December 2014 - Epiphany Lutheran Church

THE ECHO
Sunday Schedule
Divine Service: 9:15
Fellowship:
10:45
Sunday School: 11:00
Bible Class:
11:00
December 2014
Vol. 20 No. 12
Table of Contents
Epiphany Lutheran Church
4219 Park Lane, Dorr, MI 49323
Email: [email protected]
Pastor: Rev. Jonathon T. Krenz
[email protected]
(616) 681-0791 (O)
Website: www.epiphanydorr.org
(269)792-9838 (H)
Pastor’s Window ......... 1
Our Infant Lord
THE PASTOR’S WINDOW for DECEMBER 2014
“Ah, Lord, though You created all,
How weak You are, so poor and small,
Lutheran Confessions
Reading Club .............. 2 That You should choose to lay Your head
Where lowly cattle lately fed!”
Fathers in the Faith...... 3
Martin Luther penned these lines, verse 9 of the marvelous Christmas hymn: “From
Heaven Above to Earth I Come” (LSB 358). What a profound mystery! The Lord
Correspondence........... 4
who created all, heaven and earth, and everything in them... Almighty God, is a poor
little baby, asleep on the hay, because there is no room for Him in the inn. The
Women of
picture is a strange one. Kings and their royal children live in luxurious palaces and
Epiphany ..................... 6
sleep on satin sheets. Even foxes have holes, and birds of the air their nests, but the
Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head (Luke 9:58), except upon the rough straw of
Notes and
the animals’ feeding trough.
Events .......................... 6
“Instead of soft and silken stuff
Looking Ahead............ 8 You have but hay and straw so rough
On which as King, so rich and great,
Prayer List ................... 9 To be enthroned in royal state” (v. 11).
As another of our Christmas hymns asks: “Why lies He in such mean estate Where
Birthdays and
Anniversaries .............. 9 ox and ass are feeding” (LSB 370:2)? He does so for us. The Son of God has taken
on our flesh. We was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary. God is
now one of us. He has become one of us to take our place under His own Law. “But
Bible Study
Opportunities............... 9 when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman,
born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might
receive adoption as sons” (Gal. 4:4-5; ESV). The Son of God became a Man to
Those Serving
This Month ................ 10 fulfill the Law in the place of us men, and for our salvation. He became a Man to
take our sin, our poverty, our death upon Himself, to suffer for our transgression
against the Law, to render payment for our debt to His Father. He became a Man, so
December
Calendar .................... 11 that He could be the mediator between God and men (1 Tim. 2:5), reconciling us to
God (Eph. 2:16). God cannot die. God the Son became a Man in order to die. For
the world. For you.
(continued on page 2)
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(continued from page 1)
“Nails, spear, shall pierce Him through, The cross be borne for me, for you” (LSB 370:2). The little Lord Jesus
asleep on the hay is a foreshadowing of the sleep of death He would endure for you on the cross and in the
grave. God must lay in a manger as a Baby, that God may die on the cross as a Man, for you. The true meaning
of Christmas is not a cute little Baby born in Bethlehem, but that Baby all grown up and nailed to the cross.
This Baby was born to die, for you, for the forgiveness of your sins.
And this Baby the Father raised from the dead. Sacrifice accepted. Mission complete. But note that His
resurrection is a bodily one. The newborn Body of God was laid a manger, that the risen Body of God be raised
from the grave, alive. Eternally. That the Body of God ascend into heaven, to sit at the right hand of the Father.
That the Body of God be omnipresent, wherever God is, for you. That the Body of God be given you, with the
Blood of God, in the Holy Supper, for the forgiveness of your sins.
And this Baby, so weak, so poor, so small, will come again in glory, in visible divine majesty on the Last Day,
to judge the living and the dead. He will raise you bodily, in the very body born of your mother, but raised
imperishable, as His risen Body is imperishable.
Christmas is about Good Friday and Easter and the Eschaton (the Last Day). Christmas is about God in the
flesh for you. Christmas is about the forgiveness of sins.
“Welcome to earth, O noble Guest,
Through whom the sinful world is blest!
You came to share my misery
That You might share Your joy with me” (LSB 358:8).
Blessed Advent! Merry Christmas!
Pastor Krenz
PASTOR’S LUTHERAN CONFESSIONS READING CLUB
This month we read the Augsburg Confession, Article XXVIII: Church Authority and the Conclusion
of the Confession. Numbers in parentheses after the questions indicate the line numbers in which
answers may be found.
1. What destruction has resulted from the confusion of the powers
of Church and State (XXVIII:1-4)?
2. What do the Bishops (pastors) have authority to do (5-7)? How
is this authority exercised (8-9)?
3. Contrast the Church’s authority with that of the State (11-18).
4. When should Christians refuse to obey the Bishop (23-28)?
5. At what point must laws about traditions, meats, holy days, etc.,
be denied and disobeyed (34-38)? Why?
6. What Scriptures do the confessors cite against binding
consciences to manmade traditions (43-49)?
7. What is the proper use of traditions in the Church (53 ff.)? What
is the purpose (55 ff.)?
8. How should Christians regard Sunday (57-60)?
9. What, finally, are the confessors asking of the bishops (76-78)?
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10. Only the chief doctrinal articles in controversy have been mentioned. The confessors say they
could mention more. Why don’t they (Conclusion: 1)? What issues are briefly mentioned (23)?
11. How do the confessors defend the catholicity of their confession (5)?
12. What are they willing to do in addition to this confession (7)? Note: The Apology of the
Augsburg Confession, which we will study next, will do just that.
13. The signatures at the end of this document are not unimportant. These men signed at their own
mortal peril. How does their example help us make our good confession faithfully?
In January we will read the Apology of the Augsburg Confession: Philip Melanchthon’s Greetings and
Article I: God. Blessed prayerful reading and study.
A WORD FROM OUR FATHERS IN THE FAITH
Marin Luther on the Christian Church as an Article of Faith
This article, “I believe in the holy Christian Church,” is as much an article of faith as the rest. This is
why natural reason cannot recognize it, even if it puts on all its glasses. The devil can cover it over
with offenses and divisions, so that you have to take offense at it. God
too can conceal it behind faults and shortcomings of all kinds, so that
you necessarily become a fool and pass false judgment on it.
Christendom will not be known by sight, but by faith. And faith has to
do with things not seen, Hebrews 11[:1]. Christendom joins with her
Lord in the song, “Blessed is he who takes no offense at me” [Matt.
11:6]. A Christian is even hidden from himself; he does not see his
holiness and virtue, but sees in himself nothing but unholiness and vice.
And you, stupid know-it-all, would behold Christendom with your blind
reason and unclean eyes!
In a word, our holiness is in heaven, where Christ is; and not in the world, before men’s eyes, like
goods in the market place. Therefore let there be offenses, divisions, heresies, and faults; let them do
what they can! If only the world of the gospel remains pure among us, and we love and cherish it, we
shall not doubt that Christ is with us, even when things are at their worst. As we see here in this book,
that through and beyond all plagues, beasts, and evil angels Christ is nonetheless with his saints, and
wins the final victory.
—Treasury of Daily Prayer, (St. Louis: Concordia, 2008) pp. 954-55.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer on the Incarnation
The body of Jesus Christ is our flesh. He bears our flesh. Therefore, where Jesus
Christ is, there we are, whether we know it or not; that is true because of the
Incarnation. What happens to Jesus Christ, happens to us. It really is all our “poor
flesh and blood” which lies there in the crib; it is our flesh which dies with him on
the cross and is buried with him. He took our human nature so that we might be
eternally with him. Where the body of Jesus Christ is, there are we; indeed, we are
his body. So the Christmas message for all people runs: You are accepted, God
has not despised you, but he bears in his body all your flesh and blood. Look at the
cradle! In the body of the little child, in the incarnate Son of God, your flesh, all
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your distress, anxiety, temptation, indeed all your sin, is borne, forgiven, and healed.
—“Our Flesh.” Reading for December 26 in A Year with Dietrich Bonhoeffer
(New York: HarperCollins, 2005) p. 390.
CORRESPONDENCE
From a Seminary Student
Dear Friends of Concordia Theological Seminary
I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for your support of the CTSFW Co-op. My family and I
are beginning our final year here on campus and have benefited greatly over the last two years, from
the generous support of donors like you. They say that the average seminary family receives about
80% of its clothing and grocery needs through the Co-op. I think that our family has benefited at least
this much or more during our time here.
When we moved here, our two daughters were 12 and 9 years old.
Like most kids of this age, they have grown exponentially during
the time of our stay. I don’t know how we would have kept them
clothed were it not for the many fine things available through the
Co-op. When I say “fine things” I mean it. We’re continually
surprised (and delighted) to find very nice clothing for our
children. Many of the items are second-hand, but our kids don’t
look like they’ve been dressed from a local shelter. Often, we are
able to find things that have been purchased new for the sole
purpose of helping a seminarian’s family. As you can imagine,
this means a lot to our girls who are now at the age where they are
very conscious of their appearance, etc.
My wife has also benefited immensely. She has a Master’s degree in trumpet performance and as a
result, has been asked to play in support of a number of events on behalf of our Seminary and
surrounding community. Often there is a particular uniform required and we would not have the
money to go out and purchase something for each occasion. Thankfully, she is often able to find
something at the Co-op which will work. When she’s done, she is able to turn it back in that it might
benefit someone else on another occasion. So, the impact that your donations have is very broad and
we are very grateful to be so well supplied.
School can be another huge expense. During our time here, our girls have been able to find uniforms
for school, band and orchestral concerts. In addition to this, paper, pens, school back-packs and
crayons have been readily available—greatly reducing our costs at the beginning of the year. For so
many families that are living off of loans right now, I’m sure you realize how much this helps—not
only now, but also as loans are paid off in the future.
I’m thankful to say that I have not needed to take loans during the time of my seminary education. I’m
a 21-year veteran of the U.S. Army and have a small retirement income coming in. It only amounts to
about 30% of what I used to make as an enlisted man, but it’s enough to pay the bills. In our case, the
opportunity to procure most of our clothing and a regular supply of groceries through the Co-op has
made the difference in whether or not we would have to take loans in order to supplement our income
or not. Thankfully, due to the generous support of donors like you, we have not needed to take on
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loans and will be able to receive a future call without having to worry about whether or not we can
afford student loan payments.
As I mentioned above, this is my last academic year. I was approved for a delayed-vicarage and so,
will be heading out at the end of this year to a new assignment. As we look forward to this final year
here on campus, we are continually grateful for your generous support, knowing that it makes the
difference in our ability to finish these last requirements and to be prepared to come and serve one of
the many congregations of our beloved Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. Know that you have
helped make this service possible. May the Lord bless you richly as you in turn, have been a blessing
to us. Please accept this letter of appreciation on behalf of me and my entire family.
In His service,
Brent Horne
3rd Year Seminarian
From Lakeshore Pregnancy Center
Glory to the Newborn King! Merry Christmas and best wishes for a wonderful New Year! Together
we are making a tremendous impact in our cities and in the lives of desperate people, with a gracebased approach and life-affirming message. The strong foundations, the walls of protection, and your
unparalleled support have brought us into a strategic time of effectiveness. Without these strong
foundations we would not be able to build what we have.
We now have a medical team in place at each of our four centers. Our
Mobile Medical Center is now on the road and is reaching people right
where they live. We are providing an improved sexual health program
through {project} BestLife. But wait, there is more…
We have increased our support of men and expectant fathers through
BestLife {hero}. We believe that God has designed men to be protectors,
providers, and guardians of their families. It is exciting to connect men to
the hero that lies within them! We have seen a tremendous increase in their
involvement, and it is making a difference.
This is only the beginning! We cannot lose momentum! Lives are depending on each one of us. We
must continue to join together with a common purpose and build upon the solid foundations we have in
place. As we do, there is nothing that can stop us.
With every gift given and prayer offered: more lives are saved, more women choose life, more men
become heroes, more students commit to purity, more territory is reached, and more families are
celebrated. You can give this holiday season by considering a year-end gift, a one-time gift, or an
ongoing monthly gift. Help us finish this year well.
In 1 Chronicles 19:13, we are encouraged to “be strong and courageous, to fight hard for our people
and for the cities of our God.” Thank you for fighting for life, and celebrating all that God is doing in
our cities! Glory to the newborn KING! His love is amazing and His grace is outrageous!
Carolyn Doyle
Executive Director
Lakeshore Pregnancy Center
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WOMEN OF EPIPHANY
That’s My Pan!
Do you need a gift for Christmas or a special occasion? WE can help with our
fundraiser. Catalogs are available or you can go right to our site
at thatsmypan.biz/frmi10095. Online you can get a pan or mug with the Epiphany
Cross on them. Just go to custom logo. Other unique items available online are
photo frames, dry erase lids, designer series and retro pans to name a few.
Examples will be on display during fellowship time. Order deadline for
Christmas delivery is December 7. For questions contact Becky at 269-793-7062
or email at [email protected].
NOTES & EVENTS
Christmas Poinsettias
Yes, Christmas is coming and now is the time to place your order for any poinsettias
that you may want. Order forms are available on the table in the Narthex. The last
day to order and pay for the flowers will be Sunday, December 7, 2014. Your
poinsettia will be available for you to pick up after the Christmas Eve and/or
Christmas Day services, as we would like to use them to adorn the Sanctuary.
Pairs & Spares (Age 50 & Over)
We will meet for Pairs & Spares on Thursday, December 11 for lunch at
Uccello's in Wayland at 1:00 pm. There is a sign up sheet in the narthex. We
need to give Uccello's a headcount so it would be appreciated if you'd sign up
as soon as possible. Please don't wait till the last minute. Come once and you
will always want to come back.
LWML’s Giving Tree
We asked the Lord and he led us to three families to sponsor for Christmas this
year. They are all local families that we received from Project Hope. The tree is
up in the narthex with tags to select from in order to purchase gifts for the
children. The holidays are busy and we understand and want to help out, so we
are also putting envelopes onto the tree if you wish to donate money to purchase
gifts. In addition to the gifts, there will be a box for food donations as we are
going to put together food baskets for the families.
The tree will be up
November 16th through December 7th. Deadline for bringing in the gifts is
Sunday, December 14th. For those of you that want to help out, we will wrap
the gifts and sort the food from 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. before Wednesday's Advent
Service on December 17th. Questions? Just see Becky or Sheila.
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Youth Group Babysitting Night
Friday, December 12 from 6:00 to 11:00 p.m., the Youth Group will be hosting
their annual babysitting night. Supper will be provided. There will be games and
activities for the kids. Please sign up your child/children on the sheet in the
narthex if you plan to have them attend.
Christmas Tree Decorating
Thank you to all who helped decorate Epiphany’s Christmas tree. Thank you to Don Lowery, Mike
Bender and Philip Maass for cutting and setting up the tree.
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Advent Midweek Series 2014
Our theme for this year’s Advent Series is “The Psalms of Advent: Restore Us, O God!” Please plan to
join us each Wednesday of Advent, 7 pm, as our Lord Jesus comes (advents!) to us with His gifts in the
Divine Service. Join us at 6 pm for a light supper.
Dec. 3: Psalm 80:1-7: “Give Ear, O Shepherd of Israel”
Dec. 10: Psalm 85: “Restore Us Again, O God of Our Salvation”
Dec. 17: Psalm 126: The LORD Restores!
Dec. 24: Christmas Eve Candlelight Vespers, Service of Lessons and
Carols, 7 pm.
Dec. 25: Christmas Day Festival Divine Service, 9:15 am.
LOOKING AHEAD
If your group has an event and would like it added to the calendar, please notify the office.
14
17
18
31
TBA
January
Food Truck
Elders’ Meeting
Potluck & Voters’
Meeting
Family Game Night
Leadership Retreat
11
14
15
18
25
February
Food Truck
Elders’ Meeting
Council Meeting
Ash Wednesday Supper
& Service
Lenten Supper &
Service
4,11,18
& 25
8
11
14
15
29
2
3
4
5
11
18
19
25
April
Maundy Thursday
Good Friday
Vigil of Easter
Easter Services &
Breakfast
LWML Spring Rally
Elders’ Meeting
Council Meeting
Family Movie Night
7, 8, 9
16
17
24
TBA
May
2 Best Sale
Elders’ Meeting
Potluck & Voters’
Meeting
Confirmation Sunday
Spring Clean-Up Day
nd
8
March
Lenten Supper &
Service
Daylight Saving Time
Begins
Food Truck
Elders’ Meeting
Potluck & Voters’
Meeting
Palm Sunday
June
20 Elders’ Meeting
21 Council Meeting
PRAYER LIST
For those with cancer:
Tommy Andrews, Susan Arnsman, Dawson Babiak, Darrell Dombrowski, Kathy Hedger, Ruleen
Howard, Bob Kaniewski, Maggie Karner, Greg Melvin, Jason Taylor, and Madelyn Wolf
For those with health issues, difficulties, and challenges:
Gertrude Braun, Shanda Brennan, Richard Crater, Adam Halperin, Rose Hancock, Ruth Hempen,
Aimee and Sophia Hillman, Shirley Jones, Pat Karpinski, Gloria Maass,
Madelaine Martin, Phil Mullet, Benjamin Naber, Jr., Ella Porritt, Carol Powell,
Loretta Ritter, Vivian Roberts, Joe Rudie, Barb Schmidt, Judy Smith, Laura
Solomon, Patricia Solomon, Theresa Strefling, Kerri Sweeris, Braden Tyner,
Charlie Tyner, Jen Walsh, and Jill White
For Those Expecting
Jenni & Baby Brinker
For our Seminarians and Deaconess Student:
Aaron (and Katie, Tessa, & John) Hambleton, Jacob (and Emily) Hercamp,
Alex Lange and Caitlin Worden
For those serving in our armed forces:
Jacob Almaguer, Joshua Cipolla, Daniel Dever, Scott Edwards, Josh Hammond, and Chris Owen
DECEMBER BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES
Olivia Killips
12/3
Cody Vanarsdal
12/15
Carol Powell
12/25
Jennifer Phipps
12/5
Jack Lowery
12/16
Kristopher Fulk
12/26
Olivia Drummond
12/9
Mike & Sandy Bender
12/17
Jessica King
12/27
Joscelin Comiskey
12/10
Emily Naugle
12/17
Mark Powell
12/27
Vivian Roberts
12/11
Tim Drummond
12/19
Diane Zyk
12/30
Jessica Phipps
12/12
Charles Wiese
12/21
Brooke Cross
12/31
Jeff DeWyse
12/14
Christen Lowery
12/24
Randy & Laurie
Hiscock
12/31
BIBLE STUDY OPPORTUNITIES
Adult Bible Class
Sundays at 11:00 a.m.
Topic: The Book of Daniel
Leader: Pastor Krenz
Adult Bible Class
Wednesdays at 10:00 a.m.
Topic: The Book of John
Leader: Pastor Krenz
Sunday School
Sundays at 11:00 a.m.
Ages: newborn – 12th grade
Youth Catechesis
Wednesdays at 4:45 p.m.
Leaders: Pastor Krenz &
Laurie Hiscock
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THOSE SERVING IN THE MONTH OF DECEMBER
If you are unable to serve on a date that you are scheduled,
please find a replacement and notify the office. Thanks!
Ushers
Dec.
3
7
10
14
17
21
25
28
Bill, Curtis, & Tyler Ihle
Craig Baier & Phil Mullett
Jen Moushegian & Teresa Fulk
Steve & Chloe Adams
Mark & Bray MacIntosh
Lowery Family
Mike & Sandy Bender
Mike, Sami, & Krista Powell
Dec.
3
7
10
14
17
21
24
25
28
Acolytes
Dec.
3
7
10
14
17
21
24
25
28
Caleb Wiese
Emma Scott
John Harmsen
Krista Powell
Aaron Maass
Tyler Ihle
Caleb Wiese
Emma Scott/Tyler Ihle
John Harmsen
Altar Guild
Dec.
3
7
10
14
17
21
25
28
Greeters
Dec.
7
14
21
28
Mike Powell & Family
Scott Family
Adams Family
Mike & Sandy Bender
7
14
21
28
Ron & Alma Verner
Mike & Sandy Bender
Youth Group
Kim Harmsen
Sheila Haskill
Bev Phipps & Pam Ihle
Sheila Haskill
Bob & Connie Kaniewski
Sheila Haskill
Becky Steffens & Cindy MacIntosh
Sheila Haskill
Sheila Haskill & Ruth Hempen
Counters
Dec.
Refreshments
Dec.
Elders
Floor
Serving
Mark Powell
Mike Bender
Don Lowery
Mark Powell
Don Lowery
Mark Powell
Craig Baier
Don Lowery
Craig Baier
Don Lowery
Mark Powell
Craig Baier
Craig Baier
Mark MacIntosh
Mark MacIntosh Mike Bender
Mark MacIntosh Craig Baier
7
14
21
28
Corene Powell & Dan Scott
Jeremy Baier & Paul Lueders
Pam Ihle & Sandy Bender
Dan Scott & Jeremy Baier
Flowers
Dec.
10
7
14 Christmas Poinsettias
21 Christmas Poinsettias
28 Christmas Poinsettias
DECEMBER 2014
Sunday
30
Monday
1
7
8
Second Sunday in
Advent
9:15am Divine Service
11am Sunday School &
Bible Class
2
9
Boy Scouts ~ night
14
15
Third Sunday in Advent
9:15am Divine Service
11am Sunday School &
Bible Class
16
Boy Scouts ~ night
21
22
Fourth Sunday in
Advent
9:15am Divine Service
11am Christmas
Program
12pm Council Meeting
Boy Scouts ~ night
28
29
First Sunday after
Christmas
9:15am Divine Service
11am Sunday School &
Bible Class
Wednesday
Tuesday
23
30
Thursday
3
4
10am Adult Bible
Class
4:45pm Youth
Catechesis
6pm Advent
Supper
7pm Advent
Midweek Service
Friday
5
9am to 2pm
Quilters
10
11
10am Adult Bible 1pm Pairs &
Class
Spares
2pm Food Truck
4:45pm Youth
Catechesis
6pm Advent
Supper
7pm Advent
Midweek Service
12
9am to 2pm
Quilters
6-11pmYouth
Group Babysitting Night
17
18
10am Adult Bible
Class
4:45pm Youth
Catechesis
5pm LWML Gift
Wrapping
6pm Advent
Supper
7pm Advent
Midweek Service
19
9am to 2pm
Quilters
24 The Nativity of
Our Lord
7pm Christmas Eve
Candlelight
Service
31
25 The Nativity of 26 St. Stephen,
Our Lord
Martyr
9:15am Divine
9am to 2pm
Service
Quilters
1
Boy Scouts ~ night
11
2
Saturday
6
Sunday’s readings:
Isaiah 40:1-11
2 Peter 3:8-14
Mark 1:1-8
13
Sunday’s readings:
Isaiah 61:1-4, 811
1 Thess. 5:16-24
John 1:6-8, 1928
20
9am Elders’
Meeting
Sunday’s readings:
2 Sam. 1-11, 16
Romans 16:2527
Luke 1:26-38
27 St. John, Apostle
and Evangelist
Sunday’s readings:
Jer. 31:15-17
Rev. 14:1-5
Matt. 2:13-18
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