Calvary Courier - Calvary Lutheran Church
Transcription
Calvary Courier - Calvary Lutheran Church
Calvary Courier Calvary Evangelical Lutheran Church September 2015 Upcoming Events Wednesday Evening Bible Class September 2, 9, 16, 23, & 30 7:00 p.m. Thursday Morning Bible Class September 3, 10, & 24 | 9:30 a.m. No class on September 17 Church Council Meeting Thursday, September 3 | 7:00 p.m. Ladies Guild Thurday, September 17 | 9:30 a.m. Evangelism/Stewardship Meeting Thursday, September 17 | 7:00 p.m. Marriage Retreat at Mariposa Manor September 18 & 19 Elder’s Committee Meeting Thursday, September 24 | 7:00 p.m. Triple Crown Potluck and Ice Cream Social Sunday, September 27 | 11:30 a.m. Inside this issue: Meet Some of Our Newer Members 2 September Birthdays 2 Your Ladies Guild at Work 3 Calvary’s Gamenites 3 Calvary’s Lunch Bunch 3 Marriage Retreat 3 Friendship Circle Outing 4 Friendship Circle Retreat 4 Through My Bible in a Year Insert Worship Schedule Insert Calendar Insert 1270 N. Dobson Rd. Chandler, Arizona 85224 Ask a Stupid Question Day On September 30 we have a special holiday. What is it? From the title of this article you can guess. Yes, it’s “Ask a Stupid Question Day,” which is celebrated in many schools on the last school day in September, as an encouragement to learn by asking more questions. In honor of “Ask a Stupid Question Day,” here are some whoppers from the Bible—but they’re not really stupid. Their answers make a life of a difference! “Did God really say?” Satan, appearing in the form of a snake, planted a seed of doubt in Eve’s mind (Genesis 3:1). It was the first step of his successful temptation: If Satan can get believers to misinterpret God’s words or, worse yet, put words in God’s mouth that he hasn’t spoken, he has dangled the bait and set the hook. How important to know God’s Word. “Where are you?” After Adam and Eve corrupted the world by introducing it to the evil of sin, the Bible says that God made a personal visit to the Garden of Eden. We might think he’s more than a little upset that his perfect creation has been ruined. But think about it. God already knows where Adam and Eve are hiding. He’s God. He knows everything. Then why ask (Genesis 3:9)? It’s his seeking mercy and showing his love for sinners like us. “Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” After God announced to Moses from the burning bush that he was sending him to rescue the Israelites from Pharaoh’s clutches of slavery, Moses wonders if he’s really the man (Exodus 3:11). God basically replied, “I know what I’m doing. And don’t worry, I’m going with you.” You may doubt that you’re the person to perform Phone: 480-963-9397 the role God has assigned you in life. But faith thinks much of God, and answers his call, knowing that an assignment from God is not just a command, but a promise. “Am I a dog, that you come at me with sticks?” Goliath, the giant Philistine, mocked David, the shepherd boy, who confronted his foul-mouthed threats (1 Samuel 17:43) with a sling, some stones, and his own gigantic trust in the Lord. David knew “it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord’s” (v. 47). The world’s weapons are nothing. It’s okay to use them—medicine, leadership strategies, statistical research, psychology, engineering, MVPs, and political giants— but not to rely on them more than God. “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” You may recognize these words as a questioning cry from Jesus, dying on the cross. Centuries before that moment, however, David penned them in Psalm 22:1, and continued, “Why are you so far from saving me?” David and David’s greater Son both had the same concern—where is God when it hurts? The rest of Psalm 22, and the resurrection of Jesus Christ three days later, gives answer to that cry. God is there; we just can’t always detect him in our hopelessness, can’t see him through our tears, or hear his Word through the threats of this world pounding our ears. We can learn to look to his promises, however, so that even when we walk through the valley of the shadow of death itself, we fear no evil. – continued on page 2 Website: www.calvarychandler.net Calvary’s Mission Statement: As members of this congregation, our constant aim is to share the saving Gospel of Jesus Christ with all people based on the inspired, infallible Holy Scriptures and to exemplify our faith through Christian living as commissioned by our Savior. Calvary’s Church Leaders: Pastor Martin Spaude 480-963-9397 Pastor Roger Sprain 480-883-8529 Staff Minister: Charlie Kuether 480-204-4297 President: David Gannon 480-821-5008 – continued from page 1 “Who is a God like you, who pardons sin?” The triune God of salvation in the Bible makes the exclusive claim of being the only one who can truly save sinners. Because he saves totally without relying on anything the sinner can contribute. Why would any sinner want to trust in any other god? Why would a person, proven by sin to be imperfect, prefer to believe that he or she can do any amount of good to earn the favor of some other religion’s god? How do you know it’s good enough? Rather, put your sure hope in the pardon of the only true God. “Who do people say the Son of Man is? Who do you say I am?” Jesus often asked his disciples about his identity (Matthew 16:13,15). Not that he was confused. The crowds were confused. Was he John the Baptist reincarnated? Elijah risen from the dead? a great prophet? a madman? Those who paid attention to the prophecies knew, and believed, that Jesus was the promised Christ, the Savior of all. In today’s confused world looking at Jesus as a good man, a philanthropist, a prophet with good things to say, or even a fabled religious figure—who do you say he is? And how does it show in your life decisions, your reputation among peers, what worries you, how you take care of your health, and where you spend your money? Jesus is Savior. Love him for it. Live for him above all. – Pastor Martin Spaude Secretary: Scott Clegg 480-516-8758 Financial Secretary: Philip Nick 480-460-9258 Treasurer: Phil Denisuk 480-821-0055 Evangelism/Stewardship Director: Gary Warskow 480-759-5261 Education Director: Ben Coker 480-584-6858 Property Director: Mark Mundt 602-743-3707 Sunday School, Christ Teens and Confirmation Classes are beginning on Sunday, September 13! Parents, make sure your children are involved in these opportunities for their faith to grow and be strengthened. How they need this in a world that is moving further and further away for the Lord. Take a picture of this with your phone to visit: www.calvarychandler.net Like us on Facebook: CalvaryLutheranChurchChandler Calvary Courier page 2 Meet Some of Our Newer Members Clarine and Rick Hartnell are two of Calvary’s newest members. Rick and Clarine have indicated that they love being at Calvary and you will see them regularly in both Sunday worship and Wednesday Evening Bible Class. They both cherish that the Lord has brought them together in marriage, and even though they have no children, they are truly thankful for each day they spend together. Clarine describes herself as a good listener, is a fourteen year cancer survivor, likes puzzles, and solitare. Rick is very easy going, friendly, loves to work with wood, plays guitar to relax, camps, and very much enjoys cooking. Together they love to play canasta and travel when given the opportunity. Two really nice people, who love their Lord, and know that He loves them. We pray their time at Calvary will be a lasting blessing. September Birthdays Best wishes to the following who celebrate birthdays this month: Marilyn Matter Dianne Wolf Dorothy Converse Lucky Kauffman Alena McClelland LuVerne Johnson Noah Schroeder Karen Swain E.J. Moore Allen Kaniasty Justin Kossmann Clarine Hartnell R.J. Jahnke Shane Zorn Sept. 2 Sept. 4 Sept. 5 Sept. 6 Sept. 6 Sept. 12 Sept. 14 Sept. 14 Sept. 15 Sept. 23 Sept. 24 Sept. 26 Sept. 29 Sept. 29 (If your birthday is not listed, tell the Office Manager, Randi Rasmussen, so your records can be updated.) Your Ladies Guild at Work Calvary’s Gamenights This group is open to all women of Calvary. We will be meeting on Thursday, September 17, at 9:30 a.m. Our meetings consist of a Bible study with Pastor Spaude and a business meeting. This is a good opportunity to be involved in your church activities. For information, call Jan Enderle at 480-899-0662. Out with Friday night television and video games. In with once -a-month fellowship with your Calvary friends. How? Check the bulletin for the scheduled date of each month’s gamenight. As the year advances, you are sure to play games of yesteryear and fond memories will start to flow. Or perhaps you will encounter games you loved playing with your kids. Maybe, just maybe, you will be lucky enough to come upon a new game to learn. Whatever, you are guaranteed to miss a fun-filled evening if you don’t attend. Players went down Memory Lane in August when they played “Michigan Rummy”. Food Bank Ladies Guild has set up a separate savings account with dollars received from Thrivent Grants. The current balance is $2,405.73. Debit cards have been issued to Nadine Dankert and Jan Enderle. These dollars will be used to purchase groceries and perishables and grocery store gift cards. Our congregation is blessed to be able to share with our sister churches and, through other avenues help feed those less fortunate. The annual rotation was completed in August. We used $274 of Thrivent monies to restock. Items were donated to the United Food Bank’s annual food drive and to Chandler Christian Community Center. Aluminum Cans Funds received from aluminum are used to keep the Calvary kitchen supplied. Please be aware we cannot use other foil products like pie or casserole pans or aluminum foil. Thank you for your support. Alpha Pregnancy In keeping with their mission statement “Spread the Gospel while emphasizing the sanctity of life” Alpha Pregnancy has begun adding Bible story books when distributing diapers, formula, clothing, blankets, etc. to mothers-to-be. In support of this project, Ladies Guild is asking for donations of the small Bible story books. They are available at most of the dollar stores and Wal-Mart as well as other stores. We will keep a box in the Narthex for donations. Thank you for the support. Greeting Cards Your Ladies Guild has stocked boxes of Christian all-occasion greeting cards. These cards are provided as a service to the congregation and are sold at cost. The cards are displayed on a rack during fellowship time on the patio, as well as in the fellowship hall. For more information, you may contact Cora Schroeder at 480-892-5153. Church Snacks Refreshments for after service fellowship are provided by members who donate and serve snacks. If you are celebrating a special occasion and wish to bring a cake or other goodies, please give Sue Schroeder a call. This will eliminate doubling up. Anyone who wishes to volunteer may call Sue at 480-8203431. A big thank you to all who have helped out. On Sunday, September 27, beginning at 11:30 am., there will be the first annual Calvary Triple Crown. The event will begin with a sandwich potluck (bring a plate of your favorite sandwiches to pass around) followed by a short game of UNO. The final event will be an ice cream social. We hope this will be a great time of food, fun and fellowship. There will be a sign up sheet for this on the back counter at church. Of course in October, the harvest month, “Apples to Apples” is the only game to play! Piqued your interest? Give it a try! You are sure to be hooked! Calvary’s Lunch Bunch If you were otherwise occupied and missed our very first luncheon together at T.C. Eggington’s, have no fear as September’s outing will be to Passage to India. Check the bulletin for the date and details. Toss out your “diet” for one Saturday a month and join your Calvary friends for some delightful dining experiences. In October, we will head towards Chandler Fashion Square to Cheddars. Kneaders in Tempe is our November destination. Can’t miss the holidays, so join us for a Christmas Progressive Luncheon in downtown Gilbert. Remember, all couples and singles, male and female, are invited to join in the dining fun. Be sure to sign-up in the back of the church to reserve your spot for the month’s dining choice. If you have questions, call Sue Schroeder at 480-820-3431. Marriage Advice from the Guy with a Thousand Wives A marriage retreat will be held on September 18 and 19 at Maricopa Manor in downtown Phoenix (this Bed and Breakfast is owned and operated by Calvary members Scott and Joan Eveland). Cost for this will be $100 per couple, which includes the cost of the materials, lodging and meals. There is a sign-up sheet on the back counter at church. You can also sign up at Calvary’s website or by emailing [email protected]. We held this retreat a couple years ago and it was enjoyed by all in attendance. There are six lodgings available, so it will be on a first come, first served basis. Calvary Courier page 3 Friendship Circle Outing On Saturday, August 15, a group of Calvary ladies toured the Alpha Pregnancy Counseling Center. They enjoyed seeing how important our gifts to Alpha are. We continue to ask for diapers and gently used clothing for this special mission. If you have any questions, see Anne Kelsey. The tour was followed by a delicious lunch at the Old Spaghetti Factory. Friendship Circle Retreat In July, several Calvary ladies enjoyed a weekend getaway at the Maricopa Manor Bed and Breakfast Inn in Phoenix owned by members of Calvary, the Evelands. It was a luxurious stay in private casitas, with sumptuous breakfasts delivered to their doorways each morning. The days were spent in the pool, playing games, or just relaxing. On Sunday morning they enjoyed breakfast outdoors and a devotion together. Words can’t describe the wonderful and beautiful location of Maricopa Manor! We had beautiful morning walks in the historical housing district a block away! Some of us frequented the Dairy Queen next door for late night snacks! And we can’t forget to mention the suprise birthday party we had for Kay Nelson! Peggy Denisuk surprised Kay by joining us for dinner and brought the birthday cake. Fran Carmen surprised us all by being in town and joining us for dinner and cake! photos and captions by Debbie Spaude Calvary Courier page 4