylcms.org). The next Roundup will be delivered to congregations around
December 20 (January 2019 issue). Watch for it!
Rural and Small Town Mission
Have No Fear
More than 170 pastors and lay leaders gathered Nov. 8–10 at the
Hilton Kansas City Airport in Kansas City, Mo., for the 2018 National Rural
& Small Town Mission Conference. The Rev. Dr. Keith Schweitzer, a
dual-parish pastor in Iowa who also serves as a bi-vocational pastor via
substitute teaching, attended with his wife, Susan. This was the fifth time he
has attended the RSTM Conference. Schweitzer said, “This conference is a joy,
primarily for the reason that there previously wasn’t anything in the Synod like
this for rural and small-town [areas]. You can come here and receive a program
full of resources that are specifically suited for our context and spend time
with others in similar situations and share experiences. Plus, it’s a little
bit of a vacation!” Congregational leaders from coast to coast and everywhere
in between were in attendance. Over the course of three days, the attendees
were impacted by inspirational plenary speakers, practical sectionals, time
together in worship and study of the Scriptures and time for attendees to
encourage and support each other. In keeping with the theme of “Have No Fear,”
those in attendance considered things such as Christ’s presence in rural and
small-town areas, the pastor and congregation’s role together and within the
community and carrying our ministry with patient perseverance in an impatient
world. The Rev. Dr. Roosevelt Gray led the daily Bible study for the
conference, speaking about the eternal gifts of Word and Sacrament for serving
in any setting into which God places us. The Rev. Timothy Koch meditated on the
blessings of ministry in rural and small-town ministry in the opening plenary.
The Rev. Dr. Robert Bennett discussed spiritual warfare and how we must always
be on our guard, as we are warned in 1 Peter 5:8. The Rev. Tom Schlund and
congregation members talked about the many possibilities that are opened up
when congregations partner together for the sake of the Gospel. Finally,
Chaplain Craig Muehler encouraged congregations to reach out and engage their
military members and their families with encouragement and the Gospel in
action. On the heels of this wonderful conference, plans are now in the works
for the 2019 National Rural & Small Town Mission Conference, to be held in
Minneapolis, Minn., near the Mall of America. Its theme will be “Running with
Endurance: Eyes Fixed on Jesus,” based on Hebrews 12:1b–2a. Make plans to join
us and bring your family!
Pastor Todd Kollbaum
Council Meeting November 15, 2018
The November Council
meeting was called to order by Chairman Don Bowlin with Pastor Humphrey giving
the opening devotion. The minutes from the September council meeting were read
and approved. The treasurer’s report was approved as read.
Pastor’s Report: Pastor reminded all about Thank Offering
Sunday coming up on November 18th and that the LSMS missionary to Russia, Rev. Jerry
Lawson will be here to talk about his work on December 2nd at 3:00
PM. Advent services begin on December 5th with the LWML soup supper
on December 12th. Christmas
Eve Candlelight Service will be on December 24th. He is working on revamping the service
bulletins to use 8.5x 11 paper
Elders Report:
Nothing to report
Trustees Report: Gary Williams reported that they had changed
the furnace filters.
There being no other
business , the meeting closed with the Lord’s Prayer.
Gerald Ritz
Secretary
Trinity
Lutheran Women’s Society LWML Minutes
Wednesday,
November 14, 2018
Trinity Lutheran Women’s
Society met Wednesday, November 14, 2018. Lloyd Heine and Stan Mathson visited
with the group about being a Veteran and also did a presentation on the proper
folding of the flag and what each fold represents.
The meeting was called to
order by President Sandy Heine in the name of the Triune God with 7 members present. Minutes from the October 10, 2018 meeting
were read and approved as presented. The
Treasurer’s Report was read with a society balance of $977.80 and Morrill
Elementary Backpack Program $3,447.22. The
Treasurers report was filed for audit.
Committee
Reports:
Mission Service reported
that 16 school bags were sent to Lutheran World Relief.
Communications:
A thank you note from the
Orphan Grain Train was read.
Unfinished
Business:
Melvina Dillman and Sandy
Heine attended the Fall Rally in Crawford.
They reported it was very interesting and rewarding.
It was moved by Nancy Wohl
and seconded by Joanne Kurtz to approve the nominations of Karen Ritz for
Treasurer and Melvina Dillman for Vice President. Motion carried. They will be installed in January.
New
Business:
The Planning Committee
passed around a sign-up sheet for the annual Soup Supper on December 12, 2018 @
5:30 pm. Christian Growth will do devotions prior to dinner.
It was moved by Susan
Williams and seconded by Karen Ritz to send our Christmas Stocking monies to
Immanuel School in Alliance. Motion carried.
Closing Devotions:
Susan Williams provided
closing devotions.
The meeting was adjourned
with the Lord’s Prayer and the table prayer.
All members brought a
snack and served as hostesses.
The next LWML meeting will
be in January, 2019.
Yours in Christ,
Susan Williams, Secretary
