The Christian and Politics
Transcription
The Christian and Politics
S66 W14325 JANESVILLE RD • MUSKEGO WI 53150 • WELS • 414.422.0320 • WWW.STPAULMUSKEGO.ORG The Christian and Politics Worship for July 7-9, 2012 Bells and Welcome Hymn 558 Christ High-Ascended Stand M The grace of our Lord † Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you. C And also with you. M God invites us to come into his presence and worship him with humble and penitent hearts. Therefore, let us acknowledge our sinfulness and ask him to forgive us. C Holy and merciful Father, I confess that I am by nature sinful, and that I have disobeyed you in my thoughts, words, and actions. I have done what is evil and failed to do what is good. For this I deserve your punishment both now and in eternity. But I am truly sorry for my sins, and trusting in my Savior Jesus Christ, I pray: Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner. M God, our heavenly Father, has been merciful to us and has given his only Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. Therefore, as a called servant of Christ and by his authority, I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the Son † and of the Holy Spirit. C Amen. M For all that we need in life and for the wisdom to use all your gifts with gratitude and joy, hear our prayer, O Lord. | Page 1 | M For the steadfast assurance that nothing can separate us from your love and for the courage to stand firm against the assaults of Satan and every evil, hear our prayer, O Christ. M For the well-being of your holy Church in all the world and for those who offer here their worship and praise, hear our prayer, O Lord. M Merciful God, maker and preserver of life, uphold us by your power and keep us in your tender care: M The works of the Lord are great and glorious; his name is worthy of praise. | Page 2 | Prayer of the Day M Let us pray. Heavenly Father, we thank you for the freedom we have in this country to stand up for and make our beliefs known. C Help us seize every opportunity to make an impact. M Yet our most important mission in this world is sharing your gospel love in Christ. C As we seek to live out your love in our lives, help us remember that our main goal is to change hearts for eternity. M We pray through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord. He lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Be seated First Lesson Romans 13:1-7, Bible page 1123 Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities. | Page 3 | Verse of the Day C Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! These words are written that we believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Stand Gospel Matthew 22:15-22, Bible page 979 Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s. After the reading of the Gospel, the congregation sings: Be seated Hymn of the Day 561 Lord, Speak to Us that we May Speak Sermon Romans 13:1-7, Bible page 1123 Pastor Peter Panitzke “Church and State: The Christian and Politics” Stand Nicene Creed We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that ` is, seen and unseen. We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one being with the Father. Through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation, he came down from heaven, was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the virgin Mary, and became fully human. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate. He suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who in unity with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets. We believe in one holy Christian and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen. Be seated | Page 4 | Offering Offertory Sunday………………..……………...…………….Chris Joch The Prayer of the Church Stand Lord’s Prayer Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen. The Sacrament M The Lord be with you. M Lift up your hearts. M Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. M Praise to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In love he has blessed us with every spiritual blessing. He sends the Holy Spirit to testify that we are his children and to strengthen us when we are weak. Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ. To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and thanks and honor and glory forever and ever. | Page 5 | Holy, Holy, Holy Words of Institution M The peace of the Lord be with you always. O Christ, Lamb of God | Page 6 | Be seated Distribution of the Sacrament Please see Communion note on page 9. Distribution Hymns 405 452 Oh, for a Faith that Will Not Shrink Let Us Ever Walk with Jesus Stand Thank the Lord Closing Prayer M Lord Jesus, through your death and resurrection, through your body and blood poured out for us, C you have opened the way for us to approach you with freedom and confidence. M And yet this blessing is not for us alone. C This salvation is for all whom you will call. | Page 7 | M Fill our hearts now C as we go out into the world and share your love in all we think, do, and say. M We bless you now and evermore. Benediction M Brothers and sisters, go in peace. Live in harmony with one another. Serve the Lord with gladness. The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you. The Lord look on you with favor and † give you peace. Be seated Announcements Dismissal Presiding Minister Pastor John Backus (Sunday 8:00 am) Organist Chris Joch (Saturday and Sunday) Carol Nelson (Monday) Our vision is that by every possible means we bring every person in our area of influence closer to Christ through regular worship, the core curriculum, small groups, and serving together. | Page 8 | WEEKLY CALENDAR For the week of July 8, 2012 MON 7:00 pm Traditional Worship Service with Holy Communion TUE 8:30 am 7:00 pm Ministerial Team Meeting Second Connection Bible Study THURS 6:30 am Sunrise Bible Study SAT 8:00 am 6:00 pm Men’s Breakfast and Bible Study Traditional Worship Service SUN 8:00 am 9:30 am 9:30 am 11:00 am Traditional Worship Service Traditional Worship Service Spiritual Growth Hour Contemporary Worship Service Our Communion Practice The Lord’s Supper is a fellowship meal. In this meal Jesus expresses his fellowship with us by giving us his body and blood for the forgiveness of sins. In this meal we also express our fellowship with each other, that is, that we are united in a common confession of faith. We at St. Paul’s want everyone to enjoy this fellowship meal. However, we cannot ask someone to express agreement with us until we give that person an opportunity to discover what we teach. That is why we schedule frequent Second Connection Classes to provide an overview of our teachings. Please ask one of our pastors for the date when the next class begins. If you are a member of St. Paul’s or a member of a WELS or ELS congregation, we invite you to express our common confession by communing with us. You may wish to use the “Personal Preparation for Holy Communion” on page 156 of Christian Worship to examine yourself. Please register your intent to commune as a member or guest by filling out the Connection Card and placing it in the offering plate. The light colored cups in the center of the individual cut tray contain non-alcoholic wine. If you need a gluten-free wafer, please inform one of the pastors before the service. The first pew in the right center section is reserved for those who have difficulty approaching the Communion rail. | Page 9 | MINI-MESSENGER LAST WEEKS ATTENDANCE 927 people attended last week’s worship services. HOSPITALIZED Roland Haut and Vic Kurer are at New Berlin Linden Grove, Cathy Beyer is at Froedtert, and Dan Elwing is at Waukesha Memorial. Namine Eiche has been discharged from the hospital. Madison Carol Van Bortel was born to John and Becky Van Bortel on July 3 at St. Josephs hospital and both are released SPECIAL PRAYERS Please keep the following individuals in your prayers: JJ Blonien, Carlene Boldt, Wayne Boldt, Dorothy Bucholtz, Ken Dibb, Marlene Drumel, Larry Guhr, Jocelyn Hanson, Tony Kain, Dan Kuszewski, Vernon Moths, John Ross, Elizabeth Schenkel, Martin Schulz, Jean Sells, Sally Singsheim, Caden and Dalton Stark, Phil Tutkowski, Wayne Weber, Robert Witte, Jr., and Wade Witzlsteiner. MY ST PAUL’S There will be assistance beginning July 8 and every Sunday after that in July to help log you on to "my St. Paul's." The training will be in the Trinity Café after every service on Sundays. Free donuts! See you there. CALENDAR The July church calendar is available at the Welcome Center and on My St. Paul’s “Churchwide Calendar.” FALL BAZAAR The Dorcas Society invites personal or business donations of crafts or product for the October 20 Bazaar. Items donated for a Silent Auction will be displayed in the Grace Room weeks before the Bazaar with bid sheets stating the donor and full value. Anyone interested in making a donation should contact Jean Rozek at 414-422-1564 or Sylvia Wilm at 262-679-2153. With the proceeds from last year’s Bazaar, plus Thrivent matching funds of $1,600.00, the Dorcas Society made donations this year as follows: $1,500 to Missionary John Holtz (Africa) $1,000 to East Fork Lutheran School $ 400 to Central Africa Medical Mission $ 200 to Martin Luther College (Tuition Assistance) $ 300 to WELS Kingdom Workers (Faith in Action program) $ 400 to Time of Grace Ministries $ 200 to English as a Second Language (WELS Home Missions) $ 200 to WLIM (Wisconsin Lutheran Institutional Ministries) $ 400 to WELS Committee on Relief $ 200 to Thoughts of Faith $ 200 to WELS Mission to Visually Impaired $ 200 to WELS Mission to Deaf and Hard of Hearing Total: $ 5,200 We thank God and all those he uses to help us accomplish this ministry. | Page 10 | MINI-MESSENGER WISCONSIN LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL Wisconsin Lutheran High School will be offering a great opportunity for 6-8th grade girls interested in Dance. This program is a great opportunity for girls to develop their dance knowledge and ability, create friendships in a Lutheran environment, and challenge themselves both physically and mentally. This team practices Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings. The girls will be learning 2-3 routines which will be performed at the WLHS varsity football home games. For more information please visit www.WLHS.org and click on the “News From Wisco” link. Feel free to contact Emily Zimmerman 414-801-8051 or [email protected] with any questions. POSITIONS OPEN AT WISCONSIN LUTHERAN COLLEGE The following ministry opportunities are available at Wisconsin Lutheran College: Full-time positions: Admissions Counselor Admissions Office Coordinator Professor of Theatre (called position) Part-time positions: Graphic Production Artist Events and Conferences Assistant Executive Assistant - School of Nursing Administrative Assistant - Pathways to College Job descriptions are posted on the Grace Room bulletin board. WISCONSIN LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL ANNOUNCES CHANGES TO KEY POSITIONS Wisconsin Lutheran High School (WLHS) announces several changes in key leadership positions. Rev. Kenneth Fisher is now the President of the WLHS Conference, Rev. James Kleist is now Executive Director of the WLHS Foundation, and Matthew Bilitz has become Director of Mission Advancement. Additionally, Eric Christophersen, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company, was named Chairman of the WLHS Board of Directors, beginning a two-year term. One further administration mention – along with the title change from "Superintendent" to "President," the Board of Directors also changed St. Paul’s member Randy Fink’s title of "Business Manager" to "Director of Operations." The title more accurately conveys the full scale of activities and operations that Randy oversees. Please remember these WLHS leaders in your prayers. LUTHERAN WOMEN’S MISSIONARY SOCIETY The LWMS convention last week was inspirational as always. Our circuit had about 12-15 members attend. The LWMS website at lwms.org has some quick facts about the convention and video highlights of each day. The LWMS Central Office is having an open house at their new facility on August 24 4:00-7:00 pm. More information is also on the website. The Fall rally is scheduled for Tuesday Oct 23 at Reformation in Genesee Depot | Page 11 | GET INVOLVED SUMMER ACTIVITIES Church Picnic is coming up fast on August 5. If you would enjoy helping with this event, please check out all the different opportunities to serve on the sign-up sheets in the narthex. If you’ve never helped with this event before, serving at the picnic is a great way to get to know others in our church family. Church Picnic fliers are available for you after the service. We will not be sending a postcard to the community this year to invite them, so please take fliers with you and personally invite those who would enjoy this event. Sports Ministry – On Mondays and Thursdays we are still offering Zumba classes from 6:00 -7:00 p.m. and the Walking Club also meets Mondays and Thursdays from 10:00–11:00 a.m. Looking to get in shape or meet new people? Check it out at the Welcome Counter or call Sally Wallner at 414-422-0320, ext. 294. SIGN CHANGER Our St. Paul’s sign in the front of the church as you drive onto our campus is in need of some volunteers. We need some people to help with changing the information on the sign weekly. We are specifically looking for the month of July at this time. If you are available and are interested, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator Kathy Knoop at 414-422-0320, ext. 127, or the church office. VOLUNTEER AT WAUKESHA COUNTY FAIR The WELS churches of Waukesha County are hosting a booth at the county fair. Volunteers work a 2 to 2 1/2 hour shift, handing out balloons, applying temporary tattoos, and handing out WELS church brochures to interested visitors. For your service, you will receive a free ticket to the fair. Our booth is located in the air conditioned Expo Center. The fair runs from July18 thru July 22. We need volunteers from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm. To volunteer or support financially contact Al Zipp by July 10 at 262-650-6597 or [email protected]. May God bless your time, talents, and treasures! GREETERS Greeters this week are Helen Lynch at 8:00 am, Carolyn Bourdo 9:30 am, and Tom and Kathy Wentland at 11:00 am. Greeters next week are Marv and Gloria Pellman at 8:00 am, Mel and Nancy Rindfleisch at 9:30 am, and Matt Chapman and Amy Robinson at 11:00 am. If you are interested in greeting, please contact Andrea Parnau at 920-210-2068 or stop by the volunteer kiosk. DORCAS SOCIETY Attention Dorcas Members-There is a work afternoon scheduled for Tuesday, July 17, 12:00 pm in the old Church basement. PLAY ‘N CHAT Play ‘n Chat is a fun new group at St. Paul’s for small children and infants to play and for moms to socialize. The next Play ‘n Chat is July 11 9:00-11:00 am at St. Paul’s playground and Trinity Café. Additional information is at the Welcome Center. | Page 12 | STEPHEN BAUTISTA AT ST. PAUL’S—JULY 14-16 In a world gone soft, he asks the hard questions: Am I really that much different at all than the man who drove the nail? In a world where depression darkens too many faces, he lifts the veil: And I praise you; it’s what Creation compels me to do. In a world too focused on self, he seeks to be more than that: I want there to be less of me, and more of you. The walk of the common Christian is not easy, and contemporary Christian musician Stephen Bautista understands that. He has stumbled, fallen, and struggled back up, only to stumble again. He writes his story of pain and forgiveness into his songs, throwing off the conventional notions that Christians somehow walk an easy path, immune to the troubles of a dark world. He shares with the common man the reality that life, even life as a Christian, can be difficult, lonely, and frightening. People make wrong choices, falter, and fail, but the love of Christ sustains and forgives. It is with this message that he seeks to enlighten the lost and encourage the found through his music. Bautista’s music mission began in 2007 with the release of his first Nashville-produced CD, Abandon. Abandon is a collection of songs illustrating the beauty and intricacies of this unlikely relationship between a troubled man and a perfect God. Now Stephen Bautista is once again working with veteran Nashville producer Eric Copeland of Creative Soul Records on his second album of eleven original songs. Currently about halfway through production, the album features the musical talents of many Nashville greats, including Scott Dente, Ken Lewis, and Mark Baldwin, among others. Stephen’s second album is a call to all Christians to remember their God-given mission in this life–to gently and humbly spread the Gospel to a hurting world. It also tells of the love of Christ intended for all men, including the lonely, the scared, and those whom society would deem less than worthy. Bautista shares a message sorely needed in a dark and frightened world. Stephen Bautista tours throughout the southwest United States and occasionally across the country with his wife and six homeschooled children. His live performances are sometimes acoustic, moving audiences with smooth vocals and skillful guitar-playing. At other times he sings with backing tracks, and, on rare occasion, the accompaniment of a fellow musician. If I can lead even one soul to Christ,” Bautista states, “then this whole crazy ride has been worth it.” Stephen will be leading worship at St. Paul’s in all services the weekend of July 14-16. A free-will offering will be taken to support his ministry. Multimedia Ministry TV: Time of Grace, Sundays at 7:30 am on CBS 58, Thursdays at 9:00 am on ION 55, and Fridays at 1:00 am on NBC 4, St. Paul’s Church Service , Fridays at 10:00 am on Muskego Cable 14. Radio: Lutheran Radio Church Service, Sundays at 7:00 am on JOY1340 AM Online: Streaming video sermons on St. Paul’s website: www.stpaulmuskego.org | Page 13 | BIBLE CLASSES A STUDY ON BIBLE TRANSLATION………….………..……….……GRACE ROOM, SUNDAY, 9:30 AM “Pastor, why are they changing God’s Word?” Have you heard this question? Have you wondered it as you’ve seen more new translations hit the shelves at your local bookstore than you can keep track of? Have you asked it as you’ve heard about the 2011 revision of the NIV Bible? How can all these translations be so different and yet be God’s Word? Can we even be sure we know what God’s Word says anymore? During the month of July, the St. Paul's pastoral staff will be leading a series of Bible study sessions that explore how the Bible translation process works. The four-sessions will address the following topics: Which Bible translation is the true Word of God? Understanding the challenges of translations The problem with language How to choose a translation 2ND CONNECTION: CONNECT TO CHRIST’S CHURCH……….…….... FAITH ROOM, SUNDAY, 9:30 AM FAITH ROOM, TUESDAY, 7:00 PM This course is a 14-week overview of the Bible’s teachings about creation, salvation, end of the world, the sacraments, and other topics. It is designed for those interested in membership at St. Paul’s or members wanting a great “refresher” course. One recent participant wrote: “Have questions? They will be answered here!” Childcare is available for both times. Register and indicate the need for childcare with Lynn Scheff at [email protected] or 414-422-0320, ext. 128. SUNRISE BIBLE STUDY ….…….………………………..…..….……GRACE ROOM, THURSDAY, 6:30 AM MEN’S BREAKFAST BIBLE STUDY …………..……………...…...….GRACE ROOM, SATURDAY, 8:00 AM CURRENT WORSHIP SERIES JULY 14-16: The Christian, Militancy, and War Can a Christian be a soldier and kill someone? God has established the government to protect people. Because we live in a sinful world, there will be war. God has given the government the authority to wage a just war to protect its people when necessary. JULY 21-23: The Christian and Social Justice Does God want his people helping those who are less fortunate? Absolutely! God’s heart goes out to the widowed and the orphans. And yet we must always remember that the most important work we do in this world is helping people find Jesus. We must learn to do one without neglecting the other. | Page 14 | A PRAYER FOR OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN MALAWI Two weekends ago, Missionary John Holtz gave a presentation in the Grace Room on the joys and challenges our Christians brothers and sisters face in Malawi. After the presentation, those who attended were given the opportunity to respond by sharing prayer requests for the people and the church in Malawi. Those prayer requests are displayed near the coffee counter in the narthex. Below is the prayer Missionary Holtz wrote combining those prayer requests. We will pray this prayer as a church this Sunday. Dear Father in heaven, You gave us an opportunity to learn more about the people in the country of Malawi. The proverbs of the Chewa and Tumbuka tribes gave us a glimpse into the intriguing culture of the Malawians. We noticed how important proverbs are to them. Especially highlighted for us were all the proverbs which stressed the importance of showing of respect. To our shame, it seems that that is a rare commodity here in our own culture; forgive us when we fail to respect one another; forgive all those in Malawi who misuse it and take personal advantage of it. Give us all a daily dose of the Holy Spirit so that the One we come to respect above all else is you and your Holy Word! Open our eyes to see our own sin and the world’s Savior! Lord Jesus motivate the Malawian pastors to spread your word with joy and urgency; give them courage to act on what they know they need to do; empower them to live as you say to live, teach them to be true leaders to their congregations; Equip all called workers – in Malawi and the USA to be godly in all their daily shepherding of your Sheep; help the Malawians to fight temptations which are so common to them: temptations to steal, to misuse donated funds, to marry 2nd wives, to turn a blind eye to sin. Elevating your word above their culture does not come easy for them. They are so used to using and relying on their own proverbs more so than depending upon your word for the source of true wisdom. What a danger to overlook the wisdom that comes only through Jesus, our Lord and Savior. Bless all of our missionaries as they work among all the various people who are not of their own culture. Give them strength to keep up the work, proclaiming the gospel and defending the faith. Give them good health, contentment, discipline and thankful hearts. Sink our roots deep into the bedrock of your solid, grace-grounded promises. Nourish us and grow our faith. Hold the cross and it’s message before our eyes so that we see what you have done for us hear what you say to us, and believe that what you have written in your word indeed is true. Special prayers and intercessions will follow. | Page 15 | CHURCH AND STATE: THE CHRISTIAN AND POLITICS Romans 13:1-7, page 1123 Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances (First Amendment). The Church The State Established by ______ Established by ________ Purpose: ____________________________ Purpose: ____________________________ Tool: _______________________________ Tool: _______________________________ Primary concern: _____________________ Primary concern: _____________________ Truth determined by: __________________ Truth determined by: __________________ Applying these Truths to: Marriage Abortion Education “Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also the interests of others” (Philippians 2:4). MY NEXT STEPS First time visitor? Stop by the Welcome Center to receive a thank-you gift. Get involved! Stop by Volunteer Central to help out at the church picnic. Read Civil Government: God’s Other Kingdom available for purchase at the Welcome Center. Memorize: “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God” (Romans 13:1). | Page 16 |