the voice of third lutheran

THE VOICE OF
THIRD LUTHERAN
NOVEMBER 2010
THE VOICE
OF
THIRD LUTHERAN
NOVEMBER
From Our Pastor:
Dear Friends,
Autumn is the traditional time that we focus on stewardship in the Lutheran Church. The article that follows include excerpts from our Stewardship Campaign, ―Make it Simple‖. Walter Brueggemann writes in
Mandate to Difference: An Introduction to the Contemporary Church:
―Jesus has come that we may have abundant life. His feeding narratives
attest that the generosity of God is assured whenever Jesus rules in the
earth and we count on that generosity. And that means that our common
practices of greed, pursuit of consumer goods, of the frantic effort to acquire more, are both inappropriate and unnecessary. Our society always
hungers for more: more body surgery, more cosmetics, more cars, more
beer, more sex, more certitude, more security, more money, more power,
and more oil, whatever. This hunger for more is a true sign that we do not
trust the goodness of God to supply all of our needs; we do not trust that
the generous rule of Jesus who has ascended to power, is in effect. But
we… we are Jesus people, and therefore we are pledged and empowered
to act differently… differently in the neighborhood, differently in the
economy, and as citizens of the last superpower, differently in the world.
(Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 2007, p. 5) Lifestyle, the manner in which people of God ought to conduct their lives, is a topic frequently explored in scripture. The Bible connects the faith that people
profess to the ordinary details of how they live their lives. An overt example of this is the New Testament book of Ephesians which consists of two
major divisions: Chapters 1-3 summarize the key beliefs of the early
Christian community, and chapters 4-6 explore the implications of these
beliefs for individual life and life in society.‖ This second section of the
letter begins:
―I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the
calling to which you have been called.‖ (Ephesians 4:1) Followers of Jesus have a calling, a vocation not only to believe certain things, but also to
live in such a way as to proclaim their trust in the God who created and
redeemed them. Being a Christian makes a noticeable difference in a person‘s lifestyle. ―Now this I affirm and insist on in the Lord: you must no
longer live as the Gentiles live.‖ (Ephesians 4:17a)
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THE VOICE
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THIRD LUTHERAN
NOVEMBER
From Our Pastor: - Continued
The believer‘s calling to embrace a lifestyle appropriate for a people given new life
in Christ finds its shape in the example of Jesus himself. He was not addicted to
material comfort, but rather practiced a freedom from self-gratification that allowed
him to focus more attentively on caring for those around him. He invited his followers to join him in this lifestyle. ―As they were going along the road, someone said to
him, ‗I will follow you wherever you go.‘ And Jesus said to him, ‗Foxes have holes,
and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his
head.‘‖ (Luke 9:57-58) God provides. Not only does God take care of our needs,
God provides for us in great abundance.
In essence, we as the people of God are to lead a simpler life. Our quest for a simpler and freer lifestyle will never be perfect. Martin Luther writes: This life, therefore, is not godliness but the process of becoming godly, not health but getting well,
not being but becoming, not rest but exercise. We are not known what we shall be,
but we are on the way. (LW 32:23)
Bob Sitze writes, ―Simple living is part of stewardship, itself part of what Christians
refer to as ‗the sanctified life.‘‖ (Starting Simple, p. 40) Given that affirmation and
the contrasting realization that materialism has failed to keep its promise to provide
meaning in life, a stewardship resource based on simple living could be a timely
invitation for people of faith to explore intentionally issues that increasingly trouble
them. How do we understand material wealth—as a gift from a gracious God to be
received with gratitude and shared generously or as an entitlement to be used for our
own gratification?
Framed not as scolding nor as a superficial prescription (simple living does not imply simplistic thinking) but rather as a faith-based conversation about wealth, possessions, and our vocation to live for others in response to the one who gave himself
for us. Such a stewardship resource will strengthen the individual Christian‘s relationship with God, with the surrounding world, and with the supportive community
of faith. What better way can there be to invite God‘s people away from the fears
and frustrations that are increasingly a part of our contemporary culture of materialism and proclaim the joy and meaning inherent in a life marked by contentment and
generosity than by encouraging them to MAKE IT SIMPLE.
See you in Church!
Steven
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COMMITTEE REPORTS
ADULT EDUCATION—Mac McCuen and Bill Hovingh
Our current offering on Sunday mornings from 9:30 - 10:15 AM is, ―HOW
WE GOT OUR BIBLE.‖ This course
is being taught by Bill Hovingh and
Mac McCuen.
We have learned how ancient New
Testament manuscripts were copied
Left to Right: Beth Beres, Corinne
by hand for hundreds of years. In a
Koenig, Margaret Anderson, Mac
class exercise, members of the class
McCuen, Bill Hovingh
were asked to try to read a page taken
from the Bible. It was written as it
might have been written in the second
century AD without chapters, verses,
punctuation, or even spaces between
words. We learned how thousands of
copying errors crept into the manuscripts over the years. We heard about
the early Latin and Greek texts, as
Left to Right: Bill Hovingh, Karen
well as translations into languages such
Burnett, Jim Frazier
as, Coptic and Syriac. We saw photos of
beautiful; medieval manuscripts with fine calligraphy and art work adorning them. We talked about the beginnings of English language translations
of the Bible and about how printing changed the production of the Scriptures. We tried reading from a biblical passage written in middle English.
Alternate versions of the Scriptures were discussed, such as those of Tyndale, Coverdale, Luther and others.
In the weeks to come, we shall learn more about modern editions, such as
the King James Version (1611) and more modern versions; such as The
New Revised Standard Version and the Contemporary English Version.
Class members will read a text of Scripture in several modern versions and
will get to select the one they like best.
It is hoped that, when the course is completed, class members will have a
better understanding of how our Bible came down to us. We also hope
they will appreciate the sacrifices people made for them to be able to read
the Scriptures. And, we hope they will be better prepared to face the literalists who tout their distorted and mistaken views of Scriptures.
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COMMITTEE REPORTS—Continued
YOUTH COMMITTEE—Kelly Burden
OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD
Every year, the Youth Group collects items for the Shoebox Project in October
and November. Operation Christmas Child (the Shoebox Project) has been
around for 13 years and delivered shoeboxes full of gifts to over 77 million children in over 130 countries.
Brochures on how to fill shoeboxes with approved gifts will be available in the
Narthex along with a sample box. Each shoebox requires $7 in order to be
shipped overseas. The Youth will be meeting on Sunday November 14th to assemble all the shoeboxes. Please consider donating gifts toward filling the shoeboxes or donating the shipping cost. Contact Kelly Burden with any questions.
POINSETTA SALE—Beth Roche΄
A holiday poinsettia can do more than brighten our Church. It is a remembrance
for someone special. Also, by purchasing a plant, you will benefit the Kiwanis
Club that strives to help children across the world.
Poinsettia plants are $10 for a 6.5 inch pot and they come in red, white, and
pink.
Orders are due by Sunday, December 9th. Poinsettias may be picked up from
the church after the Christmas Eve Service. Order forms are available at TLC or
contact Beth Roche΄ at the Church Office.
POINSETTIA ORDER FORM
PERSON ORDERING:_______________________________________________
NUMBER AND COLOR:
(state number of plants you want to order next to the color you wish.)
__________Red
__________White
__________Pink
__________TOTAL POINSETTIAS ORDERED
Please state amount due (Cash or Check) - Each Plant is $10each $_________________
(Optional)
In Memory of::________________________ OR In Honor Of:____________________
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T H E V O I C E O F T H I R D L U TH ER A N
THE SOCK HOP—‖HAPPY DAYS‖ -Kelly Burden
“We are looking forward to hosting the Sock Hop as an annual fundraiser event.‖
If you weren‘t there, we missed you!! Hope to see you next year!
―Burger and Fries, One Slider, an
DOUBLE the onions!‖
It’s about time! I thought you’d never
get here!‖
― Mel’s Diner’s
Girls!‖
― I could have danced all night
― Tip Toe Thru The
Tulips‖
if it weren't’ for this darn balloon!‖
― Come On Baby, Let’s Do The Twist!‖
― My feet are killing me!!‖
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THE VOICE
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THIRD LUTHERAN
THE SOCK HOP—‖HAPPY DAYS‖ -Kelly Burden
―Elvis has left the building‖!
―Yeh, after he beat us at Canasta!
―Ah, man! We’re havin’ too much fun‖!
―Mel’s is closing, guys! Time to go‖!
―Y’all come on back now, ya’ hear?‖
― I had a GOOOD time‖!
SEE YOU NEXT YEAR!
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S”
“H
AP
PY
AY
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THE VOICE
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THIRD LUTHERAN
NOVEMBER CALENDAR OF EVENTS
DATE
TIME/EVENT
Nov 1 —Monday
9:00am—Flower Buds
8:00pm—AA Meeting
Nov 2—Tuesday
7:00pm—AYUTC Rehearsal—Fellowship Hall
Nov 3— Wednesday
7:00pm—AA Meeting
Nov 4— Thursday
7:00pm—AYUTC Rehearsal—Fellowship Hall
Nov 5— Friday
6:30pm—AA Meeting
Nov 7—Sunday
9:30am—Sunday School
10:30am—Worship Services
11:30am—1st Sunday Potluck
2:00pm—AYUTC Rehearsal-Fellowship Hall
Nov 8—Monday
9:00am—Flower Buds
8:00pm—AA Meeting
Nov 9—Tuesday
7:00pm—AYUTC Rehearsal—Fellowship Hall
Nov 10—Wednesday
7:00pm—AA Meeting
Nov 11—Thursday
7:00pm—AYUTC Rehearsal—Fellowship Hall
Nov 12—Friday
6:30pm—AAMeeting
Nov 13—Saturday
10:00am—AYUTC Rehearsal—Fellowship Hall
Nov 14—Sunday
9:30am— Sunday School
10:30am—Worship Services
11:30am—YOUTH—Operation Christmas Child
2:00pm—AYUTC Rehearsal-Fellowship Hall
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THE VOICE
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NOVEMBER CALENDAR OF EVENTS– Continued
DATE
TIME/EVENT
Nov 15 —Monday
9:00am—Flower Buds
8:00pm— AA Meeting
Nov 16—Tuesday
7:00pm—Council Meeting—Library
Nov 17—Wednesday
7:00pm —AA Meeting
Nov 19—Friday
6:30pm—AA Meeting
Nov 21—Sunday
9:30am—Sunday School
10:30am—Worship Services
Nov 22—Monday
9:00am—Flower Buds
8:00pm—AA Meeting
Nov 24—Wednesday
7:00pm—AA Meeting
Nov 25—Thursday
6:30pm—AA Meeting
Nov 26—Friday
6:30pm—Fat Friday
Nov 28—Sunday
FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT
9:30am—Sunday School
10:30am—Worship Services
LITURGICAL THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH:
“Don’t let your worries get the best of you;
Remember, Moses started out as a basket case!”
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SUNDAY SCHOOL TAKES LEAD IN LEARNING! - Olivia Beres
Elementary Students Meet
with Beth Roche’.
Left to Right: Hannelore Tretter,
This year‘s youth Sunday school has started with a bang! Elementary students have been meeting at church with Jeanne and Beth on the second
through fifth Sundays of the month.
Middle and High School Students meet with Grace Tretter .
Left to Right: Grace Tretter,Laura
Hovingh, Olivia Beres, Marie
Johnston
Middle and high school students have begun an exciting new program. On
the second and fourth Sundays of the month, they meet at Java Brewing
with Grace. They have been conversing about the connection between
current events and religion. Topics have included: the Koran burning, the
knowledge of religion, and religion in schools. On the third Sunday of the
month, they meet with Steven. Fifth Sundays of the month are exciting
for our older youth; they teach the children‘s Sunday school. The first
Sunday of the month is a time for all of the youth to gather together with
Mary McCuen for music. All of the youth have been learning while having a great time. Each teacher is greatly appreciated for each for their
unique gifts that helps us walk in Jesus‘ light.
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THE VOICE
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HIGHLIGHTS
CRAFT FAIR COMMITTEE— Kelly Burden, Corrine Koenig
On Saturday, December 4th from 9:00am—2:00pm., in conjunction with
Olde Tyme Christmas on Frankfort Avenue, the committee is hoping to
open TLC for a variety of activities. We will be holding a small yard sale,
bake sale, and craft fair, featuring local artists. Rex Minrath and The Lionel
Operating Club of Louisville will also be setting up a large model train display. If you are planning to participate, you may rent a table for the Craft
Fair with a $40.00 donation.
All proceeds from this event will go directly toward sending the TLC
Youth Group to the ELCA National Youth Gathering in 2012. Volunteers
are still needed, so please contact Kelly Burden with any questions or suggestions.
MUSIC AND WORSHIP—Mary McCuen
On October 3rd, TLC celebrated the 2nd annual Fall Hymn Sing. Grace
Tretter performed a flute solo, “Andalouse”, by Emile Pessard with Bob
Martin accompanying on the organ.
MUSIC AND WORSHIP—Mary McCuen
MARY’S NOTES

The Third Lutheran Chimers are getting cranked up for the upcoming
Advent/Christmas season. All ages are welcome to join and ―chime
in.‖ Rehearsals will be held immediately after Sunday worship.

Anyone who sings, plays an instrument, or recites a dramatic reading is
welcome to share their talents by participating in the Christmas Eve
Program. Please contact Mary McCuen if you are interested.
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NOVEMBER NEWS BULLETIN
WHAT’S GOING ON AT UCHM? - Patty Featherstone
As always, it is a very busy time at United Crescent Hill Ministries. The Senior Center continues to provide trips for folks interested. Get ready for information at church concerning the ―Christmas Connection” that provides gifts
for children in our neighborhood through our Emergency Assistance Program.
The Santa Sprint is happening again this year the morning of “Ole Time
Christmas on Frankfort Ave.” So, please support our walkers who participate. We are still collecting canned goods and toiletries to be placed in the
basket that will be taken down to the Center. Lorene Vogel, Gerdi and
Dick‘s neighbor, collects needed supplies for us and Dick delivers them to
church for the Center. Once someone understands how these groceries and
supplies are appreciated by the needy, good folks like Lorene, continue to
send them to us. It‘s just spreading the love— and that is such a good thing.
I‘m happy to announce Beth Beres will be taking my place on the UCHM
Board. Yes, I‘m rotating off to get some ―new blood‖ into the organization.
Betty Frazier will continue to represent TLC. She is replacing Chet Holmquist . Thank you, Betty and Beth, for representing us and getting information to us about how we can continue to assist UCHM with their fine work .
It has been a rewarding experience for me to serve on the Board and I will
continue serving UCHM as a volunteer. Thanks to all of you who have graciously given to the projects at UCHM. I am sure you will continue supporting UCHM as you work through Betty and Beth. It has been my privilege to
represent such a giving neighborhood church.
IN LOVING MEMORY—Steven Renner
Butch Johnston‘s mother, Ina Jean Johnston Sweat, entered the Church Triumphant after battling lung cancer for several months. Please keep Butch,
Beth, Marie and Helen in your thoughts and prayers through this time of
mourning and grief. We pray that they are sustained by the sure and certain
hope in the Resurrection and the Easter Joy of Victory.
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T HE V OI CE OF T HI R D L UT HE RAN
The Little Church
TIMELESS STARS
There exists another timeless star among our midst. No different than any
other ―heavenly body‖, it carries its own signature of grace and beauty. It
brings love, devotion, and unselfish support to everyone it comes into contact with at the Little Church. Just like all the other timeless stars do. You
can‘t miss this star! This star has a name, too. Margaret Anderson.
Margaret rarely misses a Sunday. And when she does, she is greatly missed .
Margaret isn‘t telling us her age, but I know for a fact, she is definitely
young at heart. If you happen to see a vehicle whiz down the aisle in church
on any Sunday morning, you are not attending an Indianapolis 500 car racing event. Oh, no! It is our Margaret and her walker hurrying to get to her
pew on time for services and she does it without missing a beat!
Margaret is originally from Louisiana but she has lived in Louisville for so
many years that we like to think of her as a Louisvillian . Bill Hovingh and
his mom, Margo, take turns bringing her to church services when her family
is unable.
Now Margaret‘s walker makes it a little difficult for her to visit the communion railing, so God comes to Margaret. Pastor Renner respectfully delivers
her the communion bread and wine and she is there to greet Him with a reverent smile. It is quite touching to see Love delivered in this way.
So, when you see this shining star whizzing by and smiling your way … and
she will… please honor her with a return smile and the love she deserves.
Pat Karem-Gramig
Note: Next month’s Newsletter there will be another timeless star that continues to spread their influence with each of us in a very exciting way!
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THE BOOK WORM’S CORNER—Mac McCuen
RELIGIOUS AND INSPIRATIONAL CLASSICS
For those who need inspiration or wish to deepen their understanding of the
faith our Church Library contains a number of popular classics. You will
enjoy and profit from reading these. They are books written in the twentieth
century by well known authors such as, Corrie ten Boom, Billy Graham,
Catherine Marshall, Norman Vincent Peale and Robert Schuller.
Corrie ten Boom grew up in Holland. When World War II began she and
her devout family provided hiding places for Jews being sought by the Nazis. Her book The Hiding Place is her most well known book. In our library
we have a book about her early life before The Hiding Place called In My
Father’s House.
Billy Graham is a well known evangelist whose crusades have converted
thousands of people. Many others have renewed their commitment to Christ
at his crusades. In our library we have his book How to Be Born Again.
C.S. Lewis, known by millions of people for his Chronicles of Narnia, was
a Professor of Medieval literature at Cambridge University in England. He
has written many books helpful to Christians who want to grow in the faith.
In our library we have the following popular books: The Screwtape Letters,
The Problem of Pain, Miracles, Mere Christianity, The Great Divorce,
and the Abolition of Man.
Catherine Marshall was the wife of Dr. Peter Marshall, Chaplain of the U.S.
Senate. In her biography called A Man Called Peter she tells the story of
her late husband‘s life. Also in our library we have her inspirational collection of some of her husband‘s prayers and sermons called Mr. Jones, Meet
the Master.
Norman Vincent Peale is another great preacher and writer whose books
have sold millions of copies. He was minister of the Marble Collegiate
Church on Fifth Avenue in New York City. His most famous work The
Power of Positive Thinking is found in our Church Library. Also available
are The Positive Power of Jesus Christ and Positive Thinking for a Time
Like This.
We conclude this column with another famous name: Robert Schuller.
Schuller began his ministry with a drive in church which grew into the famous Crystal Cathedral in California. We have his Move Ahead With Possibility Thinking as well as two other popular works: Turning Your Stress
into Strength and The Be (happy) Attitudes.
If you are looking for inspiration for life, I strongly recommend you begin
to read these ―popular classics‖ which are available in our Church Library.
I have placed them on the display shelf on your left as you enter the Church
Library. Go to the far end of the book cases toward the windows to find
them. Hurry! First come, first served!
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THE VOICE
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THIRD LUTHERAN
NOVEMBER BIRTHDAYS
November 2nd
Mac McCuen
November 7th
Eleanor Burkholder
November 8th
Beth Beres
November 21st
John Featherstone
November 22nd
Ken Durham
November 24th
Wes Ziege
Youth and Children’s
Sunday School Schedule
All classes begin at 9:30am.
The Youth class is for 6th – 12th grade
Children‘s Class is for K – 5th grade
1st Sunday
Both Youth and Children‘s groups will attend Music
2nd Sunday
YOUTH – Java Brewing Co
rd
3 Sunday
YOUTH - TLC
4th Sunday
YOUTH – Java Brewing Co. CHILDREN @ TLC
th
5 Sunday
Youth lead Children‘s Sunday School
Location
YOUTH
Leader
CHIDREN
Leader
1st
TLC
MUSIC
MUSIC
November
2nd
Java Brewing Co.
Grace
Beth
November
3rd
TLC
Steven
Jeanne
November
4th
Java Brewing Co.
Grace
Jeanne
Date
Sunday #
November
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(502) 896-6383
Email:
3rd [email protected]
Website: www.thirdlutheranchurch.org
Please Join Us On Sunday
9:30 Sunday School - All Ages
10:30 Worship Services
All are welcome at Third Lutheran Church regardless of gender,
race, age, cultural background, sexual orientation, or any other condition or category
WE WELCOME EVERYONE INTO GOD’S HOUSE
Everyone needs a little TLC