| Rev. Michael Nirva, Senior Pastor 1000 Seventh Avenue PO Box 680 Howard Lake, MN 55349 |
Phone: 320-543-2766 Dial-A-Devotion: 320-543-3535 E-mail: Copyright © 2008 |
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NewsletterKeeping Our Hope
on Jesus Christ
The Word of the Lord: Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In His great mercy he has given us a new hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade --kept in heaven for you. I Peter 1:3-4.
Often we feel helpless in our daily lives. We feel helpless and forsaken when we lose a good friend, and we cry at the funeral. We feel helpless when troubles come from out of nowhere. Disaster may come in the form of a crisis in our personal life, an illness, a financial problem, or a family problem. Life has its cares and concerns.
St. Peter, writing under the
inspiration of the Holy Spirit, has a good word for us today as we struggle with life: "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. In His great mercy He has given us a new hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil, or fade--kept in heaven for you." I Peter 1:3-4. St. Peter in effect is saying: "Keep your hopes on Christ." We have a Savior who loves us. The Apostle lived at a time when Christians were enduring persecutions. Peter reminds these early Christians that they have hope based on Christ's resurrection.
We also have hope. We have the Lord Jesus Christ, who died for our sins and arose from the dead to give us eternal life. As we struggle helplessly with seemingly hopeless situations in life, we have hope. We have Jesus Christ. We have a beautiful life reserved for us in heaven. We are kept by the power of the cross.
Christ is on our side. He gives us power. In moments of doubt and desperation, in moments filled with fear, we can cast all our cares upon Jesus. We can thank our great and good God for all of His bountiful blessings, both physical and spiritual. We can look to the mighty hand of God as giving a multitude of divine gifts.
Someone might say, "I cannot get rid of my worries. Those things that trouble me are real and serious and they concern my loved ones so intimately that I cannot shake them off as they are trivial and of little consequence." God is not asking you to shake them off as a dog shakes water off his back, as though your cares were no more serious than that. God is asking that you, His Child, take the things that agitate your spirit, that cause you sleepless nights and worrisome days, to take them to the Lord. God is your loving Father, and you are His Children. Jesus will never turn His Children away in their time of need.
The cure for anxiety is a faith which turns life over to God. That kind of faith is a gracious gift received by the Holy Spirit. It becomes a process to be repeated throughout life. A good part of the secret is the way we look at a troubling situation: will we look at what we need, or at the one supplying all our needs. The heart that is filled with Christ, that believes in God's grace and
salvation will find rest from the cares and worries of the world. Since, our eternity is assured by a loving
God, we can certainly count on Jesus and His provident care in our everyday lives.
We can face life, even when we find ourselves in tense and tough circumstances. Christ will give us power to cope with what happens on earth, and in the end we will have the gift of heaven. We cannot but exclaim with Peter, "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ."Let Christ be the joy of your heart and your portion forever, and you will not be disappointed. May it be so in every Christian’s heart. Amen.
Pastor Nirva
our church records
Church Attendance
Wednesday, June 25 18
Sunday, June 29 138 & 156
Wednesday, July 2 42
Sunday, July 6 124 & 113
Wednesday, July 9 16
Sunday, July 13 135 & 105
Wednesday, July 16 21
Sunday, July 20 147 & 123
Wednesday, July 23 18
Sunday, July 27 126 & 102
Wednesday, July 30 18
Sunday, August 3 131 & 126
Wednesday, August 6 26
Sunday, August 10 145 & 145
Wednesday, August 13 16
Sunday, August 17 168 & 246
Wednesday, August 20 15
Sunday, August 24 145 & 148
Communion Attendance
Wednesday, July 2 36
Sunday, July 6 109
Sunday, July 13 76
Sunday, July 20 119
Sunday, July 27 87
Sunday, August 3 113
Wednesday, August 6 25
Sunday, August 10 72
Sunday, August 17 93
Sunday, August 24 79
Baptisms
Alaina Jade Koch, infant daughter of Todd and Ashely Koch on August 24, 2008 by Pastor Nirva.
Aubrey Rose Marketon, infant daughter of Bryon and Julie Marketon on August 3, 2008 by Pastor Nirva.
Lincoln Kelly Schlagel infant son of Neil and Susan Schlagel on July 20, 2008 by Pastor Nirva.
Madison Jo Graczyk infant daughter of Joey and Stephanie Graczyk on July 6, 2008 by Pastor Nirva.
Marriages
Adam Koch and Beth Stueven on July 12, 2008 by Pastor Nirva.
Jason Gullickson and Amber Uecker on July 26, 2008 by Pastor Gerald Bolt (of St. John’s, Winsted).
Adam Stueven and April Johnson on August 2, 2008 by Pastor Nirva.
Funeral
Leonard G. Pawelk on August 9, 2008. He had died on August 5, 2008 at the age of 59 years, 5 months and 15 days and was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, Winsted, Minnesota.
Transfer Out
Sharon (Sherry) Johnson to St. Peter’s Lutheran, Watertown, Minnesota
***scripture Quiz***
(answers below)
1. Who broke the stone tablets on which the Ten Commandments were written?
2. Fill in the blank in Jesus’ sentence with one word: “No man cometh unto the Father except by ______.”
3. Fill in the following blank with one word: “Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is ______ he will not depart from it.”
4. How many fish did Jesus use to feed over 5,000 people?
5. What relative was Martha of Lazarus?
6. Which apostle of Jesus was healed of blindness by Ananias?
7. Contact with what prophet’s bones once raised a man from the dead?
Answers: 1. Moses (Exodus 32:19) 2. Me (John 14:6). 3. Old (Proverbs 22:6). 4. 2 (Matthew 14:19) 5. Martha was Lazarus’ sister (John 11:1-2). 6. Paul (Matthew 25:34). 7. Elisha (II Kings 13:21).
Lutheran Women's Missionary League
Our August meeting began with devotions by Janice Schoenfeld. Lois Engel gave us some tips on flower arranging. Janice also gave a report on the convention. We were happy to have Lisa Johnson (Pastor Nirva's fiancée) at our meeting.
Our night was spent working on things to sell at the "country store" at our LWML dinner on September 28. We hope many of you will come and check out all of the "goodies" and also enjoy the delicious chicken dinner. Our profits are used for missions. We hope many more ladies will join us at our meetings the first Monday of the month.
Serve the Lord with gladness
Birthday blessings to the following St. James Senior members in September: Lester Strohschein (2), Janice Major (4), Dorothy Maynard (8), Jeanne Glessing (9), Dolores Tyson (11), Vernon Yager (16), Lyla Lutter (21), Lois Kratochwill, Mel Buttenhoff and Eva Glessing (22).
Teaching
In Matthew 5:2 it says that Jesus “began to teach” his disciples. Jesus gathered with His disciples and a crowd of people on a hillside in Galilee and taught them about the Christian faith. This teaching Jesus delivered has become known as the Sermon on the Mount and is found recorded in Matthew chapters 5-7. Being taught the authoritative Word from Jesus is very important. Teaching was an important aspect for the early believers (See Matthew 5:2; 7:28-29; 28:20; Acts 2:42). The early church used the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) as a primary teaching tool to prepare people for Baptism and their life in the church. In many ways the Sermon on the Mount is a handbook to Christianity. In fact, it has been said that in the early church this sermon was more frequently quoted and referred to more than any other section in Holy Scripture. It was good that the early church spent much time studying these teachings of Jesus and it is good that we as disciples of Jesus spend time today being taught these authoritative words by our Lord.
On Sunday September 14th we will begin a sermon series based upon the Sermon on the Mount. Each week the sermon text will be based upon a section of this sermon. Along with listening to the sermon you can also study these words a little more in depth by using a study guide that will be made available. This study guide will be used in our Adult Bible class and can also be used in your home and in small group studies. I hope that you will take advantage of this series and use this time for spiritual growth as together we will study and discuss these famous words Jesus gave to us.
Before our Lord ascended into the heavens, He said to His disciples: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Sprit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20). Clearly it is the desire of our Lord not only that we are baptized but also that we are taught all that Jesus has commanded us. Our Lord is with us as we study His Word. Through the Word of the Lord we are taught about how we are richly blessed through faith in Jesus as we receive the forgiveness of sins and the kingdom of heaven. As you study the Word of God our Lord Jesus will be with you and will strengthen your faith and enable you to live as salt and light in this world. It is very important that everyone take the time and energy to be taught the words of Jesus. Therefore I hope that this fall you will attend church regularly and participate in Bible study by using this study guide in order to be taught the authoritative words of Jesus. May God bless you as you receive God’s grace through these words of Jesus.
Pastor Schoenfeld
Sunday School News
Sunday School has been well attended this summer. The children have been learning songs and Bible Stories, doing crafts and watching Bible- based videos.
Rally Day is Sunday, September 7. This is the Sunday that all the students move up a class and meet their new teacher. The students will also sing at the beginning of the 10:30 AM service. The teachers have been working on a presentation for the children’s sermons at both Rally Day services.
All children ages 3 to high school are welcome to come to St. James Sunday School every Sunday at 9:15 AM in the school.
Attendance awards have been received by the following students this summer:
15 week certificate-Ethan Langemo, Erikka Langemo, Kalyn Hatcher, Carson Woolhouse, Marisa Graham and Alex Kotila
25 week certificate-Taylor Gabbert, Brody Hatcher, Alex Baumann, Zach Koosman, Casey Diers, and Joe Schendel
Book award-Drew Oestreich, Anna Baumann, Leah Bobrowske, Shelby Gabbert, Kobey Woolhouse and Abby Niesen.
Stewardship
Did you know that September 1 and December 1 are always on the same day of the week? This does not happen with any other months. That may be interesting trivia but there are a number of more important things that make September special. September is a month of new beginnings. Many schools, colleges and universities start new academic years. Congregations start some new activities and resume others that are often put on hold during the summer. In these and other ways September resembles January as a time for a new start.
As God’s stewards we appreciate fresh starts. Since we have full and free forgiveness in Christ from past sins and failures, we can start over with a clean slate and look forward with confidence instead of looking backward with regret. As stewards we are always in process. We are not yet where we should be but, by God’s grace, we are moving in the right direction. St. Paul in Philippians 3:12-14 offers us some outstanding counsel and encouragement with these words: “Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” So, with St. Paul we can say to ourselves and to others:
“PLEASE BE PATIENT, GOD IS NOT FINISHED WITH ME YET!”
How might we make fresh starts as God’s stewards? There are a number of things that we can do to make a difference in our stewardship. We may consider increasing our financial contributions to our church and favorite charities. We may want to volunteer more of our time for helping out in our church and community. We may decide to be more intentional in using our God-given skills and talents in service to benefit others. And the list of ways we can improve our stewardship goes on to include such things as working on our relationships with others, our stewardship of the Gospel [witnessing], proper care for God’s creation and care for our own bodies.
This September, let us resolve to follow this wise counsel from Hebrews 10:24: “Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” And may we practice our Christian living and giving with joy remembering that “Christian stewardship is the free and joyous activity of the child of God and God’s family, the church, in managing all of life and life’s resources for God’s purposes.”
From Our Parish Nurse
While traveling this summer, I was struck by the great numbers of trees we have across many areas of the United States. The evergreens come to a peak at the top and just seem to be pointing to their Creator. How awesome it is to see the magnificent Redwoods and other types of Pines. We also saw forest fires destroying these pines and how quickly areas can change. I was impressed with the wonders of God’s creation and also realized how brief our lives can be and how we need to live each day with our Creator in our lives and minds.
This month I want to give you some information about Heartburn or G.E.R.D. This is Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. This condition occurs when the stomach contents and acid back up into the esophagus, often because the muscle at the end of the esophagus relaxes more than usual. This then causes the burning sensation behind the sternum or breast bone. GERD affects an estimated one out of five Americans and is one of many gastrointestinal conditions. Other conditions are: Ulcers, Irritable Bowel Syndrome(IBS), Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), constipation, diarrhea and Diverticulosis. These conditions can affect your overall health and quality of life and should be taken seriously.
The symptoms of heartburn are: burning sensation behind the breastbone, nausea, belching, or a bloating feeling and possibly a sore throat from the acid reflux (backing up). Often these symptoms can make one think of a heart attack-however, heart attack symptoms are: intense chest pain which may radiate to the neck, jaw, back or arms, breathlessness, fainting, numbness in a limb, sudden nausea and vomiting, cold and clammy feeling and sweating. The heart symptoms need immediate action and should be considered life-threatening.
Although Heartburn is not a major health threat, the pain often can be so intense that it is mistaken for a heart attack.
Simple Heartburn usually can be diagnosed on the symptoms presented. It can be treated with non-prescription antacids. Prevention is the best approach to controlling bouts of Heartburn. Eat small meals, avoid or cut back on aspirin, coffee, tobacco and alcohol. These recommendations are familiar to us - most health care providers will encourage us to do these things generally. Other helps are: avoid wearing tight or constrictive clothing, wait at least two hours after eating to lie down, avoid bending over immediately after a meal and elevate the head of your bed on 4 inch blocks. It also usually helps to limit the amount of deep-fried foods, spices and tomato based foods.
If you cannot experience relief from the symptoms, you will need to see your doctor. Your Health Care Provider will probably order an x-ray of the upper digestive tract to determine if there has been damage to the esophagus or ulcer formation.
Even though GERD is not considered life-threatening it certainly is uncomfortable and annoying. It can be controlled and often will subside with a few preventative actions.
As the fall season fast approaches we need to “shift-gears” and begin the healthiest plan for our lives that is possible. That includes our mental and emotional health- why not help someone you know with a plate of cookies, meals, telephone calls, compliments, or just a smile. Helping others helps more than you can imagine. Jesus washed feet, what can you do for someone?
Watch for the start up of the support group for those with acute or chronic diseases or their care givers. Pastor and I will be looking forward to a great group.
Your Parish Nurse,
Darlene Lind
Youth News
Operation Christmas Child
Operation Christmas Child is just around the corner. The Senior Youth are once again going to collect shoe box gifts. Thinking ahead and taking advantage of the back to school sales is a perfect time. Things such as crayons, pencils, markers, sharpeners, etc. are perfect o put in the shoe boxes. Watch for more details and upcoming collection dates.
School News
“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
I Thessalonians 5:16-18
This verse inspires us for the beginning of the school year. Throughout the year we will be focusing on the petitions of the Lord’s Prayer.
Due to changes made by the Public School, which affect our bussing times, the school day will now begin at 8:00 AM (last year was 8:10). Dismissal time will be 2:40 for bus riders and 2:45 for walkers (last year was 2:55).
School Day:
8:00 AM to 2:40 PM
Kindergarten will continue to be dismissed at 11 AM.
2…First Day of School
3…Athletic Meeting
4…Preschool Open House
7…Rally Day Services
8…Preschool Begins
16…Open House Book Fair
…7th Grade Parents
Confirmation Meeting
the Lutheran hour
Hear Reverend Ken Klaus on The Lutheran Hour eachSundayat 12:30 PM on KDUZ-1260 Hutchinson or at 9:30 AM on KRWC-1360 Buffalo. The Lutheran
Hour may also be heard at 6:05 AM Sunday mornings on WCCO-830. The Lutheran Hour is our church’s witness in the public market place. We can sponsor broadcasts on KDUZ in memory of loved ones or in honor of special occasions. Acknowledgments of these sponsors are given before and after each broadcast. The cost for one program is $85. Please contact Rich Streufert at 320-864-6884 to sign up for a date to sponsor the broadcast.
September 7-Who Is Greatest? Matthew 18:1-20. It’s human nature to want to be “first” among peers. Jesus shows us what true greatness is.
September 14-What God Has Done Jeremiah 9:23-24. Human wisdom boasts of its accomplishments. Faith looks humbly to Jesus Christ and all that He has done for us.
September 21-God’s Ways Aren’t Our Ways-Isaiah 55:6-9. God doesn’t always fit our image of Him. That’s good, too.
September 28-“TBA”
You can also listen to “The Lutheran Hour” on the Web at www.lutheranhour.org. Hear the broadcast available to our military at: www.lutheranhour. org/AFN/listen.htm. “The Lutheran Hour” is also on XM’s Family Talk Radio 170 every Sunday at 1:00 p.m. (EST).
Sharing God’s Love
If you were caught in the path of an oncoming vehicle, and a stranger suddenly appeared to pull you to safety, there is no doubt you would share that story with everyone who crosses your path. Why is it so difficult to share the story about a God who sent His only Son to save you from spiritual death? He saved you although you do not deserve it. “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8b.
We often hear, “Everyone is a missionary,” yet we don’t know how or what to do. Jesus told His disciples in Mark 13:11, “Do not worry beforehand about what to say. Just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit.” Still, that does not mean it is appropriate to say the first thing that comes to mind.
When Reverend Khan presented his seminar on Islam, he provided suggestions for those wishing to evangelize to Muslims. First and foremost, build a relationship with the person. Evangelism is about making a connection with another person. Acknowledge the differences in beliefs and allow the other person to open his or her heart to you. These are basic principles for reaching out to anyone. Even if you never reach a point of sharing the Gospel verbally, others should benefit from exposure to Christian living.
Although the world thrives on instant gratification, not all benefits come so quickly. You may never see the fruits of your labor. Only the Holy Spirit can bring someone to Christ, and not every person is immediately receptive. But none of this should keep you silent. After all, you have the greatest story to share.
In Christ’s Love, Evangelism
An invitation to the congregation
You are cordially invited to the
marriage ceremony of
Pastor Michael Nirva
and
Lisa Johnson
to be held at
St. James Lutheran Church,
Howard Lake, Minnesota
on Saturday, September 20
at 3 o’clock in the afternoon.
A cake and coffee/punch reception will be held in the Fellowship Hall following the ceremony. Please RSVP by writing your name(s)
on the following form, cut it out and place it in
the designated box in the narthex or
please call the church office at 320-543-2766.
I/We will attend the wedding reception of
Pastor Nirva and Lisa Johnson
on Saturday, September 20.
Name : _____________________________
Number attending: ________
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