Concordia Lutheran School
2300 Wilshire Road
Springfield, Illinois 62703
September 2009 Concordia Cares
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Pastor Hennig Message
Pastor Koschmann Message
School Message - Pam Bellotte
Calendar
Scripture Lessons
Altar Guild Schedule
Elder Schedule
Usher Schedule
Acolyte Schedule
Organist Schedule
Parish News
Birthdays and Anniversaries
Lutheran High School News
Lutheran Community News
The following is a listing of the scripture lessons for the Worship Services
for the month of September. This list is provided so that you may have the opportunity to
reflect on the scripture passages in preparation for the Worship Services.
Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost
September 6, 2009
Isaiah 35:4-7a Psalm 146
James 2:1-10, 14-18 Mark 7: (24-30)31-37
Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecsot
September 13, 2009
Isaiah 50:4-10 Psalm 116:1-9
James 3:1-12 Mark 9:14-29
Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost
September 20, 2009
Jeremiah 11:18-20 Psalm 54
James 3:13-4:10 Mark 9:30-37
Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost
September 27, 2009
Number 11:4-6, 10-16, Psalm 104:27-35
James 5:1-12 Mark 9:38-50
ALTAR GUILD SCHEDULE
6th Vicki J.
12th Jeannine M.
20th Mary S.
26th Pam W.
ELDER SCHEDULE
5th Mark L. 6th Jeff L.
12th Mark L. 13th Bill S.
19th Mike B. 20th Jeff L.
26th Buddy N. 27th Bob M.
Usher Schedule - September
The usher team for September will be:
Dan Henschen, Ernesto B.,
Matt S., Tom D. And Bill O.**********************************************************
ACOLYTE SCHEDULE
5th Cassie W. 6th Jacob L.
12th 13th Hanna W.
19th 20th Kyle D.
26th Patricia T. 27th Nathan W.
ORGANISTS
5th Sally C. 6th
12th Sally C. 13th Amy R.
19th Sally C. 20th Amy R.
26th Connie K. 27th Amy R.
PARISH NEWS
Death 07/06/09 Sarah J. "Peg" A. - Funeral July 10, 2009 at Concordia
07/08/09 Marjorie L. F. - Funeral July 12, 2009 at Concordia
07/31/09 Frances L. Dyer - Funeral August 4, 2009 at Staab Funeral Home
COLLEGE STUDENTS:
Please notify the church office of your new college address. Please call the church office at 529-3307. Also you may connect with your campus church at www.lcmscampus.org
THE BEST PREPARATION FOR TOMORROW
IS TO WORK
SMART AND HARD TODAY.
"Commit to the Lord whatever you
do, and your plans will succeed"
(Proverbs 16:3).
Discipleship Report for August 2009
Date / Worship / Gen. Fund Receipts
August 2nd / 66 + 118 = 184 / $ 8,514.98
August 9th / 48 + 88 = 136 / $ 5,867.15
August 16th / 48
+ 121 = 169 / $ 5,837.99
August 23rd / 71 + 123 = 194 / $ 9,758.75
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"On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income . . ."
(1 Corinthians 16:2).
God asks that His people give to Him weekly in proportion to what they receive. Thank you for your continued support of God’s work here at Concordia. Because of summer trips and activities, many individuals and families have been absent from church during the summer. If you are among those who have been away, please prayerfully consider bringing your financial commitment up-to-date. May God continue to bless you as share your blessings with Him and others.
The Exalted State of Servanthood
Martin Luther, the author of the Reformation which we celebrate the end of October, wrote, "A Christian is a perfectly free lord of all, subject to none. A Christian is a perfectly dutiful servant of all, subject to all."
Perhaps those two sentences appear at first to be contradictory. What Luther was trying to help us understand is that we, as Christians, are called to freedom from an obligation to serve, but that we are called to the freedom to serve joyfully.
This call to joyful servanthood is understood and often scoffed at, simply because we have confused servanthood with servitude. Servitude conveys the idea of bondage and even slavery. Servanthood, on the other hand, connotes voluntary service, joyful giving of ourselves, a willing choice to help others, and selfless commitment.
One who is involved in servitude serves unwillingly out of a sense of fear and has no hope of entering into a different state, while one involved in servanthood lives in an exalted state, a healthy and uplifting climate of helping others. Even though challenges must be overcome and problems may abound, the joy of servanthood is the overriding experience.
How do we get from a state of servitude to a state of servanthood? This transition is made when we properly understand the Word of God which clearly defines servanthood by explaining Christ’s purpose in coming to Earth: " . . . the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many" (Matthew 20:28). Jesus has lived the perfect life of the servant in our places, so we no longer are constrained to try to "measure up" to what God expects. The Law never saves, never enables us, only shows us our shortcomings.
When we look at Christ, though, and how He lived His earthly life and what He has done for us, we are freed to respond with heartfelt, sincere, loving service to those He has placed around us. The acts of service we render are the same; the motivation and attitude are what make the difference. Through Christ, we are elevated to the exalted state of servanthood.
CHURCH BROKEN INTO BY THIEF!
…A thief has been at work for some time and has done considerable damage. WHAT WAS STOLEN? Over half of the members missing from worship every Sunday except on Easter. Many girls and boys are missing from Sunday School and even more adults missing from Bible class. And, many have been robbed of the joy of the Divine Service and working together with their fallow members. Oh, yes, a lot of stealing going on in the church!
Who is the thief? By the evidence he has left, we have determined his identity as the devil, the world and sinful flesh, (usually referred to as the unholy trinity). This criminal has stolen a portion of our spiritual power – deprived us of the Heavenly Father of the opportunity to bless us with His grace – stolen many precious lambs from the flock of the Good Shepherd.
How does this thief operate? HE STARTS IN THE HOMES OF MEMBERS OF THE CONGREGATION. He offers them many excuses for not worshipping. He convinces them that other things are more important than precious time with the Lord and other members of the household of faith. He steals Loyalty to God, faithfulness in worship, steadfastness of service, joy in giving, and love for the Lord Jesus Christ who laid down His life for all mankind.
"Beware of this thief!" He works slyly and cunningly. He may be lurking nearby determined to steal more precious blood-bought souls. No insurance company can cover the damage he does. No law enforcement can keep him captive. So beware that the thief doesn’t break in on you and your loved ones.
What can you do to keep this thief away? Recall again what the blessed Savior has done for you; what His love for you demanded of Him. Think about the precious blessings of forgiveness and the assurance of eternal life that the thief is endeavoring to steal from you and your loved ones. With Christ’s help, together with your family, take time for the Lord in worship, in prayer, in private and family devotions, in sharing the fellowship of members of the family of faith. No question about it, this takes a lot of discipline and determination, but in the strength of the Lord it is possible and you will never, ever have regrets.
Therefore, for the sake of precious blood-bought souls, in the love and strength of the Lord, all of our members are encouraged to seek the help of our Savior to stop the soul-stealing thief.
Then here will I and mine today,
A solemn cov’nant make and say:
Though all the world forsake His Word,
My house and I will serve the Lord.
LW 467:4
¯
A MUSIC NOTE¯With the school year underway I thought it might be fitting to give the background on perhaps the most "popular" hymn taught to children – "Jesus Loves Me." Written by sisters Anna and Susan Warner, "Jesus Loves Me" was never intended to be sung. Instead it was written as a poem spoken by a young Sunday school teacher in their novel, Say and Seal, which was the number two best-seller of its day – just behind Uncle Tom’s Cabin.
Anna and Susan Warner lived in New York near the West Point Military Academy . They were themselves well-known for the Sunday school classes they would conduct for the cadets. They were the only civilians ever buried with full military honors in the West Point Military Academy Cemetery , in recognition of their years of spiritual service to the young West Point officers.
Dr. William Bradbury set "Jesus Loves Me" to music and added the chorus lines in 1861. He is also famous for the melodies he wrote to "Sweet Hour of Prayer" and "Just As I Am." Here is the complete text of "Jesus Loves Me."
Jesus loves me! This I know, For the Bible tells me so.
Little ones to Him belong; They are weak but He is strong.
Jesus loves me! This I know, As He loved so long ago,
Taking children on His knee, Saying "Let them come to Me."
Jesus loves me still today, Walking with me on my way,
Wanting as a friend to give Light and love to all who live.
Jesus loves me! He who died Heaven’s gate to open wide;
He will wash away my sin, Let His little child come in.
Jesus loves me! He will stay Close beside me all the way;
Thou hast bled and died for me, I will henceforth live for Thee.
What a wonderful gift we have been given through Jesus’ death and resurrection! May each of us share His love in word, deed, and song.
-Denise Hennig, Music Director
*A simple reminder that our church choir will have its first practice of the season on Wednesday, September 2 at 7:00 p.m. I am also looking for new members to help with the Adult Bell Choir.
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Voting members of Concordia are important! Our next congregational voters’ meeting is September 22nd. Our congregation wants and needs its members to assist in making decisions for the congregation. Many of our members are not currently voting members and we would like you to join us. To be a voting member, the constitution requires that you be 18 years old and a member of the church. You sign the constitution at a regular meeting (like at the September 22 meeting) and are eligible to vote at the next meeting (in January). If you are not sure if you are a voting member, phone the church office (529-3307) and ask. Just a reminder to voting members that you need to attend at least one regular voters meeting every 2 years to maintain your voting status.
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LADIES AID—
Our regular monthly meetings will resume on September 15, 2009.LWML
– At the August 6th meeting we welcomed as our guest speaker Pam Spilker, Zone president of LWML. She shared with us information about the LWML and told us of a number of upcoming Zone and District events. Our next meeting will be held at 6:30 pm on September 17th. We encourage the ladies of Concordia to join us for a time of Christian growth, service and fellowship.
JOIN US AT LUNCH BUNCH
We invite everyone to join us on the first and third Friday of each month. We meet at 1:00 at a different restaurant each time. The sign-up sheet is located on the table in the Narthex, and we encourage all of you to sign up if you want to attend. We have a great time and make everyone feel welcome. After we eat, we have a short devotion by one of our pastors.
Sept. 4th MCL Sept. 18th ChesapeakeWEDNESDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY – meets each Wednesday morning at 10 am in the Heritage Room.
ADULT INFORMATION CLASS – The class meets Thursday evening at 7 pm. This is a Catechetical Instruction Class for those wishing to know more about Concordia and what we believe, teach, and confess. It is also good for members to review these things as well.
SUNDAY ADULT BIBLE CLASS -We meet in the Heritage Room at 9 am each Sunday morning. Please join us as we study God’s Word together.
PTL
NEWSWe have decided to hold our meetings every other month. A PTL calendar was sent to student families in the summer and is also available on the narthex table.
We are looking for room parents for the school year. If you would like information about being a room parent you can call Vonda @899-0962. PTL Officers: President- Vonda Wiegand - 899-0962;
Both Vice President & Secretary are Vacant; Treasurer - Anna Brockhouse - 787-8729
If you would be interested in filling one of the vacant positions please call Vonda @899-0962.
MR. Z’s
It’s back! The annual Mr. Z’s fundraiser will kick off on Wednesday, September 9th and runs through September 21st. This is a big fall fundraiser with lots of money raised to pay for activities and supplies within our school. Watch for more details in your child’s backpack! For more information or questions, please call Vonda Wiegand at 899-0962.PTL Family Game Night:
will be held on Friday, September 11th in the gym from 6pm-???. Everyone from Church and School is invited for a fun night of board games, cards, fellowship, etc. PTL will provide popcorn and there will be candy and soda for sale in the concession stand. For additional information or questions, please call Vonda Wiegand at 899-0962.Fall Activity Grades K-8 will have an opportunity to get to know each other and enjoy being back together at our Fall Bowling Activity on September 11th. The PTL will pick up the cost of the games for each student. Parents are welcome to come along and enjoy the morning also.
SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAYS
September Birthdays
01: Kyle N.
02: Joshua L., Victor M.
03: Mark S.
04: Elliot J., Breanne S.
08: Haley N., Ashley R.
09: Tina S.
10: Ashley S., Ernest W.
11: Joshua G., Danielle S.
12: Jared N.
13: Hilah W.
15: Julie E.
17: Shirley B., Bobbi H.
19: Vicky D., Paul W.
20: Pauline J., Abigail M.
21: Jessica H., Jacqueline L., Diana T.
22: Cynthia A., Karen L.
24: Jacob G.
26: Brady F., Gabriel H.
27: Bryan C.
28: Skyler D.
29: Celia C., Rodney W. Jr., Renae W.
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SEPTEMBER ANNIVERSARIES
04: Sharon & Larry C. - Loren & Judith C.
05: Jon & Sue E.
06: Sandra & Steve V.
07: Rick & Karen C.
16: Lori & Donnie R.
17: Chris & Gina W.
20: William & Ann S.
26: Lisa & Matthew H.
So who are our shut-ins and what is our response to/for them? Our shut-ins here at Concordia consist of those who are, due to any number of reasons from age to health, unable to get out of the house or nursing home for worship or activities. They are a part of our Concordia family and we would be well encouraged to keep them continually in our prayers and perhaps even send a card, letter, or make a phone call or a visit to say we care and you are not forgotten. Share God’s peace with them. Call the church for more information.
LUTHERAN
HIGH NEWSFrom the Ledger
August 13, 2009Welcome to the 2009-2010 Academic School Year!
The theme for the 2009-2010 School Year is:
"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer."
Romans 12:12
The Lutheran High School Website is:
WWW.lutheranhs.pvt.k12.il.us
DINNER TO BE PRESENTED BY FOUNDATION FOR EXCELLENCE - The memories of the attack on the World Trade Center in 2001 is still fresh in our minds. Rev. Bill Wrede, serving at the time as a chaplain to the deaf, found himself on the scene shortly following the attack. For several months he served as the spiritual support in our stead to the rescue and retrieval crews on scene.
Pastor Wrede has a fascinating first hand account of the process and will be with us on September 11 of this year to speak at a dinner
at Trinity's Fellowship Hall at 6:00. Tickets for this dinner are $25 apiece and support the Foundation For Excellence which presents this evening to increase its visibility in the community and encourage more support of its programs.Please reply to this email or call Mr. Fischer at 546 6363, ext 120, or Michelle Cox at 113 to reserve your tickets today. Seating is limited.
LUTHERAN COMMUNITY NEWS
BIBLE STUDY/RETREAT – at Camp CILCA from 9 A.M. – 3:30 P.M. on September 12, 2009.
The speaker will be Rev. Dr. Robert Weise, professor at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. "Celling Your Self" or Stemming the Tide" (Christians Facing the Brave New World of Cloning and Stem Cell Research) Slides, movies and group discussions will structure our basic Christian thinking to these critical issues. Registration fee is $16 which includes lunch. Send fee by Sept. 8th to Danny Magelitz, 202 Locust St., Meredosia, IL 62665. (Sponsored by the CID Lutheran Laymen’s League.
Lutheran Marriage Encounter : October 16-18, 2009
Are you exercising and dieting, jogging, swimming and playing tennis to stay fit and trim? What are you doing to keep your marriage in good shape? Why not try a Lutheran Marriage Encounter Weekend? The next weekend will be held in Peoria, Illinois. The registration deadline is September 16th. Registrations after that date will be on a space available basis. For further information call Dan &Charlotte Ricks at 1-309-682-7273 or
www.godlovesmarriage.org.