From The Pastor’s Desk - Trinity & Concordia Lutheran Church



From The Pastor’s Desk

Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Matthew 28:18-20 (ESV)

None other than our Savior and Lord instituted the Office of His Holy Ministry. It easy to forget the relationship established between pastor and people after the installation service. Below are the questions and answers so that we might remember the unity and love we share together as the baptized people of God.

PASTOR:

God gathers His Church by and around His Holy Gospel and thereby also grants it growth and increase according to His good pleasure. That this may be done, He has established the Office of the Holy Ministry into which you have been called by the Church and have been ordained and consecrated by prayer and the laying on of hands. It is fitting that you should again acknowledge the responsibilities of this holy office in which you are to serve as a pastor of these congregations.

In the presence of this assembly and before the Lord God to whom you must give an account now and at the Last Day, I now ask you:

Do you acknowledge that that Lord has called you through His Church into the ministry of Word and Sacrament? I do.

Do you believe and confess the canonical books of the Old and New Testaments to be the inspired Word of God and the only infallible rule of faith and practice? Yes, I believe and confess the canonical Scriptures to be the inspired Word of God and the only infallible rule of faith and practice.

Do you believe and confess the three Ecumenical Creeds, namely, the Apostles’, the Nicene, and the Athanasian Creeds, as faithful testimonies to the truth of the Holy Scriptures and do you reject all the errors which they condemn? Yes, I believe and confess the three Ecumenical Creeds because they are in accord with the Word of God. I also reject all errors they condemn.

Do you confess the Unaltered Augsburg Confession to be a true exposition of Holy Scripture and a correct exhibition of the doctrine of the Evangelical Lutheran Church? And do you confess that the Apology of the Augsburg Confession, the Small and Large Catechisms of Martin Luther, the Smalcald Articles, the Treatise on the Power and Primacy of the Pope, and the Formula of Concord – as these are contained in the Book of Concord – are also in agreement with this one scriptural faith? Yes, I make these Confessions my own because they are in accord with the Word of God.

Do you promise that you will perform the duties of your office in accordance with these Confessions, and that all your preaching and teaching and your administration of the Sacraments will be in conformity with Holy Scripture and with these Confessions? Yes, I promise, with the help of God.

Will you faithfully instruct both young and old in the chief articles of Christian doctrine, will you forgive the sins of those who repent, and will you promise never to divulge the sins confessed to you? Will you minister faithfully to the sick and dying, and will you demonstrate to the Church a constant and ready ministry centered in the Gospel? Will you admonish and encourage the people to a lively confidence in Christ and in holy living? Yes, I will, with the help of God.

Finally, will you honor and adorn the Office of the Holy Ministry with a holy life? Will you be diligent in the study of Holy Scripture and the Confessions? And will you be constant in prayer for those under your pastoral care? I will, the Lord helping me through the power and grace of His Holy Spirit.

PEOPLE:

You have heard the solemn promise of him called to be your pastor. Will you receive him, show him that love, honor, and obedience in the Lord that you owe to the shepherd and teacher placed over you by your Lord Jesus Christ, and will you support him by your gifts and pray for him always that in his labors he may retain a cheerful spirit and that his ministry among you may be abundantly blessed? We will, with the help of God.

Will you honor and uphold your pastor as he serves Christ in all his God-pleasing responsibilities? Will you aid him as he care for his family? Will you be diligent to “put the best construction on everything,” recognizing that “love covers a multitude of sins”? We will, with the help of God.

The almighty and most merciful God, the Father, the + Son, and the Holy Spirit, bless and preserve us by His Divine Service,

Pastor Gauthier

Upcoming Events/Announcements

Walk Through The Bible-SUNDAY 4PM at Trinity

All are welcome to join adult instruction at Trinity as we make our way through the books of the Bible. If you have never had the opportunity to get an overall picture of the Scriptures, now is the time.

Grow together with others in what we confess in the faith

Learn major themes of each book in the Bible

See Christ throughout Scriptures and in our life today

HOME Fires

Starts September!

Broken: 7 "Christian" Rules That Every Christian Ought to Break as Often as Possible by Fisk, Jonathan M. 2012 / Paperback / Pages 280 Price: $13.00

A sign-up sheet is in the narthex of each church. Payment for book is to go directly to pastor when order arrives. Those joining the group will also receive study questions that accompany each chapter. We will use these questions to help guide our conversation at our meetings. Home Fires meets together once a month typically from 7pm-8pm. Participation via Facebook or Skype may be an option as well. Deadline for sign-up is Sunday, September 1. This book is worth your time for what it offers.

August Birthdays

Aaron Dean Aug. 2nd

Anita Kuehl Aug. 2nd

John Nelson Aug. 2nd

Jordon Dean Aug. 4th

Alivia Avery Aug. 5th

Dallas Fischer Aug. 5th

Lori Stahly Aug. 6th

Kyle Noble Aug 7th

Mike Gillespie Aug. 8th

Steven Ihnen Aug. 8th

Kadda Jones Aug. 9th

Leonard Garms Aug. 11th

Duane Voehl Aug. 12th

John Boetel, Jr. Aug. 13th

Jared Knips Aug. 13th

Lezlie Boetel Aug. 14th

Dustin Heuer Aug. 14th

Esther Gaudian Aug. 15th

Donna Voss Aug. 15th

Carol Voss Aug. 15th

Kali Smith Aug. 16th

Carol Voss Aug. 17th

Joshua Wacker Aug. 18th

Connie Boetel Aug. 19th

Alysha Harlow Aug. 19th

Landon Larson Aug. 19th

Shelli Nissen Aug. 20th

Kellie Jones Aug. 21st

Terri Ellingson Aug. 22nd

Natasha Bremer Aug. 23rd

Carrie Elbuytori Aug. 23rd

Maria Reimers Aug. 23rd

Ruth Wulf Aug. 23rd

Brian Ihnen Aug. 24th

Carissa Kazemba Aug. 24th

Bev Wiese Aug. 24th

Brian Boles Aug. 25th

Audrey Donnenwerth Aug. 26th

Jena Boles Aug. 30th

James Brockhaus Aug. 31st

Chelsey Hiveley Aug. 31st

Joan Kasch Aug. 31st

August Anniversaries

Milton & Sandy Consoer Aug. 3rd

John & Lorraine Nelson Aug. 8th

Duane & Lenora Kazemba Aug 10th

Jeff & Stephanie Sohn Aug. 12th

Mike & Autumn Ross Aug. 19th

Ken & Maxine Meyer Aug 20th

Rod & Terri Ellingson Aug. 26th

Stan & LeAnn Pohlman Aug 26th

Bruce & Kim Ihnen Aug 31st

Darrell & Jan Sathren Aug. 31st

What is Happening At Your Camp?

Camp Okoboji

1531 Edgewood Drive

Milford, IA 51351

Phone: 712-337-3325 Fax: 712-337-3318

e-mail: camp.okoboji@ Web site:

Calendar of Events

August 1-3 Family Retreat I

August 4 Omelet Brunch, 9:30 am to 1:00 pm

August 4-10 Family Retreat II

August 9-11 Hispanic Family Retreat

August 12 Bus Trip to Target Field

August 16-18 Adult Retreat

August 17 Camp Okoboji Board of Directors and Auxiliary Meeting

August 18 Camp Okoboji Golf Outing

August 24 Volunteer Appreciation Picnic / Retirement Reception for Larry Stille

August 25 Omelet Brunch, 9:30 am to 1:00 pm

ADULT RETREAT! Mark your calendar for this new adult retreat, August 16-18, 2013. Come hear The Reverend Ken Klaus, former Lutheran Hour Speaker, on the topic “WILD, WACKY WORLD OF POLITICAL CORRECTNESS.” As an added attraction, enjoy a special concert by the Baumann Brothers! Cost is $150 per person. Commuter rates are available: $30 program fee plus meals.

Please join us for Camp Okoboji’s 3rd Annual Golf Outing. It will be held Sunday, August 19 at the Okoboji View Golf Course. The four person best ball will begin with a shotgun start at 1:30 and conclude with a steak dinner. Check our Website () for the registration form or call camp (712-337-3325) and we would be glad to send you one. Gather your team now and get registered.

UPCOMING BUS TRIPS!

Mark your calendar and plan to join us for two special and exciting upcoming bus trips! The first is a day trip to Lutheran Night at Target Field to watch the Minnesota Twins play the Cleveland Indians on August 12, 2013. COST WILL BE $50 PER PERSON!

The second trip is a four-day, three-night excursion to the world famous Creation Museum in Petersburg, Kentucky from Tuesday, October 22 through Friday, October 25. THE COST FOR THIS TRIP IS $400 FOR SINGLE OCCUPANCY AND $380 FOR DOUBLE OCCUPANCY. Check the Camp Website at for more details or call Lori at the Camp Office at 712-337-3325. REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN FOR BOTH EVENTS!

KDCR 88.5 FM SOLID ROCK RADIO

498 4th Ave. NE

Sioux Center, IA 51250

Thank you for sharing with your parishioners that Lutheran Hour

is broadcast at 1:00 pm each Sunday

August 4

"Distracted? No, Delivered!"

Lutheran Hour Speaker: Rev. Gregory Seltz

Distractions can be deadly, especially if they take our attention away from our relationshipwith God.

(Luke 12:13-21)

August 11

"God Cares for You"

Lutheran Hour Speaker: Rev. Gregory Seltz

God cares. Trust God to always work for your good, even when others do not.

(Luke 12:22-34)

August 18

"Remain and Reign"

Lutheran Hour Speaker: Rev. Gregory Seltz

Run the race by grace with victory assured, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the Pioneer and Perfecterour faith.

(Hebrews 12:1-3)

August 25

"Are You Sure?"

Speaker Emeritus of The Lutheran Hour: Rev. Ken Klaus

To those who wish to follow Him, Jesus asks, 'Are you sure?'

(Luke 13:22-24)

Cindy Nederhoff – 712-722-0885 – cnederho@dordt.edu

“Witnessing to Nones?”

LCMS President Matthew Harrison noted at synod convention the rising effect of the “Nones” in our culture. Come and join us for this evening seminar adapted from a two-day retreat pastor attended in Buffalo, MN.

Place: Concordia Lutheran Church

Date: Wednesday, August 14th

Time: 7pm-8:30pm

Goals: Be equipped. Be challenged. Be real.

Updates Needed: We would like to have an up-to-date listing for all our members. If you have moved, gotten married, had a child, changed your phone number, cell phone, and/or e-mail address we would like to know so that our records can be accurate. Please let the church office know. Thank you!

Birthdays and Anniversaries: If you would like your birthday or anniversary printed in The Lutheran Witness to commemorate a birthday of 90 years of more or an anniversary of 50 years or more please contact the church office two months in advance, so that notification can be sent to the district office.

Newsletter deadline: Thursday, August 22 will be the deadline for the September newsletter. Please call or e-mail with any announcements. Thank you!

MN Relay: If you or a family member living in MN needs help hearing when answering the phone there is help available at no cost to you. Please contact the consumer relations office (800)657-3775, e-mail: mn.relay@state.mn.us or visit for more information. There is also a brochure in the narthex hanging on the bulletin board.

Sacred Music For The World...You can listen to the best of the Church's music 24/7 at.. 'll hear hymns like "Thy Strong Word," "The Church's One Foundation," "Lord, Thee I Love with All My Heart," "God's Own Child I Gladly Say It," "My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less" and more. can also listen on mobile devices like an iPhone, iPad and an Android phone. If you have any questions, please call (618) 223-8385.

Christian Music: Music for Members sections on music is available to discover original Christian music by amateur and professional musicians is now easier than ever. You can find and download an array of free music.

Electronic Newsletters: If you are interested in receiving the monthly newsletter electronically please send me an e-mail making the request.

Prescription drug coverage: Thrivent Members benefits are available. Express Access prescription drug discount card may help. It provides an average of 30% off all prescription drugs. For more information and to apply go to community/membership/benefits or call 800-847-4836.

Contending For Truth In An Age Of Anti-Truth… Issues, Etc. is a radio talk show produced by Lutheran Public Radio and hosted by LCMS Pastor Todd Wilken. Topics include: Is Islam a Religion of Peace?, "Angels & Demons" by Dan Brown, Adoption, Decision Theology, Handel's Messiah and more. You can listen to what you want when you want at .

Updated phone numbers: An up-dated list of phone numbers have been placed in the narthex for you to take to update your directories at home. Please feel free to take a copy. If you find an error place contact the office. Thank you!

Scholarship available: Two $300 scholarships will be made available to undergraduate students attending UW– Milwaukee, Concordia U Wisconsin or other area Milwaukee area college or university in the Fall of 2013. If interested in more information please go to

Concordia/Trinity Float: Please feel free to join us on Thursday, August 1 at the Lake Park lumber yard to decorate the churches float for the Lake Park farmers appreciation day parade. We will begin at 6:00 p.m. a light meal will be served.

MN Viking Faith & Family Night: Friday, August 9 at 7:00 p.m. vs. Houston or Thursday, August 29 at 7:00 p.m. vs. Tennessee. Ticket will be $20. First come-first serve. The tickets can be purchased on –line at faithandfamily and enter promo code “faith.”

Basecamp 2013: Mission Central Imagine 100+ tents lining the grounds of Mission Central. having time to develop relationships with each other and ask each other the hard questions in life. boys getting to witness and soak in all of this that is being modeled to them and participate in it themselves. of all walks of life boldly leading prayer and devotions. Men sharing meals. Men committed to a weekend to show their priority in serving Jesus by being there with other men to hear and take action about missions and missional living. August 23-24, 2013 at Mission Central - Mapleton, Iowa. The focus will be for men and young menhear, see and experience the following: missional living-leading theirwives, families, churches, neighborhoods and communities as bold men of Jesus; missional giving-hearing about and respondingthe opportunities offered by Mission Central.

Scholarships: The Student Financial Aid Committee is pleased to announce that scholarships in the amount of $500 are available for any student from a LCMS congregation in IDW who is currently a full time student at one of the synodical universities. This scholarship is for non-church work students (provided by the District’s Kouhns Endowment).To apply for these funds, request a DFAA from the Concordia University Financial Aid Office, complete the upper portion of the application, and ask the Financial Aid Office to send it to: Pastor David Loeschen, 500 N 24th St., Denison, IA 51442. The DFAA form may be downloaded from Synod’s website at (Document.fdoc?src=lcm&id=480).If you download it, complete the upper portion and send it to the Financial Aid Office of the university or seminary you are or will be attending.DO NOT send this form to Pastor Loeschen. must be received from the university’s Financial Aid Office. Please share this information with any student or prospective student attending or planning to attend one of our Concordias.It is an opportunity for your congregation to promote the Concordia System and encourage your high school students to consider checking out a Concordia for their collegiate career. For more information call 712-263-3282 or osluth@.

A day of celebration: Pastor David Ericksen is retiring from the ministry on Sunday, August 25, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Hartley, IA. Worship Service will begin at 10:00 a.m. and then a catered dinner will be served at the Hartley Community Center and noon, followed by a celebration of remembrance, rejoicing, and music for the 37 years of service. RSVP is due by August 5; so please fill out the sign up sheet in the narthex. Then I will mail out on Monday.

Retirement Party: On Saturday, August 24 prior to the Volunteer Recognition Supper, Camp Okoboji will host a reception honoring Larry Stille’s retirement as Development Director at Camp Okoboji.Please come and enjoy punch and cake with us and wish Larry well in his retirement.If you are unable to attend, well wishes for Larry can be sent to Camp Okoboji, Attention Larry Stille, 1531 Edgewood Drive, Milford, IA 51351.

MISSION CENTRAL

ONE THE LARGEST CROWDS EVER ATTENDS EVENT

AT MISSION CENTRAL

On June 29, 2013 we welcomed veteran missionaries Dr. Steve Oliver and his family from Taiwan, and Rev. Joel Schiewe, our special missionary in Hong Kong. Both of these men shared how the Lord is using them. It was a JOY to welcome the huge crowd to hear and see their missionaries! Five pastors were present to pray for and send these missionaries. Pictured are Rev. Paul Mueller from Sioux City, Iowa; Rev. Joel Vano from Albert Lea, Minnesota; Rev. Peter Jurchen from Des Moines, Iowa; Rev. Marcus Manley from Ute, Iowa; and Rev. William Weiss from Lidderdale, Iowa. Here also you can see that every seat was taken in the new Ministry Center. The volunteer cooks did an excellent job of feeding these folks, and everyone had a day they will long remember.

HUGE CROWD COMES TO SEE REV. CARL HANSON and FAMILY

AND JAMES NEUENDORF

June 22, 2013 was truly a special day. People came at 10:30 AM for a tour of the museum, barn, and the new Ministry Center at Mission Central. Groups came from Des Moines, Atlantic, Storm Lake, Ute, Cedar Rapids, and Harlan, Iowa; Grand Island, Nebraska; and from several locations in Minnesota. It was a JOY to welcome over 200 friends for the presentations of our Missionaries Rev. Carl Hanson and his family from Hong Kong and James Neuendorf from the Dominican Republic. The Hanson family gave an exciting report of the new work taking place in Asia, and how the Holy Spirit is opening doors in that part of the world. They shared some amazing pictures and stories! James Neuendorf gave a report on the new work in the Dominican Republic, and how the Holy Spirit is opening the hearts of the people in this part of Central America. The volunteer cooking staff did an excellent job of preparing and serving the food for the large crowd. We thank God for these volunteers. Pictured are the volunteer cooks serving the meal in the new kitchen in the Ministry Center.

Six pastors from the area provided special prayers for the missionaries. Seated are the missionaries who received these prayers to guide, lead, and protect them as they head back to their assignments where the Lord has placed them!

NOT NORMAL OFFICIALS FROM IOWA, NEBRASKA, AND THE INTERNATIONAL MISSION OFFICE IN ST. LOUIS COME TO MISSION CENTRAL What a JOY to welcome Rev. Randy Golter and Rev. Ed Grimenstein from the Office of International Missions in St. Louis, Missouri to stay at Mission Central on June 21 and June 22, 2013. Welcoming them to the Iowa West and Nebraska Districts’ property at Mission Central were First Vice President of Iowa West, the Honorable Rev. Dr. Steve Turner from Algona, Iowa and Rev. Dr. Russell Sommerfeld, the Honorable President of the Nebraska District. The meeting provided a wonderful opportunity for the guests to see what goes on at this NOT NORMAL miracle place in the middle of the hills of western Iowa. The four "not normal" leaders for the Lord's Mission are pictured in Gary's office at Mission Central with our Boss in the background. Pictured left to right are Rev. Steve Turner, Rev. Russ Sommerfeld, Rev. Randy Golter, and Rev. Ed Grimenstein.

Accept veterans — don’t pity, idolize or judge them

By Paula Schlueter Ross

ST. LOUIS (July 22, 2013) — The next time you see a veteran in a parade or standing in line at the airport and you want to thank him or her for serving, “please do so,” said Chaplain Mark Schreiber in his presentation to the Synod’s 65th Regular Convention. “But also consider the images that still haunt the warrior’s soul, what human suffering has been inflicted or suffered in defense of our nation — for your family and for mine.”

Don’t pity, idolize or judge veterans, cautioned Schreiber, director of the LCMS Ministry to the Armed Forces, but “just accept the veteran back into the human race. Let our sons and daughters come home. Let the healing begin at the foot of the cross of Christ, again, and again, and again.”

Schreiber began his presentation with a 4-minute clip from the video “Warriors of Faith — Military Men,” a five-part Men’s NetWork Bible study produced by Lutheran Hour Ministries and Chaplain Steven Hokana “as an outreach tool to our servicemen and -women.”

In the video, Hokana talks about serving in the military, the difficulties he has seen servicemen

and -women endure, and how the church can help. The resource explores the issues of anger, grief, guilt, forgiveness and love. Click here for more information.

The video-based Bible study, Schreiber said, is “especially fitting” for use by Operation Barnabas chapters — now at 66-plus congregations nationwide. Operation Barnabas, launched by LCMS convention action in 2007 to serve veterans returning home from war, now serves “all veterans from all wars” — an estimated 20 to 30 million people, most of whom are not active church members, according to Schreiber.

“What a tremendous, overwhelming opportunity, for the Gospel lies at our doorstep!” he said.

Schreiber also encouraged Lutherans not to “retreat to our churches and find safe haven in our own backyards” in the face of an increasingly anti-Christian culture, but to “speak in the public square,” proclaiming the Gospel “in every place … just as God grants opportunity.”

Evil can only triumph, he said, “when good men and good women do nothing.”

Chaplain Mark Schreiber, director of the LCMS Ministry to the Armed Forces, tells the convention about Operation Barnabas, which is reaching out to “all veterans from all wars” — an estimated 20 to 30 million people — most of whom are not active church members. (LCMS Communications)

Culture Shifts in the U.S., God’s Word Stands Firm

July 15, 2013 in Lutherans Engage, Ministry Spotlight

by Laura J. Seaman

Black Ministry in the LCMS began in 1877, only 30 years after the Synod was formed. Though the way this ministry operates has changed over the years, the need for it has not. Our early efforts were focused on Lutheran education with the establishment of all-black Lutheran day schools in the south. Concordia College Alabama, Selma, Ala., founded in 1922, holds the distinction as the nation’s only historically black Lutheran college or university.

Central to our Black Ministry efforts today is a focus on sharing the Gospel through acts of mercy by providing assistance, advocacy and networking opportunities for LCMS districts, congregations, schools and organizations seeking to reach out to predominantly black populations. The aim is to touch lives with the Gospel through mercy care. Each year, the Black Ministry Family Convocation provides those involved in Black Ministry with an opportunity to gather, learn and worship together.

“With the cultural movement to the north,” said the Rev. Dr. Frazier Odom, interim director of LCMS Black Ministry, speaking about the growing ethnic diversity in urban centers, “it is incumbent upon us to establish [black] ministries in more cities.”

With the growth of ethnic diversity in the U.S., comes an urgency to recruit and train the next generation of black church workers.

In the past, the black population in the LCMS has been largely concentrated in the Southern and Southeastern districts, a result of the trans-Atlantic slave trade that forced African migration to the U.S. prior to the 19th century. Cultural shifts show that many are moving north for school, jobs and other opportunities.

Odom said that as this shift occurs, the LCMS loses members to other church bodies because it is harder to find a church with a black population.

“One of the objectives of Black Ministry,” said Odom, “is to establish working relationships with African immigrants.” Voluntary African migration was minimal until the 1980s. This present wave of African immigration to the U.S. also greatly impacts the need for Black Ministry, Odom said.

With the growth of ethnic diversity in the U.S., comes an urgency to recruit and train the next generation of black church workers. Many predominantly black day schools in the LCMS have closed, schools that once were feeders for our church work training programs.

Individual Lutherans and congregations can support Black Ministry locally and across the Synod. Here’s how: Pray that God would provide men and women to serve in Black Ministry. Reach out in witness and mercy to your black neighbors, friends and co-workers. White suburban congregations can partner with black congregations in urban centers to strengthen each other in their life together. Your gifts to the Global Mission Fund will provide financial support for Black Ministry efforts across the Synod.

Black Ministry Stats:

65 black pastors

300 congregations

1 historically black college

2009 US African Immigrant Stats

1.5 million total

2/3 from western Africa

1/3 reside in New York, California, Texas and Maryland

Office of National Mission

Annual Budget:295,687

To personally invest in the global witness and mercy work of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod through a gift, please use the following options:

Phone: 888-930-4438

Email: mission.advancement@

Harrison spotlights blessings of past, ‘severe challenges’ for future

By Kim Plummer Krull

ST. LOUIS (July 21, 2013) – Wielding the historic gavel he used to open the 65th Regular Convention of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, newly re-elected LCMS President Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison urged LCMS members gathered from throughout the world to “listen to the blessings of the past” as “we face severe challenges as a church.”

“Facing these challenges is enough to make us lose our courage and our confidence in God’s Word,” Harrison said in the morning address. “Take heart! You’re baptized. That tiny bit of water will stand down all the oceans of tribulation on Earth.”

Delivered at the convention, held here July 20-25, at the America’s Center Convention Complex, Harrison’s president’s report reflected the conference theme “Baptized for This Moment.” He used the speech “to encourage you,” he said, referring to the convention’s registered participants which, as reported July 21, number 1,191 clergy and lay voting delegates.

“If you are under the impression that there was a golden age in the Church – without struggle and controversy, anguish and politics, without fallible leaders who suffer weakness and breakdown – then you don’t know anything about the history of the Missouri Synod, the Lutheran Church, the Reformation or the New Testament, for that matter!” said the Synod’s 13th president, his booming baritone filling the hall. “There ain’t no golden age to go back to!”

Holding the gavel that has been used to open LCMS conventions for more than a century, Harrison emphasized the significance of the faces carved into its oak wood: the visages of Martin Luther and C. F.W. Walther, the Protestant Reformation leader and the first LCMS president, respectively.

Both Lutheran fathers were “fallible” men, Harrison said, who drew strength from a “fundamental truth of Holy Scripture.” In German and then in English, Harrison read the gavel’s inscribed verse: “For we hold that one is justified by faith, apart from the works of the law” (Rom. 3:28).

Remember leaders, imitate their faith

“The writer to the Hebrews says, ‘Remember your leaders’ (Look back!) and ‘Imitate their faith’ (Look forward!),” Harrison said.

Striking the gavel on the podium, Harrison likened the blow’s echoes throughout the hall to the past that “comes to a head in this moment – to teach us, to console us, to motivate us.” The reverberations continued as he pounded the mallet after recounting 19 individual blessings, including:

The Gospel of Jesus Christ,

The sacred Scriptures,

“Fantastic seminaries in good shape and friends all over the world seeking our partnership,”

“Thousands of faithful pastors” and “thousands more teachers and church workers,”

A university system “to die for with 30,000 students,”

International mission work in some 85 countries, and

Nearly 6,200 congregations “on the front lines of mission.”

In a more somber tone, Harrison then acknowledged “severe challenges” that, “as we all know,”

the Church faces, including:

That one in three people under age 30 in the U.S. are religiously unaffiliated. He is shocked, Harrison said, by the number of people he meets who say, “I used to be LCMS;”

Declines in the birth rate, in marriage as an institution and in the number of LCMS youth.

The culture that, Harrison said, “is on the attack;”

The slow, 40-year mission decline that, Harrison noted, even “our best efforts” have been unable to stem.

‘Remarkable moment’

“Jesus has placed this good ship Missouri out on the high seas,” he said, calling today’s culture “wretched” and the world’s hatred “palpable.”

“But the Lord doesn’t want us safely secluded away from the world in a tranquil haven. He wants us out among sinners, just like us, who need Him,” Harrison said.

“Take heart! Jesus wants us out in the waves, out in the storm, and out in the world, but not of the world,” the president continued, referencing John 17:11, 16. “And He is here with us in that storm.”

In closing, Harrison called this “a remarkable moment” for the LCMS.

“I believe that as America goes the way of Europe, the Church will actually be attacked more violently on this continent because we do not have the tradition of state churches,” he said.

At the same time, the president said, as we “obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29) and as our constitutional guarantees of religious freedom face constant infringement, “the Lord will work good among us, perhaps even bringing about greater unity among us which has often eluded us.”

Calling attention to “a tectonic shift in world Lutheranism,” Harrison cited the growth of Lutheran churches in Africa, including multi-million member churches in Ethiopia and Madagascar.

African Lutherans “are coming to us not asking for money,” Harrison said. “They want our teaching; they want our biblical and Lutheran fidelity, which has become so eroded in the European and American Lutheran world because of historical criticism and its effects.”

At a time when “the vast migration” of people compares with that of the Roman Empire, Harrison said, the Church “cannot completely separate” mission” to Spanish-speaking peoples and Africans in the U.S. and mission to their countries of origin.

Closing on a personal note, the president said he is “deeply honored” to serve the people of the LCMS.

“I have been humbled over the past three years in many ways – many private, some public,” he said, calling himself “a poor, miserable, fallible sinner, trusting in the sole merit of my Savior Jesus.”

Harrison said he prays that “our time together will help us grow in our Baptisms –

that we will grab hold of Baptism, the very Gospel of Christ poured on us, and that this Baptism will drive us.”

We are baptized for witness, for mercy and for life together, Harrison said, “and we’re baptized for this very moment.”

Kreklau highlights LWML goals, grants

By Kim Plummer Krull

ST. LOUIS (July 22, 2013) – Three goals will guide the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League over the next two years, LWML President Kay Kreklau said in her greeting to the LCMS convention here.

With the Lord’s help, members of the Synod’s auxiliary will strive to nurture faith in Christ, share encouragement and make the LWML mission meaningful, Kreklau said at the 65th Regular Convention of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Some 1,200 voting delegates are among those gathering July 20-25 at the America’s Center Convention Complex.

The LWML “encourages all women of the LCMS to be daily in God’s Word and intentional in Bible study,” Kreklau said.

She asked convention participants to consider using a mite box on dressers and desks for “the

extra change in your pocket” to support LWML mission work. Pastors, she urged, might check out the “Pastors in Mission” page with “an incredible amount” of resources at .

Three weeks ago at their 35th biennial convention in Pittsburgh, LWML members adopted a new mission goal of $1.83 million, Kreklau said, “believing that even in our troubled economy that God will bless our mite dollars for mission.”

Since its founding 71 years ago, the LWML has given $100 million in grant money, Kreklau said, drawing applause from the convention.The 18 mission grants adopted for the new biennium, Kreklau said, range from $30,000 to train Comfort Dogs for LCMS chaplains to $100,000 to strengthen and expand LCMS campus ministries.

Mercy resolutions generate overwhelming support, discussion on women in combat

By Kim Plummer Krull

ST. LOUIS (July 22, 2013) – While all 10 resolutions presented by Floor Committee 2 on Mercy carried with more than 90 percent support, a resolution supporting people with a religious and moral objection to women serving in ground combat generated considerable discussion.

Resolution 2-12A carried with 93.8 percent of delegates’ support following discussion from the floor and explanation from the stage from two veteran chaplains.

Chaplain Jonathan E. Shaw, director, Ethical

Development, with the United States Army War College, called the resolution “grounded in the freedom of the Christian.” It includes “no compulsion,” Shaw said, and “only support for the conscience of those who have a religious and moral objection to women serving in direct and ground combat positions.” Both Shaw and the Rev. Dr. Donald K. Muchow, retired rear admiral with the U.S. Navy and an outgoing member of the LCMS Board of Directors, spoke to the convention at the request of Mercy floor committee members.

In preparing the resolution, Mercy floor committee members “heard at length from people in military service” and changed wording to reflect their concerns, said the Rev. Dr. David Benke, Mercy floor committee chairman. The resolution takes into account that women serving in the military carry weapons, Benke said, and that wars are fought in many different ways.

Prior to the resolution’s presentation, the committee struck wording regarding “support of those who have a religious or moral objection to women participating in the selective service system and being subject to a possible draft.”

Since no military draft now exists, Mercy committee members saw no need to address that issue at this time, Benke said.

The resolution also refers this issue to the LCMS Committee on Theology and Church Relations (CTCR) for further study and to produce a statement that can be considered and acted upon by the Synod in its next convention.

While a resolution allowing the extension of calls to specialized pastoral ministers also generated discussion, delegates largely expressed support.Resolution 2-05B, carrying with 93.5 percent of the vote, amends Bylaw 3.8.2 so that, on the recommendation of the Office of National Mission, the Board for National Mission “shall serve as a calling agency for institutional and agency chaplains and other non-foreign specialized ministers (such as Veterans Administration, prison and hospital chaplains) after consultation with the appropriate district president(s).”

Previously, specialized pastoral ministers were hired or appointed by LCMS districts, Benke said, and now they will receive a call. Delegates speaking to the issue primarily expressed support, including one delegate who said the resolution “gives voice” to workers who often “feel marginalized.”

Delegates also adopted eight additional Mercy floor committee resolutions, each with more than 90 percent support:

Resolution 2-01, recommending and giving thanks for the work of LCMS Disaster Response, the Synod’s mercy arm that reaches out with Christ’s love with emergency and long-term assistance, unanimously carried.

Resolution 2-02, giving thanks and praise to God for the 75th anniversary of Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service–an advocate on behalf of refugees, asylum seekers, unaccompanied children and other vulnerable populations – passed with unanimous support.

Resolution 2-03, giving thanks to God and encouraging support for the ministries of Lutheran Services in America (LSA) and Lutheran World Relief (LWR), carried with 97.6 percent support. LSA serves as the connection point for more than 300 social ministry agencies. LWR works to end poverty, injustice and human suffering worldwide.

Resolution 2-06, encouraging a strong finish of the Lutheran Malaria Initiative (LMI) and giving thanks for the effect LMI has made in the global fight to end malaria-related deaths in Africa, carried unanimously.

Resolution 2-04, commending Lutheran Housing Support Corporation, the LCMS arm that promotes community revitalization and homeownership, passed with 98.3 percent support.

Resolution 2-07A, to emphasize biblical teaching of sexuality, marriage and family, passed with 95.8 percent of delegate support. The resolution provides that the Office of National Mission will produce and disseminate Bible-based materials dealing with human sexuality to “empower faithful and God-pleasing lives and assist families struggling with these issues” and that pastors and congregations will be encouraged to seek practical ways to show mercy to those who “have been caught up in sexual sin, especially through confession, absolution and restoration to the body of Christ.”

Resolution 2-11, encouraging districts and congregations to utilize the “Planting Gospel Seeds While Serving Human Needs” training process, carried with 96.3 percent of the vote. A delegate from the LCMS Atlantic District was among those expressing enthusiasm for the popular program that helps congregations identify and reach out to needs beyond their church doors.

The 65th Regular Convention of the LCMS is meeting July 20-25 at the America’s Center Convention Complex under the theme “Baptized for This Moment.” Among convention participants are some 1,200 clergy and lay voting delegates.

National Youth Gathering 2013

We left Lake Park on Friday evening and traveled to Kansas City, MO. We had several different suggestions on ways and routes to take to get there. We ended up taking over an hour to find a hotel that was not full. We got up and took off on the rest of our journey which took us through Wichita, KS and through OK City, OK. We saw firsthand some of the damages from the tornado that traveled through Moore, OK. It was interesting to see how the tornado missed a big mall area and then hit and flatten a residential area. (On the way home we ran into another youth group that had stayed in one of the churches that was “missed.”) We then stayed overnight in Ardmore, OK refueled and continued on into Texas reaching San Antonio, late afternoon Sunday. A yellow backpack (an adult volunteer) greeted us when we reached our assigned hotel. We stayed at the Emily Morgan Doubletree. Since we were right across the street from the Alamo, we decided that was to be our first sight seeing adventure. We found out we had a 15 minute walk to the Convention Center. We saw the Towers of America and the jumbo map of the United States; some groups were already taking their group pictures there.

Day 1 Monday: The morning began with Blainne and I going over and finished our registration process and picked up our backpacks, Bibles, and gathering guide books. While waiting in line for the doors to open, we meet a two groups from IA and WI. We entered in the registration area only to find out that only leaders could go in. So I went in and Blainne stayed outside in the lobby in a chair. I was caught not smiling so I was given a smiley sticker. Trust me I was not the only adult leader in our line who got one. The mountain of blue backpacks was amazing to see; 29,000 of them to be exact. Blue backpacks went to the youth and their leaders. When I came out Blainne’s face was smiling and he said, “Mom, you have to go over there to that guy in that backpack and say hi.” I was like, “Who?” and he said, “Our old Pastor.” I did and here stood our former Pastor, Pastor Radcliffe, who was now serving in Seward, NE. He had brought his youth down and was checking in to get their backpacks. I also saw one of the youth leaders from Des Moines too. Amazing how we found each other early on and then never saw each other the rest of the gathering. (Always take pictures the first time; it may be your only chance.) The first wait time for supper was 45 minutes for Subway sandwiches. We were able to spend time with Jeff and Matthew before we had to travel over the Alamodome, which was a 30 minute walk. The opening mass event was awesome; to see 50,000 fellow Lutherans gather together to celebrate God, Jesus and to “Live Love(d)!” The gathering news reporter, dropped an Iowa joke. The speakers started to share the story of Jesus and his birth. By the time we arrived back to the hotel it was 11:00 p.m. to almost too excited to sleep. But we did.

Day 2 Tuesday: Rise and Shine adult leaders were to attend a meeting at 8:30 a.m. The Bible Study we joined up with another group in our hotel lobby. Then off to the convention center we went to participate in our servant event. We were grouped with a group from WI to bag meals for families. The content was a mixture of bean, lentils, and seasons to make a casserole. We ended up being there for an hour. The coordinator came over and said we ran over on our time and no one realized it. In all 323,136 meals were packed during the gathering. We then went over to an adjoining hotel and in one of their ballrooms we listened to Remedy Drive. I had met the band in the past so it was great to get to hear new songs but some old favorites. Off we went to our next sectional, (some of our hearing was still functioning) “Trust” with Dr. Micah Parker. He used 1 Peter 5:7 and Romans 8:28 for our references to the Bible during his presentation. He focused on three things/questions for us to ask ourselves. 1. Are you ready to die? 2. Life is full of peaks and valleys. 3. Thank God daily for your blessing! I was thinking to myself what a conversation we are going to have later, but Blainne absorbed it all and understanding how this gathering and sectionals were going to work. We then traveled back to the convention center and listened to Echelon and got the Jesus Painter to autograph my backpack. We then had supper and went back to the dome for mass event. The Mass Event was great, the news report had another Iowa joke and the focus of the speakers were on sin. Jesus was placed on the cross. Bedtime: 11:00 p.m.

Day 3 Wednesday: Wake up 7:30 a.m., leader meeting, Bible Study and went for a quick swim before heading off to the convention center. We had lunch and listened to Bob Lenz speak at his sectional, “Looking for Love.” He presented us with four realities. 1. Designed for love – we are never an accident and we have to believe in God’s creations. We have five loves in our lives; parent, grandparent, children, friend, and spouse. But our greatest love of all is God’s Love. 2. Deceptions of our Heart – we try to have idolatries instead of God, so we need to refocus to Him. 3. Despair of our Heart – on average there are 18 youth a day who commit suiside. Word of God – Heaven and Hell are real. 4. Dependence of our Heart – faith and the promise that we receive. We then tried to go to another sectional but the line was already at capacity for the room and we were not allowed in so we then went a saw the recreation area, stopped at a few Concordia University booths, and some of the district booths. We ate supper at Denny’s which had a wait time of 1 hour and 10 minutes. Then we parted ways with Jeff and Matthew and off to the alamodome for Mass Event Blainne and I went. The evening focused on the empty tomb and Jesus story continued from there. Bedtime: 11:00 p.m.

Day 4 Thursday: Happy 4th of July. Wake up 5:30 a.m. to participate in the 5k the proceeds go to Lutherans for Malaria. Blainne’s time was 47 minutes and mine was 49 minutes. Then back to hotel, shower and dress for Divine Service at the alamodome. We wore our IDW district t-shirts. Different Pastors assisted in stations around the dome so that all of us were able to take communion. We then had lunch at the Riverwalk Centre (the mall) and then back to the convention center for another sectional. This time we listened to Bill Younkers speak about “Privileged.” He referenced Romans 8:28, John 6:40, Psalm 139, and John 16:33b. He shared how we try to be dream boats but we end up ship wrecked. God is soveign in charge, in control, and in love. We ran into a familiar face, Blainne and I had meet her at Camp Okoboji and the IDW youth gatherings, she was an orange backpack. Orange backpacks are college youth, they are the cheerleaders and helpful at giving directions and guiding us. Blainne took a picture with her. Then meet up with Jeff and Matthew. Mike, the Jesus Painter, had personally invited Matthew and Jeff to come to his last sectional and so we listened to Echelon who opened for the Jesus Painter. We watched a young lady who is apprenticing under Mike, and then Mike painted two new painting that I had not seen before. We then went to supper. It took us longer to find the restaurant then it did to get our food. So more sightseeing on the river walk for us, it was crowded with locals along with blue, orange, and yellow backpacks. Then off to the alamodome Blainne and I went to another evening mass event, we sat with a group from Waterloo. We continued with Jesus and his story. Bill Younkers shared the “VIVIT” story. The gathering news reporter “picked” on Iowa more. We then were released to the area outside the dome to watch the firework display put on by the City of San Antonio. Wow what an awesome sight! I videotaped the first 10 minutes before the camera ran out of power. We met Jeff and Matthew back at our hotel room. They had watched the fireworks from there. We went for a carriage ride around the area. There were 8 carriages that sat outside of the Alamo each day and Matthew fed Cheyenne and then we went for a ride. Bedtime: 11:30 p.m.

Day 5 Friday: We woke up at 7:30 a.m. and headed off to the alamodome for our final mass event, our final time together, before we parted ways. We wrapped up the story of Jesus. We listened to the gathering news reporter, as he stated, “That he loved Iowa, and all the other states.” We received our gathering banner and postcard to take home. We concluded with, “You are new. Live Loved!” With a heavy heart we walked back to the hotel knowing that the gathering was done. We were done waiting in lines for food, speakers, games, and that we were no longer going to look up and see blue, yellow, and orange backpacks. Until we meet again in three years in New Orleans, LA - NYG 2016.

We packed our bags, checked out of the hotel and began our journey home, tired, energized, and hopeful to what changes we can make in others lives as we live love(d). Our journey home was interesting we saw several vans traveling, so we waved hoping it was friends that we had meet at the gathering. When we made our final stop for the day, hotel, supper and gas; you will never guess who we ran into a group from LeMars at Denny’s, so we shared our stories and highlights as we once again waited for food, but not as long. Then in the morning we continued our trip home. Once home, Sunday night, I was thankful that Blainne and I were given this opportunity. Thank you to our family here at Concordia for the help in raising funds for us to go. Blainne has already expressed interest in going to New Orleans but he wants others to go with him. So once again, THANK YOU!

Psalm 25

Teach Me Your Paths

1To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.

2O my God, in you I trust;

let me not be put to shame;

let not my enemies exult over me.

3Indeed, none who wait for you shall be put to shame;

they shall be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous.

4Make me to know your ways, O Lord;

teach me your paths.

5Lead me in your truth and teach me,

for you are the God of my salvation;

for you I wait all the day long.

6Remember your mercy, O Lord, and your steadfast love,

for they have been from of old.

7Remember not the sins of my youth or my transgressions;

according to your steadfast love remember me,

for the sake of your goodness, O Lord!

8Good and upright is the Lord;

therefore he instructs sinners in the way.

9He leads the humble in what is right,

and teaches the humble his way.

10All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness,

for those who keep his covenant and his testimonies.

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