January 2014 - Grace Lutheran Church

Word of Grace
Published monthly by Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church—WELS
4269 S. Durand Rd. Durand, MI 48429
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.gracelutherandurand.org
www.facebook.com
Volume XXXI, Issue 1
January 2014
Pastor AJ Kunde
989-288-2900
989-277-7916 (cell)
In This Issue:
Contents
Jesus is….Savior
Pastor Kunde
Installation of Officers
Board of Outreach
WELS President Mark Schroeder
Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary Celebrates 150th Ann.
Christian Life Resources
Flint Pregnancy Counseling Center
Thrivent Financial
Today’s Christian Women’s Retreat
1st Quarter Cleaning Crews
Email Updates
January Birthdays & Anniversaries
Through the Bible This Year
January 2014 Calendar
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20
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24
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26
27
28
9:00 a.m. Sunday School & Adult Bible Class
10:00 a.m. Worship
Jesus is . . . Savior
Psalm 79:9
Help us, O God our Savior, for the glory of your name;
deliver us and forgive our sins for your name's sake.
Help! It’s a simple word, and yet very difficult to say. It’s an admission of vulnerability, isn’t it? And
nobody wants to be considered vulnerable. Help! It’s admitting that you just can’t get yourself out of
whatever predicament, trouble or situation you’re in. You need someone to come and save you. So you
have to swallow your pride, display some humility and admit that you can’t do it. You need help.
The man who wrote Psalm 79 was named Asaph. He lived almost 3000 years ago. He needed help, and so
did everyone around him. Foreign nations had invaded his homeland of Israel and were trashing God’s
reputation. God’s believers in that country needed help. So they went to God.
They knew they hadn’t done anything to earn God’s help. In fact, part of the reason they needed help was
because of their disobedience against God and his will. But they still turned to God because of his
reputation: he is the God of salvation. They knew that God is in the business of helping. In fact, not only
does he give help freely but he specializes in it. Only God could help them out of their difficulties in life.
Only God could save them from their greatest difficulty—their sin. And they weren’t disappointed. God
did save them from their enemies, but more importantly, he forgave their sin. That’s his reputation. He is
the Savior.
God has the same reputation today. He is our Savior. Not too long ago we celebrated Christmas, the day
when God sent us his Son, Jesus. We needed God’s help desperately. We were separated from God. We
had sinned. And we couldn’t help ourselves to get rid of our guilt. But God sent us a Savior. He forgives
all our sin. What an astounding gift our Savior Jesus Christ is! God is in the business of helping. That’s
his reputation.
God is your Savior. You can call on him for help and deliverance. He promises his forgiveness and love.
He will help you out of trouble. Call on your Savior for strength to carry your burdens. Look to your Lord
Jesus for help. He, and he alone, can save you and help you. He, and only he, is your Savior.
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From
Pastor
Kunde
Epiphany
The term means “manifestation” or “appearance,” but it denotes a sudden and shining appearance.
You may recall that this last year, 2013, there was a sudden appearance of a meteorite that landed Russia.
It that shattered the sound barrier and wrecked a degree of havoc and destruction among the residence of
the area where it landed. The Season of the Church Year known as Epiphany refers to the sudden
appearance of Jesus as the Savior, not just of the Jews, but of the world.
Who could have expected the appearance of the Savior, the Messiah, during the time of brutal occupation
by the Roman Legions in Palestine? Who could have expected the appearance and manifestation of the
Lord during the time of the ruthless and tyrannical rule of King Herod – known for murdering his own
children because he was so desperate to hold on to his own power, position and authority? Yet this was
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the time that God chose for the appearance and manifestation of his Son. Moreover, God’s Son did not
come to save only the Jews but all people.
Through the Prophet Isaiah, God said to his Son,
“It is too small a thing for you to be my Servant
to restore the tribes of Jacob
and bring back those of Israel I have kept.
I will also make you a Light for the Gentiles,
that you may bring my salvation to the ends of the
earth” (Isaiah 49:6).
Jesus is the Light of salvation for Jew and Gentile – for all
people. He appears, manifests himself, shines out through the
Gospel.
The Gospel or Good News of Jesus, tells us all that Jesus did in order to win salvation and eternal life for
us. Jesus’ lived a perfect life, “he committed no sin” (1 Peter 2:22), and Jesus’ perfect life has been
credited to all people.
Jesus’ death on the cross took away the
punishment of God that we and all people
deserve. This Good News “shines out” – another
way of referring to Epiphany – through the
Gospel to the entire world.
By his grace, God has brought this Gospel to us.
By his grace, God has sent the Holy Spirit with
the proclamation of this Gospel to create and
strengthen our faith in Jesus in our hearts. By
his grace, God now gives to you and to me the
opportunity to bring this Gospel to others:
Friends,
Relatives,
Acquaintances
and
Neighbors.
What a privilege!
What an
opportunity! That God uses frail and inadequate
human beings like us, to bring to others the
Good News of his Son.
Capture that
opportunity. Take advantage of that privilege.
Cancellation Christmas Services
Once again, our God has reminded us that we are not in control of what happens in this life and in this
world, but he is. Services were all set and organized for Sunday December 22nd and Christmas Eve,
Tuesday, December 24th. But then came the ice and snow. Power outages were numerous. Shiawassee
County, along with other counties in Michigan, were in a state of emergency: Stay off the roads; stay
home. This affected us also.
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The parsonage was without power and water. The church was without power, no heat, no water from the
well. Pastor does have a generator by which he kept heat and electricity in the parsonage. Thanks to
some of our members, power to the church from generators, provided heat to the building to keep the
pipes from freezing, and water from the well, which also provides the parsonage with water. Many of
you, our members, experienced some of these same inconveniences. Yet our gracious God brought us
through this difficult time.
Our LORD Jesus is in charge. The Apostle Paul reminds us that
19
… [God’s] power is like the working of his mighty strength, 20 which he exerted in
Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his Right Hand in the
heavenly realms, 21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every
title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. 22 And
God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be Head over everything for
the Church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way
(Ephesians 1:19b-23).
So who is in charge? Jesus is! And notice how he uses his almighty power: “for the Church … his
body.” That means that Jesus uses his power for you and for me – for all believers in him.
That truth does not mean that everything goes smoothly for us in this life. Just as Jesus, during his time
on earth, experienced trials and tribulations, turmoils and troubles, tears and sorrows – so also with us.
Just as Jesus carried his cross, so also we, who believe in him as our Savior, are given crosses to bear in
this life. But it is all for our good, because Jesus does everything for his Church – all who believe in him
– for you and me as we believe in him.
The trials and troubles we experienced by the power outages and emergency restrictions, teach us, once
again, that we are not in charge of what happens, Jesus is. Jesus wants us to turn to him in repentance and
faith and prayer. He has not abandoned us. Jesus wants us to rely ever more firmly on him in all
situations. “Cast all your cares upon Jesus, for he cares for you” (cf. 1 Peter 5:7).
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Installation
This coming Sunday, January 5, 2014, the Service will include the installation of elected officers of the
congregation.
2014 Elected Offices & Board Members
Member
Rick Crego
Tom Cornwell
Tim Waller
Dave LaHaine Sr.
Ken Kirkman
Mel Checker
Ross Bannister
Tom Cornwell
Office
Church Council
President
Secretary
Financial Secy
Treasurer
Board of Elders
Chairman
Secretary
Term Expiration
December – Yr
2015
2014
2015
2016
2014
2014
2015
2016
Board of Education
Ed Stadler
Rick Crego
Board of Outreach
Chairman
2014
2015
Board of Properties
Greg Broughman
Adam Brown
Norm Brown
Aaron Crego
2014
2015
2015
2016
2014
Re-signs yearly
Vacant
Chuck Johnson
We ask God’s blessing on these men as they carry out the duties of their various offices.
The Annual Meeting
The Annual meeting of Grace Lutheran Church will take place on Sunday, January 26, 2014, following
worship. Reports from the various officers and committees will be due then. Women Serving Christ and
LWMS will meet at the same time. A potluck meal will take place before the meetings.
On Sunday, January 12th, the Church Council will meet to outline its reports for the Annual meeting.
Also on that Sunday, the Christmas decorations will be removed and stored. Your participation is
encouraged.
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Are You Properly “De-iced” For Your Next Trip?
Modern De-Icing Activity
Early De-icing Activity
One of the biggest hazards in flying aircraft in winter weather is the formation of ice on the wings and
other surfaces on the craft. The ice so formed disrupts the proper airflow over the airplane, threatening its
ability to stay airborne. Other ice formation on the engine intake areas could damage the internal
workings of the turbines on jet engine planes. Therefore, modern aircraft have essentially three activities
to “de-ice” the plane.
The first procedure is applied at the airport before the plane departs, consisting of a spraying on de-icing
fluid to melt the ice that has accumulated as it is parked at the terminal.
Secondly, there an “anti-icing” spraying operation also done at the airport, but the anti-icing fluid is
thicker and “sticks” to the airplane surfaces. These two operations intend to protect the aircraft during the
takeoff, but even the anti-icer will wear off after a few minutes in flight.
The third line of defense provided is an on-board system that heats the surfaces of the plane. This icing
defense uses the heat from the engines or the generators powered by the engines.
With these three protections executed and operating correctly, the plane will generally have a successful
flight.
As human beings, we may not all fly in planes in the winter, nor have to contend with icing. However,
our trip through life, and particularly, contemplating the current New Year, poses the threat of many
hazards to our material and spiritual well-being. The hazards may be physical, emotional, economic, and
spiritual. For some of these hazards, we may have measures to overcome them. We may take steps such
as insurance, last wills and testaments, education, adopting a healthy lifestyle, making New Year’s
resolutions, and finally, just talking to ourselves to “tough-out” a particular situation. If we are honest
with ourselves, however, we know that we, like the airplanes, need outside help, or we will crash.
God’s Word tells us why we need this outside help—sin keeps us from controlling our lives and our
eternal destiny. St Paul tells us in Romans 7:18-20:
18
I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to
do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. 19 For what I do is not the good I want to do; no,
the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. 20 Now if I do what I do not want to do, it
is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.
But God has provided us with our spiritual “de-icing” given to us through the suffering, death, and
resurrection of our LORD Jesus Christ, foretold by Isaiah:
4
Surely he [Jesus] took up our infirmities
and carried our sorrows,
yet we considered him stricken by God,
5
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smitten by him, and afflicted.
But he was pierced for our transgressions,
he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace
was upon him,
and by his wounds we are healed.
6
We all, like sheep, have gone astray,
each of us has turned to his own way;
and the LORD has laid on him
the iniquity of us all.
and as a sheep before her shearers is
silent,
so he did not open his mouth.
8
By oppression and judgment
he was taken away.
And who can speak of his descendants?
For he was cut off
from the land of the living;
for the transgression of my people
he was stricken (Isaiah 53:4-8).
7
He was oppressed and afflicted,
yet he did not open his mouth;
he was led like a lamb to the slaughter,
CRUCIFIXION by Zurbaran 1650
For many of us, while our flight in life was just beginning, we were made his children through Holy
Baptism, which promised to us life eternal in Heaven. Unlike the airplanes, however, we have no way of
further protecting ourselves from spiritual “icing” during our flight of life. But we are sustained by the
Holy Spirit working in us through the Word and the Sacraments. As we hear in Romans 8:31-35:
3
…. If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son,
but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all
things? 33 Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God
who justifies. 34 Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died—more than that,
who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. 35 Who
shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or
famine or nakedness or danger or sword?
36
As it is written:
“For your sake we face death all day long;
we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered” (cf. Psalm 44:22).
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37
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For
I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the
present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in
all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our
LORD.
The flight may be bumpy this year and the rest of our life, but with the Lord’s “de-icing” guidance, we
will arrive safely at our eternal destination.
Our wonderful “de-icing” system is nothing we should hoard for ourselves. We should continually reach
out with the Good News of eternal salvation through Jesus to those who have not heard or need to be
reminded of the comfort of knowing that there is an answer to their concerns about the hazards of life and
the inevitability of death. Depending on our individual blessings of time, talent, and treasure, there are
many ways to do this:
(1) talking individually to our family and friends;
(2) supporting joint congregational activity in our worship and witnessing;
(3) support of our Synod outreach through missions and worker training.
We held a children’s Christmas Bible Class on December 21 entitled “Whose Child is This?” We are
formulating our Outreach program for the coming calendar year, and your support and input will be
appreciated. You also may have other ideas, and we look forward to your response and participation!
Edward Stadler,
Board of Outreach
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The Elders and Board of Outreach had plans to reach out to the community for this past
Christmas.
Canvasses were planned for Saturdays, December 7th, 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.; and December 14th, 12:30
to 4:00 p.m. These were cancelled because of weather.
On, Saturday, December 21st, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., a Christmas event for children, ages 4
through 12, was scheduled. The theme of the event was: “Whose Child Is This?” No one showed
up for this event. It also was cancelled.
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Thankoffering Envelopes for 2014 are available in
the member mail boxes. Please take the packet
with your name on it. You may begin using these
envelopes now. Please discard the 2013 unused
envelopes.
November 19, 2013
A privilege and an opportunity
The primary source of financial support for our work as a synod is the Congregation Mission Offering
(CMO) gathered in congregations throughout the synod. Your mission offerings through CMO are used to
support and expand our work around the world in our mission fields. Your mission offerings make it
possible for us to join together to open new home missions in the United States. (Ten to twelve are
planned for this year alone.) CMO enables our ministerial education schools to prepare the next
generation of pastors, teachers, and staff ministers. Finally, your mission offerings support the
administrative work that supports all of these efforts.
Fall is the time when most congregations are making their CMO commitments for the coming year. What
happens in those decisions will play an important role in determining whether or not we are able to carry
out the plans adopted by the synod convention last summer. Those plans call for an overall increase of 4
percent in CMO. If that increase is achieved, we can carry out those plans. If not, some of the planned
work will need to be scaled back. Opportunities to share the gospel will be lost.
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During the last several years this important source of financial support has been relatively flat, with
increases barely keeping up with inflation. Many congregations have commendably increased their CMO,
but others have not been able to do that. Regardless of the level of support, we thank God for every one of
these gifts.
In the coming weeks, I encourage all of our members to pray about this. In those prayers, remember to
thank God for his incredible blessings on you, your family, your congregation, and your synod. As you
pray, ask God to continue to instill a zeal for missions in you and your congregation, and to express that
zeal through faithful and generous offerings.
When publishing its annual budget, the first congregation I served did not list their CMO offerings as
“synod support” or “CMO.” They labeled that line in their budget as “Our Wider Privileges.” I pray that
all of our congregations adopt a similar view, regarding the work we do together to spread the gospel as a
privilege given to us by God to proclaim Christ far beyond our own congregations and communities.
The best news this time of year
News is all around us. It comes in many forms and
through many media, but at this time of the year
there is one bit of news that far surpasses all others:
"Unto you is born this day in the city of David a
Savior, which is Christ the Lord." May that news,
which is truly good, bring joy to you and your
families in the coming weeks and throughout the
coming year!
Serving with you in Christ,
President Mark Schroeder
Read more from President Schroeder about the perfect gift in the following article …
Forward In Christ
The perfect gift
[God] knew exactly what to give to needy sinners:
the perfect gift for people who have nothing.
This time of year, you might find yourself asking, "What do I give to someone who already seems to have
everything?" Really creative people come up with the answer. Some of us are a little short in the creativity
department, and we struggle to find the answer. In the end, we give up and give a gift certificate.
Yet a better question for us to consider during this season is, "What do you give to a person who has
nothing?" What is the perfect gift for someone who is completely and utterly poor and destitute? Where
would you start? Wouldn't you start by giving the most important thing first?
That's exactly what God did when he looked at us. On the seventh day, as God considered his completed
creation—perfect in every detail—he proclaimed it good. The giver of all gave the man and woman, the
crown of his creation, everything they could possibly want or need. But it wasn't long before his perfect
world was shattered. Seeking something better than what God had given, Adam and Eve turned from God
and went their own way. It was a way that led only to death, despair, and complete and utter poverty. The
two objects of God's boundless love threw what he had given back at him and ended up with nothing.
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God had graciously acted to make his creatures people who had it all. Now he would act again to give the
perfect gift to people who had absolutely nothing. It would be the perfect gift because it would be the
most important thing that they would need. He made a promise to send the seed of the woman to restore
the joy, perfection, and peace that had been once given but was thrown away.
Martin Luther spoke for us all when he said, "We are beggars." Regardless of balances in our bank
accounts, the size of our well-furnished homes, the multiple cars in our garages, and the talents and
abilities we have, on our own, we are really people who stand before God with nothing—nothing good,
nothing noble, nothing worthy of reward. If we do an honest inventory of our spiritual state, we can only
echo the words of Paul and confess that we are the worst of sinners. We are nothing but beggars.
But a gracious heavenly Father looks at us with the same love that sought our first parents as they hid in
the garden. He sees that we deserve nothing. He is aware that we can do nothing to change anything. But
with love and concern that yearned for us before we were born, he points us to that same seed of the
woman that he promised to Adam and Eve. He directs our attention to the one who came not just to
restore perfection to a ruined creation but also to restore perfection to you and to me. He invites us to
kneel with the shepherds at the most unlikely of cradles. He urges us to hear the voices of the angels who
announced the birth of God's perfect gift. In his Word he directs us to listen to the Son he loves. By the
power of his Spirit, he leads us to the cross where that Son would die for us beggars.
We may have trouble deciding what to give to someone. Our gracious God had no such difficulty. He
knew exactly what to give to needy sinners: the perfect gift for people who have nothing. The perfect gift
that makes us people who now have everything.
Author: Mark G. Schroeder
Copyrighted by WELS Forward in Christ © 2009
Volume 100, Number 12
Issue: December 2013
Seminary celebrates 150th anniversary
On Sun., Nov. 17, more than 3,000 people gathered - in person and
online - to celebrate Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary's 150th anniversary.
"My heart is full and I'm sure yours is too," said Rev. Paul Wendland, president of Wisconsin Lutheran
Seminary, Mequon, Wis. "This throng, and those joining us by live streaming, are proof that it takes more
than a seminary to grow a pastor. It takes a synod."
In his sermon, Rev. Mark Schroeder, WELS president, shared how the synod grows a pastor, “This school
has chosen not to produce scholars, theologians, and linguists—though it does that to some degree—but
they produce shepherds who feed God’s flock,” he said. “For 150 years, very wise men have set aside
their own reasoning for the foolishness of the cross.”
Special guests also reminded those attending how WELS works together to prepare servants for God’s
church. The presidents of Martin Luther College, New Ulm, Minn.; Luther Preparatory School,
Watertown, Wis.; and Michigan Lutheran Seminary, Saginaw, Mich., read the Scripture lessons. For the
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first time in the synod’s history, the choirs—about 175 singers—from the four ministerial education
schools were together in one place. In addition, Rev. Bryan Gerlach, administrator for the WELS
Commission on Worship, served as a guest organist.
For Noel and Jenny Ledermann, though, this was about more than the seminary’s anniversary. “When
Noel asked me how I wanted to celebrate our 30th anniversary, I said, ‘I want to be here!’” said Jenny.
So, to celebrate their wedding anniversary, they flew from Plymouth, Calif., for the service—and to visit
their children who live in the area. Their son, Gunnar, is a second-year student at the seminary and a
member of the choir.
Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary was founded in 1863 in Watertown, Wis., with one professor and one
student. In the past 150 years, the seminary has prepared more than 3,500 pastors for the worldwide
mission of WELS.
To help honor the 150th anniversary, two books have been published in honor of Wisconsin Lutheran
Seminary.
Heritage and Hope: Essays in Honor of the 150th Anniversary of Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary,
provides a survey of representative scholarship by graduates of Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary. Jars of
Clay: The History of Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary (1863-2013) is a popular history of the seminary
that chronicles the founding of the seminary in the midst of the Civil War and its growth and development
over 150 years. For more information, visit www.wls.wels.net/seminary/anniversary-publications.
The archived footage from the anniversary service is available at www.wels.net/streams/video.
Christian Aid and Relief responds to November storms
The unseasonably strong November storms in the Midwest
on Sun., Nov. 17, 2013, hit hard in central Illinois. WELS Christian Aid and Relief has been in contact
with Rev. Paul Schulz, pastor at Living Hope in Peoria, Ill., which neighbors the city of Washington
where a tornado tore through the town.
So far, there have been no reports of any significant damage to any WELS churches or members’ homes.
However, the damage to the community of Washington prompted Living Hope to try to help its
neighbors. Christian Aid and Relief sent an initial $2000 to Schultz, so the congregation can purchase gift
cards to help storm victims out with basic needs.
Also, following the typhoon in the Philippines, Christian Aid and Relief sent an initial $5000 to the
Philippine Red Cross. Christian Aid and Relief’s usual practice is to work through our missionaries and
contacts in these areas. Presently WELS does not have a world mission presence in the Philippines.
Christian Aid and Relief urges you to pray for all the people, both in the U.S. and the South Pacific, who
have suffered from these recent natural disasters.
Learn more about Christian Aid and Relief at www.wels.net/relief.
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Teens gather for national choral festival
From Nov. 8-10, Lakeside Lutheran High School, Lake Mills,
Wis., hosted 20 other WELS high schools for the 2013 National Choral Festival. The weekend's theme
was "The Lord is our strength and our song."
The festival's pops concert was held on Fri., Nov. 8. Each choral group performed a different musical
selection, many of which included choreography and costumes.
On Sun., Nov. 10, about 1,000 people attended the festival’s sacred concert in person, while about 1,100
enjoyed the live streaming of the concert online. The sacred concert included four mass choir numbers
performed by the 454 teens who participated in this year’s choral festival. The schools were also divided
into three smaller choirs, which performed musical selections conducted by three guest clinicians. The
concert ended with a moving rendition of “In Christ Alone” that included an interlude from “My Hope is
Built on Nothing Less.”
“I couldn’t think of a better way to end the sacred concert,” says Mr. Jim Buege, choir director of
Lakeside Lutheran High School and organizer of this year’s choral festival. “The text and music are so
moving. That particular arrangement with the orchestra, soloists, and so on was just a wonderful way to
end the concert. For me, after watching the preparation for 11 months, it was very emotional to listen to
the piece and attempt to sing along on the last verse.”
The 2014 regional choral festivals will be hosted by Michigan Lutheran High School, St. Joseph, Mich.
(Nov. 7-9) and Great Plains Lutheran High School, Watertown, S.D. (Nov. 14-16).
To view photos from this year’s festival or to order a downloadable album of the sacred concert, visit
www.llhs.org/2013WELSchoralfest.html.
Synod president to lead online Bible study
Interactive Faith, the online Bible study sponsored twice a year
by the WELS Commission on Adult Discipleship, had 2,100 unique viewers from 40 different countries
participate in the last session.
Join fellow WELS members from around the world in February for the next Interactive Faith Bible study,
“I’d like to study my Bible but . . . ” led by WELS President Mark Schroeder. In the study, Schroeder will
provide practical helps for people to study God’s Word on their own with confidence and understanding.
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The Bible study will stream online live each Wednesday—Feb. 5, 2014, through Feb. 26, 2014, at 7:30
p.m. and 9:30 p.m. (Eastern Time).
Schroeder says, “When I served in a congregation, Bible classes were one of the most enjoyable parts of
my ministry. The immediate feedback, good discussion, and the opportunity to answer questions always
seemed to be so beneficial. I’m looking forward to being able to do that again, only this time with people
throughout the synod.”
Interactive Faith online Bible studies are held twice a year. Led by a pastor or professor, these one hour
studies are broadcast live via the Internet. Many congregations gather as a group for the study; other
WELS members connect as couples or individuals. The studies are designed to have 10 to 15 minutes of
lecture by the instructor, followed by 5 to 10 minutes for congregations to discuss a question or two, or do
further study. Participants can interact with the instructor via the chat box. And if Wednesday evening
isn’t a good time for your congregation, the studies are archived on the WELS Connect site under Adult
Discipleship, so you could offer them any day of the week.
Magazine celebrates 100 years
The upcoming January 2014 issue of Forward in Christ (FIC)
will mark the 100th anniversary of the magazine. The first issue,
then under the title The Northwestern Lutheran, came out on
Jan. 7, 1914, to share the gospel in English to laypeople in the
churches.
Today, one hundred years later, that mission continues. "One
generation after another has used this magazine to confess faith
in Jesus and to encourage fellow believers," says Rev. John
Braun, executive editor of FIC. "We are just the latest to have
the opportunity and privilege."
Although the look and the name have changed over the years, the magazine also has served as a beacon to
those outside the synod, providing a Christian perspective to world events. “We wish to let our light shine
not only to encourage God’s people in our congregations and fellowship but also as a witness to those
who are outside our fellowship,” says Braun. “We seek to address Christians/Lutherans giving their
confession in a world that doesn’t appreciate the message of Christ.”
To celebrate the anniversary, the FIC staff has planned several new series for the year, including a look at
the 12 WELS districts and their ministry. A special anniversary timeline in the January issue, which
highlights historical events in the world, in WELS, and in the magazine since 1914, will kick off a series
that examines how world events have shaped the magazine. Readers’ comments and anniversary greetings
also will be shared throughout the year. An online form is available at www.wels.net/forwardinchrist to
share your memories and thoughts.
The magazine also now will be available digitally, with additional content for new digital subscribers.
"The print version will still be there for you in your mailbox or at church," says Braun, "but individual
subscribers now can read the magazine on a tablet or computer as well." View the digital version of the
December issue and find out more about subscribing to Forward in Christ—either in print or digitally—at
www.nph.net/efic.
“As Forward in Christ marks one hundred years as ‘a Lutheran voice,’ take a moment to thank God for
this blessing,” says WELS President Rev. Mark Schroeder. “Pray the Lord will continue to bless its
work.”
Page 15
New HymnSoft available
Northwestern Publishing House has released the
latest version of its HymnSoft software, Player 3.0.
The recent release of the updated hymn
accompaniment and worship planning software
was developed to keep up with evolving
technologies and is now also compatible with Mac
computers.
The program features MIDI digital music files for
the Christian Worship: A Lutheran Hymnal, CW:
Occasional Services, and CW: Supplement. The
software allows worship planners to program an
entire service, including liturgy and specific hymn
verses, in addition to custom settings such as tempo
adjustments and organ or piano sound.
An option of M4A recordings with better sound quality and a truer organ sound are also available. The
M4As can be used with the HymnSoft player or on their own.
Mr. Carl Nolte, sacred music and worship editor at Northwestern Publishing House, says, “HymnSoft is a
very useful tool for pastors to use to listen to the music. They can know what it sounds like before they
choose a hymn or liturgy for a Sunday. It is also very useful for small congregations that need somebody
to accompany the music for the worship service and perhaps don’t have a piano or organist to do that.”
HymnSoft Player 3.0 can be ordered online at www.nph.net.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 26 - SAGINAW VALLEY CHAPTER OF CHRISTIAN
LIFE RESOURCES ANNUAL MEETING, SAGINAW, MI
LOCATION: St. Paul Lutheran School, Saginaw, MI
TIME: 3:00 P.M.
All volunteers and supporters are invited! Bring anyone else who is interested in the Saginaw and Flint
pregnancy center ministries. Budget, new board members and other chapter business will be voted on by
the men present. Also hear announcements and annual reports from the board and both PCCs. Enjoy a
potluck supper to follow.
Page 16
Flint Pregnancy Counseling Center Gets a New Start
By Barb Yehle, Flint Center Director
Clearly Caring Magazine - Home Edition, Vol. 33, No. 2
Our labor began about 15 years ago, and over the last 12 months the labor pains became more intense.
There were false contractions, but on September 9, 2013, the Lord allowed us to give birth.
The Flint Pregnancy Counseling Center (PCC) began in the lower level of a small commercial building on
the west side of the city of Flint, Michigan. A few years later we moved up to the street level which gave
us more visibility. During the last 15 years the neighborhood in which we’re currently located became
less safe, and the building where we rented our space lost nearly 95% of its tenants. We were bursting at
the seams and had nowhere to store furniture or off-season clothing. Through the years the building
changed hands, and a year ago a new owner purchased the building. During that time our facility became
more and more decrepit. The ceiling tiles were heavy with water from a leaky roof, and our door was
painted shut when the outer lobby was refurbished! We were stopped short of conducting a staff meeting
because the wooden door was swollen shut.
Things had to change. In October 2012 the Board of Directors authorized the PCC to begin looking for a
new location. We looked at some buildings that were not suitable for our needs. However, two months
ago we found the ideal place. It is in a safe area, located less than a mile west of a major mall. In addition,
we have more square footage, and a huge dry basement with laundry facilities so we no longer need to
take clothes home to wash them. The asking price was within our parameters, and we were shocked when
the owner accepted our substantially reduced offer. We are located in a commercial condominium next
door to a pharmacy.
When the Flint PCC began we saw 12 clients a month. Now we average nearly three times that number!
We are fortunate to be able to share the Gospel with so many people, and our new building will allow us
to do so much more. We can now conduct client Bible studies and provide child care for their children;
there are also plans to provide a Christmas VBS on the Saturdays before Christmas as a way to present
mini-Bible lessons to the clients’ children while their moms take in uninterrupted holiday shopping.
We are excited about our new start in a larger and safer place. We look forward to reaching out to the
community with the word of LIFE!
God has truly blessed us every step of the way.
EDITOR'S NOTE: The dedication of the Flint Center took place on November 17, 2013. Their address
is:
5154 Miller Road, Suite H, Flint, MI
December 20, 2013
"Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and "Therefore the Lord
himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him
Immanuel." (Isaiah 7:14)
Page 17
A manger bed in a humble place
Where shepherds came to see His face.
Not just the face of a tiny child
This was God's face, so meek and mild.
In Bethlehem's stable God sent His Son This is the Savior, He is the One!
Promised to rescue us from sin,
Through Him alone eternal life begins.
Rejoice with us again this year,
God's solution to sin we celebrate here;
For unto us the Savior's come
In Him is salvation for everyone.
It is our prayer at Christian Life Resources and New Beginnings - A Home for Mothers that you see in all
of our Christmas celebrations the awesome humility of the story of our own salvation. Find in the
Bethlehem manger God's greatest testament of His commitment to you.
For unto you is born, in the city of David, a Savior,
who is Christ the LORD!
Abortionist Gosnell Sentenced for Running 'Pill Mill'
The Philadelphia abortion provider who ran a "House of Horrors" in West Philadelphia was sentenced
Monday to 30 years in prison for running a "pill mill" at the clinic.
Kermit Gosnell, 72, is serving a life sentence without parole after being found guilty of first-degree
murder in the deaths of babies who were born alive during illegal abortions. He cut the unborn babies'
spinal cords with scissors. Gosnell was also found guilty of involuntary manslaughter in the death of a
pregnant woman.
On Monday, U.S. District Judge Cynthia M. Rufe sentenced the abortionist to a concurrent 30 years for
illegally prescribing and dispensing prescription painkillers between June 2008 to February 2010 at the
abortion clinic. According to the U.S. Attorney for Eastern District of Pennsylvania, Gosnell wrote
fraudulent prescriptions for hundreds of thousands of prescription pills to cash-paying customers who
showed no medical need. [SOURCE: 12/17/13 - CitizenLink]
Belgian Senate OKs Euthanasia for Children
The Belgian Senate recently voted to extend euthanasia to children.
On Dec. 12, Belgium moved to become the first country to permit euthanasia for incurably ill children,
after the upper house of Parliament voted to extend to minors its 2002 law legalizing the practice for
adults. The vote was 50-17.
Page 18
Under the amended law, euthanasia would become legal for children who experience "constant and
unbearable physical suffering" and are equipped "with a capacity of discernment." The bill does not
include an age limit.
Alex Schadenberg of the Euthanasia Prevention Coalition commented,
"Currently the Belgian euthanasia law limits euthanasia to people who are at least 18 years old. This
unprecedented bill would extend euthanasia to children with disabilities." He continued, "The Belgian
Socialist government is adamant that the euthanasia law needs to extend to minors and people with
dementia even though there is significant examples of how the current law is being abused and the bracket
creep of acceptable reasons for euthanasia continues to grow. The current practice of euthanasia in
Belgium appears to have become an easy way to cover-up medical errors."
The bill now goes to the Belgium House of Representatives where it is expected to pass. [SOURCE:
12/13/13 - Euthanasia Prevention Coalition]
RECENT LIFE AND FAMILY NEWS ON THE CLR WEBSITE:

Just 35% Support Quebec Bill to Legalize Assisted Suicide
Public support for the Quebec government's "medical aid in
dying" proposal is a mile wide but only a foot deep. That's the
striking finding of a new survey...

State Rep. Who Lost His Grandson in Auto Crash, to Introduce
Unborn Victims of Violence Bill in New Hampshire
Two years ago an unborn victims of violence bill easily passed
both the New Hampshire House and Senate only to be vetoed by then-Gov. John Lynch. Freshman
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
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Deaths will outnumber births in Spain by 2017, experts say by Ben Johnson Tue Dec 17, 2013
15:50 EST Tags: birth rate, population, spain
The kingdom of Spain once...

New Jersey Senate Pulls Bill Codifying Same-Sex Marriage
The New Jersey Senate has pulled a bill that would legislate same-sex "marriage" in the state.
Political leaders cited advice from national same-sex "marriage"...

Babies With Down Syndrome Are Aborted in the UK at Alarming Rates
If you have Down's syndrome and your mother lives in Ireland then your chances of making it to
birth are considerably greater than if you have the misfortune to be conceived...
Judge Expected to Rule in January on PPFA's Challenge to Montana Parental Involvement Laws
A decision is expected next month in a suit brought by Planned Parenthood challenging Montana's
parental consent and parental notification laws. District Judge Jeffrey Sherlock...
Page 19
Statement regarding Thrivent Choice program
Late Thursday, Dec. 19, 2013, WELS leadership became aware that the Thrivent Choice program catalog
included an entry for Planned Parenthood affiliates in Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota. The
Choice program offered by Thrivent allows Thrivent customers to designate charitable gifts to a list of
charities nominated by Thrivent chapters.
WELS leadership promptly contacted Thrivent to express concern and opposition after learning of this
option, which is in direct conflict with God’s message on the sanctity of life.
WELS First Vice President Rev. James Huebner says, “God makes it clear in the Holy Scriptures that he
is the one who grants physical life to human beings. More importantly, he is the one who sent his Son to
give us eternal life. Our response of joy and thanks includes praising him for his gift of life forever and
life for now. For that reason we uphold the sanctity of life in every possible way. As WELS members we
continue to turn to the Scriptures to guide us on these issues. It saddens us to know that organizations
such as Planned Parenthood ignore God’s will in regard to God’s gift of life.”
The Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod is faithful in its acknowledgment of the sanctity of life from
conception. This is a truth to which we hold steadfast and will not waver.
WELS members may have questions how this affects their business relationship with Thrivent. Thrivent
is a non-profit business that offers financial and insurance products to not only Lutherans of all synods,
but all Christians. While it describes itself as a “faith-based” organization, it is not a church body and is
not in any way related to the work that WELS carries out as a synod. While we acknowledge and
appreciate the grants Thrivent has provided to the synod for various projects, WELS does not actively
endorse Thrivent programs. The decision by Thrivent to allow Planned Parenthood to be a recipient of
Choice dollars, while it grieves us for the premature loss of life that organization supports, does not
necessarily affect our synod’s ministries. Congregations may continue to benefit from the efforts of the
local Thrivent chapters, while being careful to distinguish the activities of those chapters from the mission
of the congregation. Individual WELS members who are members of Thrivent are simply purchasers of
financial product and can still utilize Thrivent for its financial services.
The bottom line is that WELS has no fellowship relationship with Thrivent. WELS members are still able
to make use of the Choice dollars that Thrivent enables them to direct to the charities of their choice.
When making decisions regarding interaction with Thrivent, its chapters, and its programs, WELS
congregations and schools can view Thrivent just as they view any other business.
Thrivent has released a statement regarding a change in its Choice program policies. [See next article.]
Members, Thrivent Take Action on Thrivent Choice® Issue
December 20, 2013
Page 20
Background: This is Thrivent Financial's statement regarding a recent issue related to the addition of
a Planned Parenthood affiliate to the catalog of eligible Thrivent Choice organizations. The statement
outlines our position on this issue and describes the actions of our members and organization.
Thrivent Financial is a membership organization of Christians with more than two million members in
more than 1,300 local chapters nationwide. While our membership holds diverse points of view on faith
and social issues, we share a common purpose to be wise with money and live generously.
We listen to concerns from all of our members, and we are listening now.
As a grassroots organization, we are committed to honoring the desire of our members and local chapters
to choose and support the non-profit organizations that are meaningful to them. We recognize that the
eligibility of a Planned Parenthood affiliate, approved by one of our local chapters, has been controversial.
After input, discussion and a review of the concerns from Thrivent members, the leadership of this local
chapter voted Thursday to remove it from the Thrivent Choice program effective immediately. Given the
deeply held views on this issue across our membership, we also are taking action to address the concerns
of our membership. These steps include temporarily suspending all pro-choice and pro-life organizations
from the Thrivent Choice program, placing a temporary hold on the addition and removal of nonprofit
organizations from the program, and conducting a comprehensive program review.
The Thrivent Choice program is highly valued by our members. More than 270,000 members have used it
to direct some $47 million – 91% of it to Christian congregations, schools, camps/outdoor ministries, and
social ministries. We will seek input from our members, chapter leaders and others in the communities we
serve with the goal of designing and delivering a program that continues to support the priorities of our
members and our common purpose.
Thrivent members, if you would like to share your feedback, you may reach the Thrivent Choice® team
using the Contact Form on this page. You may also write to:
Thrivent Choice Program
4321 N Ballard Road
Appleton, WI 54919
From: Pastor A. J. Kunde, Grace WELS Durand MI
TO: Thrivent Financial
DATE: Friday, December 27, 2013
Email
Thrivent states that it is a "faith-based" insurance company - but what faith? The name "Lutheran" has
apparently been put on the back-burner, since it is my understanding that Thrivent offers its financial
services to all "Christians."
But is not a "Christian" someone who believes in Christ? Does not a person believe in Christ only
through the work of the Holy Spirit in the Gospel in Word and Sacraments? Is not that Gospel in God's
Word? Is not God's Word absolutely true in all points? These are rhetorical questions, the only answer to
which is "yes" in all points.
God's Word condemns murder, including the murder or injury of babies in the womb (cf., e.g., Exodus
21:22-25; in which injury to an unborn child is treated the same as injury or murder of any person).
Therefore, I agree with Thrivent's determination not to fund "pro-choice" groups. I do not agree with
Thrivent's decision also not to fund "pro-life" groups. Thrivent is attempting to "ride the fence"; but
neither is possible nor acceptable on the basis of the Word of God.
Pastor A. J. Kunde, Grace WELS Durand MI
Page 21
Register before January 18 to take advantage of the early bird registration. Speakers include Dr.
Kevin Peil speaking on the Human Body and other topics like Growing Up Mormon, Reaching Out with
the Gospel to Muslims and Modeling Christ’s Everlasting Love in the Congregational Setting. Mahtob
Mahmoody, the daughter of Betty Mahmoody, author of Not Without My Daughter. She will be speaking
about her side of the story based on her own book that has already been published in Europe. The musical
groups, the Divers and Koiné will also be featured. See more details and register online at www.tcwr.org.
The retreat will be held March 28 – 30, 2014 at the Grand Traverse
Resort and Spa located near Traverse City, MI.
On line registration form follows:
Page 22
Page 23
Saturday
January 4th
1st TWO QUARTERS CLEANING CREWS
January – June 2014
Crew
Kunde’s
January 11th
January 18th
January 25th
Cleaning is scheduled for Saturdays but may be done on Thursdays or Fridays. We thank all of those who
have cleaned in the past and hope others will volunteer for the first quarter.
Pastor Kunde is setting up cleaning schedules for 2014; this time for six months at a time. The first
grouping will be from January through June – one weekend per month. Thanks for your participation.
Page 24
Email / Address Update
The mailing of the monthly Word of Grace (WOG) newsletter has stopped. Instead, the WOG is being
will be sent out by email to members and friends. Use the form below if we do not have your email
address; or, if you wish us to include a friend in our monthly emailing of the Word of Grace. (Hand to an
usher or bring to the church office.)
Name:
Date:
Address:
State & Zip:
Phone:
Email:
Name:
Date:
Address:
State & Zip:
Phone:
Email:
Name:
Date:
Address:
State & Zip:
Phone:
Email:
Page 25
January
Birthdays & Anniversaries
7 – Leonora Barnhardt
16 – Sherry Kunde
18 – David Mayers
20 – Cameron Canute
20 – Jacob Junglas
22 – Greg & Jannie Broughman
26 – Kirsten Price
28 – Terri Mayers
Page 26
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Christmas 2, January 5, 2014
Luke 2:25-40
Epiphany, January 6, 2014
Genesis 16:1-16
Ephesians 3:2-12
Matthew 2:1-12
Psalm 72
Ruth 4:13-17
Ephesians 3:2-12
Baptism of Our Lord, January 12, 2014
Isaiah 42:1-7
Acts 10:34-38
Matthew 3:13-17
Isaiah 49:1-6
Psalm 45
Acts 16:25-34
Mark 1:4-11
Epiphany 2, January 19, 2014
Isaiah 49:1-7
Acts 13:38-49
John 1:29-41
1 Samuel 3:1-10
Psalm 89
2 Thessalonians 2:13-17
John 1:43-51
Epiphany 3, January 26, 2014
Isaiah 8:19-9:2
1 John 2:3-11
Matthew 4:12-23
1 Kings 19:19-21
Psalm 27
Acts 13:1-5
Mark 1:14-20
Page 27
Worship Schedule
Sunday School & Adult Bible Class – 9 a.m.
Sunday Worship – 10 a.m.
Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church
4269 S. Durand Rd. Durand MI 48429
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED