SSTT. P. PAULAUL E EVV. L. LUTHERANUTHERAN C CHURCHHURCH & S & SCHOOLCHOOL

SSEPTEMBEREPTEMBER 2010 N 2010 NEWSLETTEREWSLETTER

H HOWOW DODO YOUYOU KNOWKNOW??I’m sure you’ve heard this question before; How do you know which denomination is correct in their interpretation of the Bible (God's Word)? Below is some help when someone asks you this question.

Ever Christians has the privilege and responsibility to know what the Bible really says on any given subject. Only when we know what the Bible itself tells us are we qualified to judge or appraise people's understanding or interpretation of the Bible. And this also applies to our own understanding or interpretation of the Bible ― we must continually examine ourselves and appraise our own convictions in the light of the Bible text. To use an analogy: we grow to recognize the true (biblical) and the false (non-biblical) much like bank tellers learn to recognize genuine and counterfeit money. They get to know the genuine or real money better and better. They study and focus on the real so often and so carefully that when the counterfeit appears, they can more quickly and more efficiently recognize it. This is a very important starting point. Too often when people say that “It's simply a matter of interpretation,” they are admitting they are clueless about what the Bible itself says; they have never taken the time or made the personal and serious effort to know what the Bible itself has declared. Inadequate or inaccurate grasp of Bible messages is perhaps the primary cause for such diverse “interpretations.”

Also of utmost importance when we undertake a thorough study of Bible teachings is the use of fitting principles of interpretation (often called “hermeneutic principles”) that apply to the Bible just as they do to any other writing. The purpose of using these principles is to safeguard that the meaning derived from the Bible text is really derived from the Bible itself rather than a meaning imposed on the Bible because of personal (or church, or cultural) assumptions, prejudices, traditions. Incidentally, this is the other significant reason why there are so many so-called interpretations of the Bible. People and churches too often prefer their own ideas, traditions, or what is culturally or politically correct over what the Bible text itself says.

Below is a short list of some of the most import hermeneutical principles for studying the Bible.

1. Our attitude influences how we read and understand the Bible. In our circles we assume that the Bible is God's Word to mankind, a revelation of reliable truth communicated through human speech and language by a loving God. We believe the Bible is its own ultimate authority on what it says and what it means.

2. We also believe that God communicates his truths to us in love and that the #1 purpose of God's Word is to reveal Christ and his saving work to us and to bring us to know the central truths of Law and Gospel, the reality of our sinfulness and God's salvation for us through Jesus.

3. We believe that God moved his chosen writers of Scripture to write clearly and simply, although there are “some things that are hard to understand” (2 Peter 3:16). We also know that God desires his people to “search the Scriptures” and “examine” them diligently (John 5:39) to be sure we grasp what it is telling us.

4. We assume that the simple, straightforward meaning of words is to be kept in mind in reading God's Word. We ask, “What is the plain sense of the words as given? What is the literal meaning based on the vocabulary, grammar, and kind of literature being used?” To understand the words of the Bible in this simple, plain, literal sense, it is important to read the Bible with these basic rules in mind:

a. Look at the context! In what setting and with what intent were the words written? Look at the verses that precede and follow. The wider context is also involved: What is the purpose or aim of the entire book we are reading? What kind of literature is this? (Prose or poetry? Historical

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narrative or predictive prophecy? Teaching prophecy or apocalyptic prophecy? [Apocalypse is characterized by fantastic imagery])

b. Take the language at face value! This also includes recognizing figures of speech common in all languages. Picture language, figurative and symbolic use of words and expressions are not to be ignored. And what if it's not clear whether the Bible is using words in a figurative sense? Check the immediate context and wider context, and make sure that your chosen understanding is 100% compatible with the rest of the Bible.

c. Interpret one passage in the light of others! Use the more clear passages (on the same subject, - that is, “parallel passages”) to illuminate the less clear. Obscure or difficult passages dare never be allowed to go against the clear and unmistakable passages. Never let any understanding violate the central and often repeated truths (like the person and work of Christ, justification and sanctification, sin and grace).

d. Especially concerning Old Testament prophecies, let the New Testament explain their meaning! This is certainly allowing Scripture to interpret Scripture and is a good way to learn how the earlier messages were understood and meant to be understood in their original setting.

HHOWOW D DOO Y YOUOU H HANDLEANDLE T THISHIS (WELS Q&A) (WELS Q&A)My sister recently lost her son. She and my nephew were unchurched and now she is angry with God. My problem is that I don't know where my nephew is spending eternity, and the message of trusting Jesus will not give her comfort since there is no indication that my nephew knew Jesus. I tried to comfort her with the knowledge that my nephew was baptized and God can work the miracle of faith in even someone that is in a coma.

Answer:

I join you in your desire to bring comfort and guidance to your sister and her family. While you did not explicitly ask a question, implicitly you seem to be seeking affirmation for what you did say to your sister and perhaps also seek additional guidance.

Your being there for your sister and your desire to bring comfort or to express sympathy are already traits that she will appreciate. Even though she has a chip on her shoulder against God, she will recognize your love and concern for her. Continue to be there for her. Even if she is not willing to say it out loud, she will recognize your kindness.

Beware of offering false comfort. What you have already expressed, namely, that you really don't know where your nephew is, dare not be downplayed or forgotten. You have little to say as comfort in that matter. This is tragic but true. To point to his baptism decades ago (I am assuming your nephew died as an adult) but to admit that the God-given faith promised and given at that time was not nourished and maintained through the gospel in Word and sacrament after that is precious little to go on. And while God can indeed work faith aside from a person's use of the means of grace and even while in a coma, we have absolutely no promise from him that he will do that, and without a divine promise our speculative comfort will be lacking and inappropriate.

Resolve to share what you DO know, especially how God loves your sister and continues to invite her to admit unchanging truths and to trust unchanging promises. The truths she is invited and urged to consider and confess include these:

• She is a frail creature under God and any denial of that truth is foolishness. God has every right to deal with us as he sees fit. To be angry at him for his governance of the world and our lives and those of our loved ones does no one any good, least of all ourselves.

• She is a sinful as well as frail creature. As harsh as that sounds, it remains true and helps explain why things go so terribly wrong in our lives as God calls us to recognize what sin is and how serious it is. And her conscience is telling her this very thing, even while she may be denying it with her words. Trust that God will be reinforcing your testimony in her heart and will.

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• She is dearly loved by God despite her sinfulness, and God has provided a Savior, a Rescuer from the guilt and condemnation of sin: Jesus Christ. (Here is the place to go into detail stating and repeating who Christ is and all that he has done on our behalf.) Trust that God will use your witnessing to her even if she says she is not interested or antagonistic.

• God can give to her the ability to rejoice in his love and works on her behalf -- and God can give her the ability to cope with the tragic loss of her son as well. We cannot bring her son back, but we can allow God to put the sad event into a suitable perspective and use it to give us blessing later on. That's one of his specialties.

As you share these and related truths to your sister, do so as "one beggar telling another beggar where to find the food," as the old saying puts it. Do not speak down to her, and make it clear that you are sharing truths that fully apply to you as they apply to her. Blend gentleness with firmness and be prepared to show patience. Trust that God will use your testimony for his good purposes, even if he chooses to bring evidence of that much later and through the use of other, additional witnesses in her life.

HHUMANUMAN S SACRIFICEACRIFICE I INN S SCRIPTURECRIPTURE (F (FROMROM THETHE L LUTHERANUTHERAN C CONFESSIONSONFESSIONS))The [Jewish] people had heard that Abraham had sacrificed his son (Genesis 22). Therefore they also put their sons to death in order to appease the wrath of God by this most cruel and severe act

They have built the high places of Topheth in the Valley of Ben Hinnom to burn their sons and daughters in the fire—something I did not command, nor did it enter my mind. (Je 7:31)

They have built the high places of Baal to burn their sons in the fire as offerings to Baal—something I did not command or mention, nor did it enter my mind. (Je 19:5)

They built high places for Baal in the Valley of Ben Hinnom to sacrifice their sons and daughters to Molech, though I never commanded, nor did it enter my mind, that they should do such a detestable thing and so make Judah sin. (Je 32:35)

But Abraham did not offer up his son with the idea that this work was the payment and atoning sacrifice on account of which he would be regarded as righteous. [The Book of Concord : The confessions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church]

What’s below comes from Luther’s Large Catechism. When Luther uses the word “catechism” below he is referring to both the Large and Small Catechisms. Luther devised the catechism as a method of imparting the basics of Christianity to the congregations. In 1529, he wrote the Large Catechism, a manual for pastors and teachers, as well as a synopsis, the Small Catechism, to be memorized by the people themselves. The catechisms provide easy-to-understand instructional and devotional material on the Ten Commandments, the Apostles' Creed, the Lord's Prayer, baptism, and the Lord's Supper. Luther incorporated questions and answers in the catechism so that the basics of Christian faith would not just be learned by rote, "the way monkeys do it", but understood. So, what the point of this introduction? It’s to let you know when you see the word “catechism” below Luther could have just as easily said “the Bible.” Luther’s point of the importance of studying the catechism is true for studying ALL of Scripture.15 Oh, what mad, senseless fools are we! While we must ever live and dwell among such mighty enemies as the devils, we still despise our weapons and defense [2 Corinthians 10:4], and we are too lazy to look at or think of them!16 What else are such proud, arrogant saints doing who are unwilling to read and study the catechism daily? They think they are much more learned than God Himself with all His saints, angels, prophets, apostles, and all Christians. God Himself is not ashamed to teach these things daily. He knows nothing better to teach. He always

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FFROMROM THETHE DDOCTOROCTOR

keeps teaching the same thing and does not take up anything new or different. All the saints know nothing better or different to learn and cannot finish learning this. Are we not the finest of all fellows to imagine that if we have once read or heard the catechism, we know it all and have no further need to read and learn? Can we finish learning in one hour what God Himself cannot finish teaching? He is engaged in teaching this from the beginning to the end of the world. All prophets, together with all saints, have been busy learning it, have ever remained students, and must continue to be students.17 It must be true that whoever knows the Ten Commandments perfectly must know all the Scriptures [Matthew 7:12]. So, in all matters and cases, he can advise, help, comfort, judge, and decide both spiritual and temporal matters. Such a person must be qualified to sit in judgment over all doctrines, estates, spirits, laws, and whatever else is in the world [1 Corinthians 6:2–3]. 18 And what, indeed, is the entire Book of Psalms but thoughts and exercises upon the First Commandment? Now I truly know that such lazy “bellies” and arrogant spirits do not understand a single psalm, much less the entire Holy Scriptures. Yet they pretend to know and despise the catechism, which is a short and brief summary of all the Holy Scriptures. [Concordia : The Lutheran Confessions. 2005 (Edited by Paul Timothy McCain) (p. 354/Large Preface 15-18). St. Louis, MO: Concordia Publishing House.]

The Trustees' are investigating replacing the steeple which we have discovered is seriously cracked and cannot be repaired. Numerous repairs have been made at the school to get ready for the upcoming year. And we are getting bids to replace the carpet with tile in the fellowship room in the church. Once we have the bids they will be presented to the congregation to see if this is something we would like to do.

God Bless!!

Bill

WWHATHAT W WASAS THATTHAT A ABOUTBOUT??On Monday afternoon, August 30th, a horn blared and people were startled to see a figure on our church roof dressed as an angel. Draped from the roof was a banner proclaiming “Glory be to God! Christ Jesus is Risen! Come worship Him!” Now that’s not something you see every day and it’s certainly not something you’d expect to see at St. Paul, or at most WELS churches for that matter. Although the happening lasted less than 3 hours its aftermath perpetuates as people continue to learn of it through newspaper articles and by word of mouth. While the initial focus of the public is on the audaciousness of the act, it’s interesting and gratifying to hear how the message about Jesus Christ is being acknowledged. We can never overestimate the power of the Holy Spirit as He uses any and all of our expressions of faith to further the kingdom of God.

What was your initial reaction when you heard or read about this event? Did you think it was a good thing or a bad thing? During the Bible class hour after church the following Sunday we met to discuss questions such as these. It seems that anytime the act was evaluated there were three topics of concern expressed. These “dangers” involve:

1. Personal safety—What happens if the angel falls? What is the church’s liability?

2. Building damage—Will roof shingles be ruined? Will façade be marred by hanging banner?

3. Church’s reputation—What will people think about St. Paul congregation?

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LLUTHERANUTHERAN W WOMENOMEN’’SS MMISSIONARYISSIONARY S SOCIETYOCIETY

(LWMS)(LWMS)

As the elders and church council deliberated these same questions several weeks before the event they concluded that the risks were minimal especially when compared to the benefit of proclaiming the good news of Jesus.

Some of the comments received during the Bible class discussion include:

• The congregation should have been forewarned so members would not have been caught off-guard, could have supported it in person and/or could have given a good testimony when questioned about it.

• The newspaper account was favorable and caught the meaning behind the stunt, namely to promote Jesus Christ.

• There was a lot of reaction to it and it provided a vehicle for discussion among friends and acquaintances.

• Some St. Paul and other WELS members view it as too provocative or too weird a way to evangelize.

• The public has been generally supportive—cheering, honking car horns, electronic postings at the newspaper site.

• It inspires us to think about other ways we can fulfill the directive from Jesus to reach out with the Gospel.

• Although it is not something I would do and it is “outside my comfort zone” it is valid outreach done in the name of Christ.

• Horns and trumpets and angels are referenced in the Bible as means for calling the public’s attention to important announcements or events so there is “soundness to the madness”.

• It taught me that instead of assuming the worst when I hear news about our church, I should be looking at it from a positive perspective.

• One-on-one personal evangelism has been shown to be the most effective way to bring people to Jesus. This evangelism act goes counter to what we have been instructed to do.

• It has helped solidify our fellowship. An act like this reminds us of the real reason we are members here even when we are too timid to express it.

We have learned a lot about ourselves through this event and the discussions that have followed. No matter what effect it has on the community, it has been an edifying experience for our congregation. We can trust that God the Holy Spirit will use it to work His holy will.

We have the best product anyone could ever want and it is free. How do we advertise that message? A small group of our members has demonstrated one way. Do you have an idea? One that you thought is too wild for us to handle? Let’s hear about it so we can evaluate its merits in light of our mission to spread the Gospel in South Haven.

Ron Klug – Board of Elders

Hello all! As the new Sister-in-Charge of Lutheran Mobile Clinic, I feel like I should take a moment to introduce myself.

Melissa Schuetze RNHometown: Mequon, WI, USAHome U.S. Congregation: Grace, downtown MilwaukeeMoved to Lilongwe, Malawi, on May 27, 2010

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I look forward to keeping you all updated on the joys and struggles of Lutheran Mobile Clinic in the three years to come.

Sister Jennifer left Malawi on July 6th with tears in her eyes, and leaving tears in many of our eyes. We have heard that she arrived safely home, misses the busyness of running a mobile clinic, and is awaiting her deputation assignments.

With Jennifer gone, Terri has taken on many extra tasks of the Sister-in-Charge to allow me to finish my nursing orientation at the government hospital in Lilongwe, Kamuzu Central Hospital (KCH). In order to receive my Malawi nursing license I need to complete several weeks of orientation at this hospital. It has been quite the experience! I have seen hundred of cases of Malaria, HIV, and measles. Other “highlights” include observing a man suffering from Tetanus, spending a day in the Operating Room, and accompanying a patient to the morgue with her family mourning loudly behind us. My prayer life has greatly increased after spending a few days in a hospital lacking many resources and staff. However, learning the Malawi healthcare system will greatly benefit my work at Lutheran Mobile Clinic.

Another highlight of the month was my brief appearance on Malawi’s one TV station. I was caring for a patient who had been attacked by 5 dogs when the Malawi news crew, accompanied by important government officials, entered the room to interview the patient. I later learned that there was some controversy surrounding the owner of the dogs and this patient that made the headlines of the newspaper and the radio station. I was caring for a very popular man. There is never a dull moment in Malawi.

Lutheran Mobile Clinic continues to operate smoothly despite being 2 members short of a full team of staff. Terri and I conducted several interviews this past month and continue to search for a good fit for the clinic and current team.

The measles epidemic in Malawi continues to fill the sick lines and keep our ambulance busy transporting patients to the hospital. LMC is working together with the rural health centers to provide measles vaccinations. We hope the epidemic will subside soon.

This month we not only fought off diseases, but also a large swarm of bees. One afternoon we watched a very active swarm of bees hovering around a corner of the house and slowly disappear underneath the roof. Although bees are a necessary chain in the ecosystem, we did not want to share our home with them and found a pest control company to extricate them.

Whether battling measles or a swarm of bees, whether saying tough goodbyes or feeling overwhelmed in a crowded hospital, I have seen God’s hand follow me to the other side of the world. What a comfort to know that even if I move to the other side of the world and face new challenges, the same God is there by my side.

In Christ,

Melissa

If I go to the heavens, You are there; If I make my bed in the depths, You are there. If I rise on the wings of dawn, If I settle on the far side of the sea, Even there your right hand will guide me, Your right hand will hold me fast. (Psalm 139: 8-10)

Dear St. Paul Members,

Please take a moment to thank God for all the blessings we have been given. As we are blessed, we are also challenged. We made it past the summer months when tuition money isn’t coming in and expenses are still going out, so that is good. However, contributions to the General Fund are running significantly lower than budgeted amounts over the last two months. I trust the Lord to provide and we all need to remember that the money we have comes from the Lord.

Craig Atwood

Scripture quotations from the Holy Bible, New International Version, copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society.

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WELS Churches in the Northern Circuit

Vacationing “up north?”Visit a WELS Church!

1. Roscommon

Church: St. MartinPastor: Adam Seelow Worship: Sunday 9amAddress: Community Center501 South Street, 48653Phone: 989-275-3070

4. Gaylord

Church: Our SaviorPastor: John CookWorship: Sunday 8:45amAddress: 553 S. Court Ave., 49734Phone: 989-732-0475

2. Mio

Church: St. JohnPastor: Michael SheppardWorship: Sunday 11:30amAddress: 75 N. Mount Tom Rd., 48647 Phone: 989-826-5593

5. Traverse City

Church: Prince of PeacePastor: Jason Hacker Worship: Sunday 8:30, 11:00amAddress: 1776 High Lake Rd., 49696Phone: 231-941-7812

3. Lincoln

Church: TrinityPastor: Michael SheppardWorship: Sunday 8:30amAddress: 301 Church St., 48742Phone: 989-736-6701

6. Petoskey

Church: Beautiful SaviorPastor: Jonathan ArndtWorship: Sunday 10:00amAddress: 1825 W. Sheridan St., 49770Phone: 231-347-2368

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7. Indian River

Church: HopePastor: John CookWorship: Sunday 11:15amAddress: 6253 S. Straits Hwy., 49749Phone: 231-238-7246

9. Sault Sainte. Marie

Church: Immanuel Pastor: Paul VossWorship: Sunday 10:30am Address: 615 Washington Way, 49783Phone: 906-632-2640

8. Cedarville

Church: Our Saviour’sPastor: Paul VossWorship: Sunday 8:30amAddress: 202 W. M134, 49719Phone: 906-632-2640

TOTAL SYNODCongregational Mission Offering

August 2010 Comparison with 2009

Jan Feb Mar Apr May June

July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec0

2,000,000

4,000,000

6,000,000

8,000,000

10,000,000

12,000,000

14,000,000

2009

2010

Subscription

MICHIGAN DISTRICT

Congregational Mission Offering

August 2010 Comparison with 2009

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The graphs above state that our Michigan District has remitted $1,249,412 to date ($1,285,435 in 2009; $1,332,952 subscribed) and that the synod as a whole has received $12,140,611 to date ($12,422,556 in 2009; $12,123,205 subscribed).

Jan Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec0

200,000

400,000

600,000

800,000

1,000,000

1,200,000

1,400,000

2009

2010

Subscription

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