September - October 2016 Volume 8, No. 5

Adult Ministry MinutePage 2

2016 National Youth Gathering

Page 3

Summer CampPage 4-5

Vacation Bible SchoolPage 6

Life CornerPage 7

In This Issue

Chapel Of The Cross - LutheranCrossRoads

Make It Plainby Pastor Laesch

In my car on the way to some hospital visits I tuned in to NPR and happened upon an interesting interview with Congressman John Lewis. Mr. Lewis is a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from the state of Georgia and a long-time civil rights leader. He was one of the leaders of the March on Washing-ton in 1963 and played many key roles in the Civil Rights Movement.

The reason Lewis was being interviewed is because he had just published a graphic novel entitled March telling the story of the Civil Rights Movement and his role in that pivotal time in our nation’s history. As he was explaining why he would choose to tell the story in the form of a comic book, Lewis said this:

“I remember hearing Martin Luther King Jr. preach from time to time. And his father would be in the pulpit. And he would say, ‘Son, make it plain, make it plain.’ So, [that’s what we did, we] made it plain.”

What great advice, Mr. King! Son, make it plain, make it plain. That’s what Jesus did. Just look at His teaching: I am the good shepherd and the good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. ( John 10:11) Everyone who hears my words and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. (Matthew 7:24) The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. (Matthew 20:28) Son, make it plain, make it plain.

Mr. King’s advice speaks to me too as a messenger of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Bible makes it so plain: God loves. God gives. God cares. God guards. Christ lives. Christ dies. Christ rose. Christ saves. Son, make it plain, make it plain.

You too are a messenger of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. And I think Mr. King has a word of advice for you as well. In your caring and in your sharing, in your witnessing and in your loving, as you speak the sweet Gospel of our Savior, Jesus Christ: Son (or daughter), make it plain, make it plain. >>>

Pastor Laesch

2 CrossRoads September-October 2016

Editor: Richard Gronemeyer • Associate Editors: Earl & Viola HaakeCrossRoads Staff: Jeff Arnold, Ken and Marilyn Kreitner, Maire Trelz, Gary Timm, George ZvirgzdinsAdvertising Manager: George Gray (636) 391-7435

Phone: 314-741-3737 • website: www.chapelofthecross.orge-mail: chapel@chapelofthecross.org

A publication of Chapel of the Cross11645 Benham Road • St. Louis, MO 63136

Volume 8, No. 5 • September-October 2016

CrossRoads

Reasonable RatesCall George Gray at

636-391-7435

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MINUTEAdult Ministry

by Dave Funke, Director of Adult Ministry

We all know that the primary purpose of studying the Bible is to help us to deepen our appreciation of who God is, learn what He has done for us, and how He works daily in our lives. But there is another great benefit of corporate Bible study, a benefit that pine trees can teach us about.

Pine trees are amazing. One would think that because they can grow so tall, that they would have a deep tap root to hold them up. Not so. For example, the giant sequoias in California have roots that are barely below the surface. Because of this, they grow only in groves and their roots intertwine under the surface of the earth. So, when the strong winds come, they hold each other up. A single tree can be toppled by wind much easier. Several summers ago, my sons and I, along with a group of boy scouts and leaders went on a canoe trip to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in northern Minnesota. A fierce storm had gone through that area right before we arrived, leveling thousands of acres of forest. One of the things we no-ticed is that of the huge pine trees we saw that had blown down, the majority were by themselves. And yes, they had all had mas-sive, but shallow root systems.

There’s a lesson here. In a sense, people are like these pine trees. By yourself, it can be very difficult to stand alone when the strong winds of life blow. However, family, friends, and fellow Christians in the church should be havens where people can sup-port each other, and strive together to hold each other up.

You see, when pine trees grow together, they stand strong. When we are together

GriefShareWe have started the next cycle of Grief-

Share, a special ministry to help people go through the difficult journey of grief. If you are dealing with the death of someone close to you, or if you know of someone who is in this posi-tion, we encourage you (or them) to consider being a part of this special group. We meet on Tuesdays from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m., and Thursdays from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Contact Dave Funke for more information or if you are interested in coming. You can join at any time. >>>

studying God’s Word, we, too, grow together and can stand strong. When we were Baptized, God did not leave us out there to deal with life alone. He placed us into the family of God, so we can grow together in His Word, making us better able to care for and support each other in our lives. One of the purposes of our Bible studies at Cha-pel is to do just that, to help each person grow in faith so we can together care for and support each other. Christian education is not just for children and youth, it is for people of all ages. This is why we offer Bible studies to grow and learn on Sun-days and throughout the week. So, we encourage you to come to the class or classes that meets your schedule and interests the best. >>>

The due date for the November-December CrossRoads is Sunday,

October 2.

Pines and People

September-October 2016 CrossRoads 3

Family Ministry

Family Ministries

2016 National Youth Gathering

“What’s your Identity?”Three years ago we began planning for the 2016 National Lutheran

Youth Gathering in New Orleans, Louisiana. Back in 2013, 18 students expressed at least a passing interest in attending, but when it came time to send in the deposit and make payments we soon found ourselves down to 4 students. Summer school, jobs, the cost of the trip and seeing family out of town were reoccurring themes for those unable to attend. Six of us took a Southwest flight back on July 16, and followed the theme, which came from Paul’s letter to the Philippians: In Christ Alone. The purpose of this article is not to share my review or positive impressions of the gathering, but rather to reflect on one of the core questions we were asked to consider: “What’s your Identity?”

Whether you are 16 or 56, it is healthy to consider - What makes you who you are? Is it your fingerprint, family, genetics or birth order? Is it your environment, life circumstances or education? Is it how you were raised, what other people think, say and do? Is it what you have accomplished and avoided? How about what you earn, your successes or mistakes? If you take the free personality test at www.16personalities.com you’ll get a very good idea of who you are and what makes you tick - but to answer the question “What’s your Identity?” or “What defines you?” we are fortunate-ly not left on our own to speculate or discover - we have God’s Word.

Scripture makes it clear that we were all born in the image of God. That means that God created the human race knowing Him as He wanted to be known. Our first parents were happy to follow God, being righteous in their holy living and doing God’s will. Their identity was rooted and secure in the One who made them and provided for them.

Some time passed and everything changed. Mankind followed an-other voice, became discontent under the Heavenly Father and followed another path that served their own will, which resulted in lives filled with worry and fear over circumstances, people and things. This was evidenced in that they wanted the creator’s things but not the creator Himself. Their children, and all mankind since, have been born with this same bent: sinners and enemies of God. We are by nature objects of wrath. We have no choice for as slaves to sin we purpose to satisfy our

fleshy cravings. Our original human nature is so evil, all of the time that we love things and use people. All of our ways seek to please our passions, fill our lusts and live as if there is no God no longer holy, doing His will or at peace! See Ga-latians 5:19, Romans 3:23 Romans 8:7, Ephesians 2:3, Romans 5:10, Matthew 15:19, Psalm 51:5, and Ephesians 4:22, for details.

But Scripture also makes it clear that - instead of writing us off, while were so far away, deserved only his wrath and displeasure,

temporal death and eternal damnation - God loved us and planned to make everything right. He told Adam and Eve how it would work. A serpent and woman would focus on a child who would come to be sacrificed. In Christ God showed us His love and makes us His children and heirs. We know that our old self was crucified with Him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin, Romans 6:6 and 12. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, John 1:12

We are therefore in Christ, a new creation! 2 Corinthians 5:17 The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. See also 2 Corinthians 8:9. But on this side of heaven, we still wrestle with the old nature, which daily tempts us to doubt and fear. The old Adam would have us question God’s love. Our original state would drive us to despair when things seem to be going all wrong. That nature calls us to worry and feel trapped and hopeless by our circumstances, people, and look to things to make us feel secure and sufficient to overcome doubts and fears. Yes, baptized Christian people struggle in these ways! Everyone has a need to find belonging in a group of friends who love and care about who they really are! It is normal for real Christians to wrestle with who they pretend to be. Yes, most Christian teens admit that they feel as if they’re wearing a mask on their face almost every day.

Lots of things describe you, but only one thing defines you: your identity in Christ. Think about that statement. Our identity is not defined by the gadgets we have in our pocket or our friends or the problems we have in our life—it’s found in Christ and Him alone.

Paul says in Romans 6:6 that we know our old self, our sinful nature, has been crucified with Christ on the cross, giving us freedom from our sinfulness. There’s no doubt about it—it’s true. Our sinful-ness is brought to nothing, meaning it loses its power because Christ overcame sin and death by dying on the cross for each person in this world—for you and for me. Jesus rose again three days later, proclaim-ing victory over sin, death, and the devil and giving us life forever with Him in eternity starting now.

The problems we face in life are no longer just our struggles, but the struggles of the ultimate victor over every struggle - Jesus Christ. He will take care of them, for we are His. >>>

Father of grace and mercy, I thank You for loving me and sending Your Son, Jesus, into this world to overcome all of my struggles in life by His death on the cross and resurrection from the tomb. Remind me that I am no longer trapped to the problems of this world, for all is in Your hands. Send Your Holy Spirit to guide me on this journey in life, keeping my eyes fixed on You, my God and King. I pray this all in Your Son’s name, who makes me Your own. Amen.

Bill Rusnak, Director of Family Ministry

Daily Bible Study

Group, Morgan Meyer, Tori Stuart, Hannah Brown, Joel Brutlag, and, Ted Laesch. Photo by Bill Rusnak

4 CrossRoads September-October 2016

It is hard to believe that nine years of summer camp at Chapel of the Cross have now been completed. This summer our counselors went on “the Most Amazing Race” with over 80 different campers. As in any

race, we began with the familiar “On Your Mark” (week 1), “Get Set” (week 2), and then GO! Our “Go” weeks included Go...with God, Go... with Forgiveness, Go...with Joy, Go...with Love, Go...with Strength. and Go...with Faith. The very last week we learned about “The Finish Line” and for us that means Heaven!

Of course, summer camp wouldn’t be camp, without lots of St. Louis area adventures. Swimming at Bellefontaine Pool, North County Rec Pool, and Aquaport filled our Mondays and Wednesdays. Tuesdays and Thursdays we went on field trips that included many St. Louis area parks, plus Watershed Nature Center, the Edwardsville Children’s Mu-seum, Purina Farms, Willoughby Farm, the World Bird Sanctuary, City Museum, Missouri Botanical Gardens, St. Louis Zoo, St. Louis Science Center, St. Louis History Museum and Bounce U! Fridays were spent at Chapel where fun continued. Activities included making pretzels, learn-ing about the rain forest when a program from the Botanical Garden came to us, special games and art days, singing with Mrs. Rusnak, and doing service projects.

Camp would not exist without support from our congregation and we thank all of you for your prayers and financial gifts that allowed us to help some campers attend. We also thank our dedicated staff of counselors ( Jeremy Bowen, Riane Cleveland, Emma Dalton, Zoe Hamber, Jacob Johnson, Nick Ricks, Joe Shannon, Allison Schmidt, Evan Wallace), our director, Amanda Kraft, and our camp administrator, Karen Funke. A special shout out to Pastor and Mary Laesch for creating our chapels and Bible studies and all the rest of the church staff who helped us in ways that are too numerous to mention. Most of all we thank God for allowing us to share His continued blessing as we look forward to year 10 of the Chapel of the Cross Summer Camp! >>>

Summer Camp at Chapel of the Crossby Karen Funke, Camp Administrator

September-October CrossRoads 5

Your Lifetime PLan for GivinG

Have you left a lasting legacy of your faith?

Have you blessed your family in the best way?

Have you remembered your favorite ministries?

As you can answer “yes” to each of these questions, I know you will experience the peace and joy of knowing God has blessed you to be a blessing.

To find out more, contact:

Kirk Mueller—LCMS Foundation Gift Planning Counselor

11645 Benham Road, St. Louis, MO 63136

314.704.4389

Kirk.mueller@lcms.org

Kirk Mueller

If you can answer “yes” to each of these questions, I know you will experience the peace and joy of knowing God has blessed you to be a blessing.

Summer Camp at Chapel of the Cross

6 CrossRoads September-October 2016

Vacation Bible School 2016by Bill Rusnak, Director of Family MinistryOver a hundred students and adults partici-

pated in our 2016 VBS! At Deep Sea Discovery, children dove into God’s Word and experienced God’s presence in their lives firsthand. The Bible tells us that God is with us and will watch over us wherever we go! (Genesis 28:15) On Mon-day, children learned that God KNOWS Me! God knew Noah’s heart and saved him and used him and his family through the great flood. God knows us too! He sees everything we do. And He loves to use us too when we follow Him. We can serve God by doing the right things - just like Noah did what God asked him to do.

Day two children dove into God’s Word and experienced God’s presence recalling how the Bible tells us that God is with us and will watch over us wherever we go! (Genesis 28:15) Tuesday our

children learned that God HEARS Me! God heard Jonah’s prayers - even from inside the belly of a fish, deep down in the sea. God hears us too! He listens to and answers us when we pray. And we can serve God by praying for others, too.

On Wednesday everyone recalled the theme, how God is with us and will watch over us wherever we go! (Genesis 28:15), then learned how God STRENGTHENS Me! Jesus strengthened Peter in the storm - He helped Peter walk on water, and pulled Peter up when he started sinking. God strengthens us too! He helps us do hard things that we couldn’t do on our own. And we can serve God by encouraging others who are facing hard things.

Thursday was a Gospel-filled day! On day four our children learned that God LOVES Me - and that’s the greatest news of all time! Jesus loved His disciples, and as they ate breakfast by the sea, He told them to love

others in the same way. God loves us too - so much that He sent Jesus to die on a cross so we could be forgiven for the wrong things we’ve done. And we can serve God by sharing His love with others. Thursday night we enjoyed family time at our Ice Cream Social, where families could visit the site rotations and meet our Ministry Partners.

Friday our children learned that God SENDS Me! God sent Paul to faraway places to tell others the good news of Jesus. And even though it wasn’t easy, Paul went. God sends us too! He has a special plan to use each one of us to make a difference in the world. And we can serve God by telling His story.

Throughout the week everyone enjoyed the music, led by Anne Meyer and her crew of helpers led by Morgan Meyer, the Bible event, taught by Mary Laesch, the craft-designed, taught and facilitated by Deb Arnold, the hands on discovery experiments led by Ken Kreitner, the wonderful snacks served by Grace Green and her many helpers, the application teachings taught by Bobby and Joan Stierwalt, the games facilitated by George Zvirgz-dins and the registration table run by Marsha Geisz, Joan Bohrer and Evelyn Stremmel. Thanks to these rotation leaders and many more who worked behind the scenes! Here are a few photos from the week! >>>

September-October 2016 CrossRoads 7

Membership MattersCONFIRMATIONS (June 19, 2016)Gene T. Bailey Matthew S. LackeySteven V. SeibertKaren M. UllrichRalph C. “Buzz” Ullrich

TRANSFER INMel Foehse from Zion Lutheran Church, Maryland Heights, MO

RELEASEMelissa Jackson and daughter, Alyssa, to Atonement Lutheran Church, Florissant

DEATHSJoseph C. Offutt ( June 14, 2016)

Former number of members: 1001 Gains: +6 Losses: -2 New number of members: 1005

“Equipping Lutherans to be Gospel-motivated voices for Life”

LIFECORNER

“I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”-John 10:10

At their July 7 meeting, the Chapel Life Team developed a mission statement to explain who they are and what they are about. Their mission statement: Motivated by the Gospel and the great love God has demon-strated to us in Jesus Christ, the Life Team of Chapel of the Cross exists to equip our church to celebrate, defend, and care for life at all stages.”

The Life Team had an important planning meeting on July 30, to explore the talents and life interests of each team member, to explore how to assist Pastor Laesch and Chapel’s staff in celebrating, defending, and caring for life, to look at the current care that Chapel gives to all stages of life, and to explore the opportunities and needs in our North County region.

All eleven members of the Life Team were present and used Churches for Life “Mission Discovery Process” tool. Dee Langefeld led

the meeting and was assisted by Carol Fouse, Equipping Director for Churches for Life.

The Life Team meets regularly on the first Thursday of the month. They will be working with five themes developed from the mission dis-covery process (MDP). Their ideas for each theme will be submitted to Pastor Laesch for his insight, feedback, and approval before implement-ing any ideas. The next edition of CrossRoads will have more details on this process.

The Life Team—Carolyn Brutlag, Karen Funke, Judy Koprowski, Dee Langefeld, Rich Langefeld, Anne Meyer, Jill McEuen, Donna Miller, Pat Phipps, Craig Schlichtmann, and Lois Westbrook—greatly appreciates and asks for your continued prayers as they prepare for these tasks. >>>

“What is this new Life Team all about?”

Mary-Martha GuildDates to remember for the upcoming year:

September 12, 2016—1st meeting-Annual Salad Supper 6:30 p.m. room 9October 1st and 2nd— Mixin’ Fixin’ FundraiserOctober 2nd—LWML SundayOctober 10th—Speaker on “Senior Scams”November 14th—Katie Luther’s coming!

All ladies in the congregation are welcome to come to our meetings. They are on the 2nd Monday of each month, September to June at 6:30 p.m. Look-ing forward to seeing everyone in September. >>>

Hope Seed Packing will resume on Monday, September 12, at Chapel of the Cross from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm (people can come late and leave early). Bring your own lunch. The 20 to 30 Chapel of the Cross volunteers welcome more of our co-members to enjoy the fellowship and to feel good about doing this little bit to help feed the hungry in any of the 14 countries where Hope Seeds delivers packets of seed through missionaries and charities. For more information you can call Mike Mueller’s on-site representatives, his Uncle Orv and Aunt Clara at 314-830-3388. >>>

by Dee Langefeld

Chapel of the Cross - Lutheran exists to show the love of Jesus to the people of

North County and beyond so that they may have a living relationship with Christ.

Sunday Worship Services8:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m.

Sunday School, Youth, and Adult Classes9:45 a.m.

Saturday Evening Worship Service5:00 p.m.

Holy Communion1st, 3rd and 5th Sunday of the month: 8:30 a.m.

2nd, 4th and 5th Sunday of the month: 11:00 a.m.1st, 3rd and 5th Saturday of the month: 5:00 p.m.

Chapel Of The Cross - Lutheran

CrossRoads

Chapel of the Cross-Lutheran11645 Benham RoadSt. Louis, Missouri 63136

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