October  Newsletter 2020

How Much is Enough Faith?

 Dear friends in Christ Jesus: may our gracious Lord bless us all in the days ahead, until He should return in glory. Until that great day, we pray, “Come, Lord Jesus.” Indeed, these days seem especially unsettled, what  with societal unrest, mob violence, economic worries—and on top of all that, all the worries about COVID-19, Wuhan Virus, or whatever you want to call it. I’m convinced that one reason why so many people seem to have lost their bearings and are lashing out is that their “gods” of wealth, political leaders, celebrities, scientism, and the like have failed them. Like the prophets of Baal who contested with Elijah in I Kings 18, they’re running around like crazy and doing all sorts of crazy things to get the attention of their false idols. Just as it says in the Scriptures, no one heard, no one answered, and so their faith has collapsed.

Sadly, we aren’t immune to this in the Church. I read an article a few weeks ago in the magazine First Things, wherein Carl Trueman wrote about the possibility of a “Protestant Apocalypse.” If you’ll permit me, here’s a somewhat lengthy quote from his article: “On numerous occasions over the last six months I have heard or seen COVID’s effect on churches described as ‘apocalyptic.’ Frequently, the word has been used in its improper but colloquial sense of ‘catastrophic’ or ‘disastrous,’ referring to the chaos it has created for worship services or the damage it has done to budgets.

Sometimes, however, it has also been used in its correct sense, to refer to the way COVID has revealed things previously hidden: for example, the fact that some government officials consider casinos and pet grooming more important than worship services, or that the relationship of state power to ecclesiastical authority is highly contested even within many churches. Hopefully, we will see an end to the COVID chaos within the next six months, even with the possibility of a second wave looming.

Yet the second wave is not the only cause for concern. I wonder whether we might see something even more significant: a second ecclesiastical apocalypse. In conversation with many ministers, I have noticed one key concern again and again: How many Christians will return to church once COVID has stabilized? It is anecdotal at best at this point, but the figure often cited in my presence is 30 percent: Three out of every ten pre-COVID worshipers might stay away for good. One friend told me that his denomination’s leadership has informed its ministers that a third of its congregations might close within the next few months.

That figure may prove to be as hyperbolic as many of the other figures that have been bandied about regarding COVID. But it has a chillingly credible feel to it. Many of us have heard people commenting on how watching a church service online at leisure on a Sunday—or whatever other day of the week is most convenient to the consumer—has proved rather attractive. And this raises a number of obvious questions: Why not? Is anything lost thereby? How might those of us who think physical presence at worship is essential respond?” (https://www.firstthings.com/web-exclusives/2020/08/a-protestant-apocalypse)

Some churches see the Gospel primarily as information—knowledge to understand and accept or reject. In that case, physical attendance isn’t something that would be essential. As Lutherans, we believe that God has deigned to brings His good gifts of forgiveness, life, and salvation through means; specifically, Word and Sacrament. This means that it isn’t good, right, or salutary when we cut ourselves off from these Means of Grace that the Lord uses to create and sustain our faith in Christ.

A number of us have been unable to come to services for a while because of this pandemic or other reasons. Certainly, those who are in the “high risk” category (or they live with someone who is) should be cautious about contact with others. Likewise, if you’ve a communicable disease, then yes, please exercise your best discretion when you go out. Our concern should be for those who have chosen to separate themselves, but sometimes we look in the mirror and have the same concerns.

Sometimes, when these sorts of things happen (as in two weeks to flatten the curve has now extended to over six months), we wonder what is going on and what’s happening to our faith. Sometimes we even have the little voice inside us asking if we’ve enough faith. After all, Jesus said that if we had a small amount of faith, even faith the size of a mustard seed, we could be moving mountains and casting great trees into the sea. I think it’s safe to say that none of us here have caused geographic features to relocate, or did a little gardening work by tossing trees into the sea with a word.

The nagging questions come: What will become of those who’ve chosen to step away from the church? Could I do anything to encourage them? Am I any better? Do I have enough faith? Will I hear “Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world;" or will I hear "Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels"? This isn’t trivial stuff, and we often have that little voice inside which accuses us of not believing enough. It seems that the evil one loves to come to us at those times and whisper in our ear, “You did something terrible. No one with true faith would ever do something like that. Your faith must be a sham.” Do I really have enough faith? Yes—yes, you do.

In last month’s Lutheran Witness, LCMS pastor Rev. Bill Cwirla commented on this subject, “While faith in Christ is always whole and complete, our perception of that faith varies. Sometimes we feel strong in faith, other times weak. Often this has to do with our circumstances in life, our struggles with sin, our engagement with the Word and our prayers. This can be especially profound at the end of your life, particularly if you have been weak or ill for a long time. Some believers die with a great show of faith, others with very little. This is how we perceive things, not how God does. With God, even faith the size of a tiny mustard seed is enough to move mountains and uproot trees.”

Faith isn’t something that can really be quantified by us: how many cc’s of faith do you have, brother? No, the important thing, as always, is the object of our faith: our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ; He who is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. Jesus has taken away your sin. Come and hear—and taste—God’s Good News for you. In the name of Jesus, amen.

 

 

The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod

LCMS Stewardship Ministry

Newsletter article – October 2020

 We celebrate the Reformation at the end of each October. The Reformation began on All Saints’ Eve in 1517, which was when Martin Luther posted the 95 Theses to the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg. So, let’s hear from Luther himself on the topic of giving and stewardship.

 In the Small Catechism under the Table of Duties, Martin Luther gives specific Bible passages to help Christians know their duty in their various vocations as members of their family, society at large, and in God’s family, the Church. Under the heading “What Hearers Owe Their Pastors,” Luther lists five passages from the Bible, three of which have to do with giving to your local congregation. They are these:

 ·         “The Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel.” (1 Cor. 9:14)

·         “Anyone who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with his instructor. Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.” (Gal. 6:6–7)

·         “The elders [presbyters, i.e., pastors] who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially whose work is preaching and teaching. For the Scripture says, ‘Do not muzzle the ox while it is treading out the grain,’ and ‘The worker deserves his wages.’ ” (1 Tim. 5:17–18)

 Luther comments on these passages in his 1535 Lectures on Galatians. He wrote:

 “When Paul says ‘all good things,’ this is not to be taken to mean that everyone should share all his possessions with his preacher. No, it means that he should provide for him liberally, giving him as much as is needed to support his life in comfort. … The apostle is so serious in advocating this topic of support for preachers that he adds a threat to his denunciation and exhortation, saying: ‘God is not mocked.’ … All this pertains to the topic of support for ministers. I do not like to interpret such passages; for they seem to commend us, as in fact they do. In addition, it gives the appearance of greed if one emphasizes these things diligently to one’s hearers. Nevertheless, people should be taught also about this matter, in order that they may know that they owe both respect and support to their preachers. Christ teaches the same thing in Luke 10:7: ‘Eating and drinking what they provide, for the laborer deserves his wages’; and Paul says elsewhere (1 Cor. 9:13–14): ‘Do you not know that those who are employed in the temple service get their food from the temple, and those who serve at the altar share in the sacrificial offerings? In the same way the Lord commanded that those who proclaim the Gospel should get their living by the Gospel.’ It is important for us who are in the ministry to know this, so that we do not have a bad conscience about accepting for our work wages … it happens when those who proclaim the glory of God and faithfully instruct the youth derive their livelihood from them. It is impossible that one man should be devoted to household duties day and night for his support and at the same time pay attention to the study of Sacred Scripture, as the teaching ministry requires. Since God has commanded and instituted this, we should know that we may with a good conscience enjoy what is provided for the comfortable support of our lives from church properties to enable us to devote ourselves to our office.” (LW 27:125–126)

 

 LWML Corner

 Trinity Lutheran LWML Minutes July 12, 2020

   Pastor Humphrey led a Bible Study on “Freedom in Christ” and will continue the study next time.

   President Susan Williams called the meeting to order in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  9 members and Pastor were present.  Minutes were read and approved. 

   Treasurer’s report was read with an ending balance of $1034.15.  Backpack program balance is $3502.25.

   Committee Reports: None

   Communications: Thank you’s were read from Christine Humphrey and Betty Batt.  LWML Sunday in October information is in.

Unfinished Business:

   Convention- Susan thanked everyone who came and it seemed to work well.  Please fill out a survey if you attended and on leave on back table.  Conversations were held on what attendees like about the convention including Orphan Grain Train.  Offering that Saturday was $70.  Ingathering was for Castle Rock Nursing Home activity.  Send check to Kathy Larson, Melvina will call Cathy to see how check needs to be made and where to send. New Wyoming officers were elected- Financial  Secretary- Carrie Brumbaugh, VP of Christian Life- Shelia Phillips, Recording Secretary- Ellen Burback, VP Gospel Outreach- Stanna Funk, Pastoral Counselor- Rev. Norman Wacker.  Mission grants, there is a handout to see approved lists.  Biannual national convention is next year June 24-27 in Lexington, KY.

   It was suggested to set a quarterly mission project and involve the congregation to help up us be more involved in missions.  Christmas books for Grain train- will be set this quarter and have done by the end of September.  Need to ensure it is conforming to the list so not considered contraband.  Motion made to do a quarterly mission and start with Grain Train by Melvina Dillman, Seconded by Jean Strauch.  Motion approved. Susan will get information to Julie to put in bulletin and get copies to those who would like.  Each person/family fills one box.

   Tablecovers- Melvina was waiting to order.  This item is tables to September so there are no delays in shipping.

  A memorial will be sent in Wayne Batt’s name. 

   September meeting will be September 13^th at 2 p.m.  Then the group can decide if we would like to keep.   Guest speaker, Michelle will check with Kim Engel to see if Panhandle Public Health District would be able to attend the meeting. Sandy has closing devotions, Sandy and Nancy are serving.

   Meeting was closed with the Lord’s Prayer and Table Prayer.  Closing Devotion by Nancy on the History of the American Flag.

 Yours in Christ,

Michelle Hill, Secretary

 

Trinity Women’s Society

September 13, 2020 Minutes

 Attendance:  Susan Williams, Karen Ritz, Melvina Dillman, Sandy Heine, Nancy Wohl, Jean Strauch, Pat Klingsporn, Roxane Humphrey, Betty Batt, Pastor Humphrey

 I.                     Pastor Humphrey opened the meeting with prayer and a Bible study on Christian freedom.

II.                 Susan Williams opened the business meeting in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy                  Spirit.

III.              Minutes:  Susan Williams read the minutes of the previous meeting which were approved with two minor corrections.

 IV.              Treasurer’s Report:  Karen Ritz gave the treasurer’s report.

 A.    Society:  Beginning balance $1034.15                       Ending Balance:  $1029.87

B.     Backpack Program  Beginning Balance $3502.25     Ending Balance:  $4002.2

V.                 Committee Reports:  The school supply backpacks are coming along.  Several are complete and others are just missing crayons.  Melvina will use remaining Thrivent funds to complete the backpacks.  The Christmas box project will be carried over to the next quarter.  There have been no donations yet.  Susan will speak to the congregation again about the project.

VI.               Communications:  Handouts were passed out about LWML September to Remember.  Members are asked to donate in honor of someone who has impacted their faith.  If the donation is made on September 15, matching funds of up to $10,000 will be available.  The funds will go to mite projects.

VII.           Unfinished Business

A.     Table Cloths:  Melvina and Karen ordered samples of tablecloths.  It was decided to purchase 3 different styles.  All have white backs for use on more formal occasions.  Those present voted on their top three picks.  The committee will tally the votes and order.  15 table cloths, 5 of each design, will be purchased.  Estimated cost is around $450 depending on the styles purchased.

 

VIII.         New Business

A.     Michelle Hill has resigned as society secretary due to professional obligations.  Melvina volunteered to finish out her term which will go through 2021.  (Melvina will serve a dual role for the remaining meeting of her term as vice-president.)

B.     Nominating Committee:  Sandy Heine and Nancy Wohl volunteered to serve as the nominating committee.  The positions of vice president and treasurer are open for next year.

C.     Quarterly order:  Presently we are receiving 18 copies, with only one being extra.  After discussion, it was decided to order 20 copies, with 3 being extras, for the next year.  The cost is $6 per subscription.

D.    Officer report:  Susan Williams will complete the report of officers for the district and zone.

E.     Fall decorations:  Joanne Kurtz is no longer able to put up the fall decorations.  Ladies who attend the Thursday morning Bible study agreed to put them up after Bible study sometime before LWML Sunday.  Bonnie Anderson will decorate the tables in the fellowship hall.

F.      LWML Sunday:  Susan will check with Pastor to see if bulletin covers have been ordered.  We will try to sit together.

G.    Pine Ridge Fall Rally:  The rally will be held October 17 at Crawford.  Registration begins at 9 a.m.  The meeting lasts from 10:00 to 1:00 and includes Bible study and fellowship.  Participants are asked to bring a sack lunch.  We will try to carpool.

H.    November meeting:   Speaker will be someone from Panhandle Public Health or Susan will ask one of the Bowlins to present on wellness.  The meeting will be November 8 at 2:00 p.m.  Snacks will be provided by Pat and Roxane.

I.        Meeting time:  Meetings will be held on Sundays at 2:00 p.m. for the time being.  Next year we will look at revising the bylaws to reflect this change.

J.       Fleece blankets:  Betty moved to donated the fleece blankets to the Fire Fighter Ministries in Scottsbluff.  The motion was seconded by Karen.  After discussion, it was amended to give to older members of the congregation first and then give the remainder to Fire Fighters Ministries.  The motion passed.

K.    Banners:  Susan will talk to Dee Allen to see if Altar Guild would like to pick out the banners.  Discussion recommended that the funds come from the Gift and Memorial Committee.  Betty Batt indicated that she would like Wayne’s memorials to go toward the banners.

 

IX.              Closing Devotion

A.     Sandy read a devotion called “Sweet Surrender.”

B.    We closed with the Lord’s Prayer and the common table prayer.

Submitted by Roxane Humphrey

 

 

LWML Corner

1.  LWML Fall Rally is Saturday, October 17, 2020 at Bethlehem Evangelical in Crawford from 10:00 am-1:00 pm with registration beginning at 9:00 am. Please bring a sack lunch. For ladies interested in attending, we will meet at the church at 8:00 am to car pool. 

2. Next meeting is Sunday, November 8, 2020. Guest Speaker will be Levi Bowlin. We will have a short business meeting @ 2:00 pm with Levi speaking at approximately 2:30 pm. We would love to encourage the congregation to join us for an informative wellness presentation.  

3. Trinity LWML will be taking on a mission project each quarter and would like to invite the congregation to assist us in this undertaking. It is a great way for us to work together to help those less fortunate than us! 

For the current quarter, we will be collecting items to complete Orphan Grain Train Christmas boxes. The lists will be available on the table with the list for the school bags. It is imperative that you stick to the list, as the boxes are usually opened by government officials at their destination & if they find anything not noted in the customs log they will confiscate the shipment!  We will be doing this project through the end of September. Bring the items in a bag & we will get the boxes for shipping. 

FYI-for those of you who may not be familiar with Orphan Grain Train, they are primarily a volunteer organization. That means that over 95% of monies they collect go to the charities they serve & not for administrative costs which is not true of so many other organizations!

 

 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 18                      George and Tracie Ross                       Anniversary

October 20                      John and Sandra Kammerzell              Anniversary

October 22                      Dorothy Holthus                                Birthday

October 25                      Sharon Schledewitz                           Birthday

October 25                      Aimee Haskins                                     Birthday

 

If your name does not appear, it is because these were taken from Trinity’s calendar directory for which we have permission to use names and dates.

Please notify the office to have a date added.

 

 

Elders meet October 15^th  at 6:00 PM followed by the Voters, meeting at 7:00 PM.

All are encouraged to attend the quarterly Voter’s meeting.  If you are not a voting member but would like to become one, please plan on attending.  This is the important meeting of the year as it is time to set the budget  and elect officers for 2021.