March 2009
From the Desk of Pastor Lassman
JESUS AND THE ECONOMY
My Fellow Redeemed in Christ,
My title for this article might be a little misleading because I >m really not sure how much Jesus has to do with our economy. Does that mean that God’s not in control? Of course not. It simply means that I don’t know what is going to happen to our economy. I can see it from the best case scenario of not being as bad as we are told and to the worse case scenario of being as bad or even wore than we are told. I think we are on a Aroller coaster@ ride and we’re not sure just how scary it is going to be. So what do we do?
Well, please remember that I am a pastor and not an economist. So, I will not be giving you any professional financial advice. But as a pastor and theologian I do have a few things to say. First, maybe we’ve had it too good for too long. Now why would I say that?! Did you know that money, wealth, and affluence are always threats to faith and our relationship with God? Jesus says: “You cannot serve both God and money”(Luke 16:13, ESV). In the parable of the Sower of the Word Jesus says: “this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word and it proves unfruitful@ (Matt. 13: 22, ESV). Actually there is nothing wrong with money and things. Well, that’s nice to know! So what’s the problem? The LOVE of money (more than God) as Paul says: For the LOVE of money is a root of all kinds of evil. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faithY.@(1 Tim. 6:1, ESV). Why is that? Well, because when we have money and thingsYYY..we often think we don’t need God. Who needs God when life is going so great? You see that’s how it works and that’s how money and things become false gods that are more important than the real God. It’s amazing that when times are good church attendance goes down. And when things are difficult church attendance goes up. I don’t know if you remember, but that’s exactly what happened after the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center Towers---attendance at churches went up. That lasted about two weeks!
So, what will happen if the economy really gets bad? Well, I don’t know. But I would not be surprised that some people turn/return to the churches and attendance would go upYfor awhile anyway. So what do you think God would want? A booming economy and lower attendance at worship? Or a struggling economy and a higher attendance at worship?
And how about us? How often are we at Sunday services? Now, having been a pastor for over 30 years I know that there a variety of reasons why church members don’t attend services regularly. Is it possible that some Christians don’t attend worship services regularly because life is too good? But what if the economy gets really bad and if people lose jobs and perhaps even houses? What then? What would our relationship with God be? Well, it could go two opposite directions. One direction would be to get mad at God and say “How could He let this happen? I thought He loved me? Or it could go the other direction as we realize that in a bad economy we need all the help we can get and become more regular in our worship attendance. BUT HERE’S THE POINT: Our relationship with God in Jesus Christ is the same whether the economy is good or bad. And our attendance at worship services does not depend on a good economy or a bad one. Our relationship with God in Jesus Christ and our attendance at worship services depends only on one thing: The salvation that God has won for us in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. For on Sunday morning two things are happening: 1) Through God’s Word and the Sacraments of Baptism and the Altar we are given the forgiveness, life and salvation that Jesus alone has won. And 2) we thank and praise God for what He has done and what He gives us. In this sense, Jesus has nothing to do with the economy.
In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus said: “Therefore do not be anxious, saying, >what shall we eat?’ or “what shall we drink?’ or >what shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you@ (Matt. 6: 31-31, ESV).
What will the economy bring in the days ahead? I am not sure and I really don’t think anyone else knows for sure either. But whatever happens, we have God’s promises in His Son. And so in good times and in bad we come to worship on a regular basis to receive the forgiveness, life and salvation which He has won. We seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousnessYknowing that all the other things will be added as well.
In Christ,
Pastor Lassman
From the Vicar
Well, this month’s Messenger article may be a surprise to some of you. So far all of my articles have related a discussion of some kind of theological topic or issue, however, this month I have decided to use the article as an opportunity to advertise further regarding the Young Adults Group we have here at Messiah. This group, as some or many of you may know, was created last year by Vicar Huehn, and from the time of its inception has had a solid core of members who have been coming quite consistently. When I came this group was well in motion, and this continued during my time in Pastor Lassman’s Adult Information Class. Well, now that the class is over I have begun leading the group again and would like to draw as much attention to it as possible. As I just said we have a solid core of people that have been coming, but it would be great to expand that.
For those of you who are unfamiliar with the Young Adult Group, it is our group here at Messiah which is geared toward Young Adults aged 18-40. This obviously is quite a broad range of age. The main intended demographic is those who are this age who are single, or those who are married but do not have children. Of course, if you are married and have children, but would still like to come, please do not feel excluded; you are welcomed by all means to come.
So, what do we do with the Young Adults Group? The main thing we do is we meet every other Thursday at 7:00 P.M. At our meeting we have Bible Study for an hour then we go to dinner as a group. The Bible Studies so far have been on various topics, for example when I arrived we studied the creation in the Scriptures, and since we also covered the topic of Vocation. In February we began a study on the Word of God itself, and that will continue through March. After that, we will begin another topic, most likely prayer. As for dinner, we have gone to various places as well from Italian, to Thai, to Azteca, to the Ram and Red Robin.
Additionally, other than our study and dinner night, we are currently trying to arrange a quarterly service project with the Lutheran Compass Center. At the Compass center we would be responsible for feeding a meal to the clients of the Center. These clients are people who are homeless but are temporarily being housed at the Center, being given food as well as some counseling to assist them in getting back on their feet. Please keep your eyes open for an announcement when we get the first date set up for a visit, because we would love to have you.
Beyond these two activities, we are hoping in the near future to begin coordinating with other Lutheran Churches in the area to arrange joint activities with them, whether they be social activities or possibly even sports activities, like a baseball, kickball or soccer game. Because the group is still relatively new, there are really a myriad of possibilities that could be, so please join us! The more people we have the more possibilities we can develop! If you have any questions please feel free to ask me at Sunday Services, call me at the number for the Office.
Otherwise, please come for a great time, we would love to have you!
God’s Blessings,
Vicar Zickler
Senior High Youth
We will be getting together and getting progressive on Sunday, March 1st. Meet at the church at 5 p.m. and we’ll take off for one house per part of the meal. We start at the Danforth’s house for appetizers and end at the Vicar’s house for dessert and devotion time. Come with your appetites. We also need volunteers to provide transportation for the youth going from house to house. Please sign up on the bulletin board if you’re coming - helps with planning food.
Get ready to do some hunting - with video cameras! Senior High youth will be traversing the area with video cameras on a Scavenger Hunt Saturday, March 28th. We’ll meet at church at 3 p.m. and divide into groups and team up with cars and video cameras. Be ready to enjoy the videos and a pizza dinner following the hunt at church. If you have a video camera that can be used for the event, please let us know. Look for further details in Sunday bulletins and sign up sheet on the Senior High bulletin board.
CURRENT AND UPCOMING BIBLE STUDIES
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FELLOWSHIP HALL BIBLE CLASS
WHAT: ADaniel@
INSTRUCTOR: Pastor Lassman
WHEN: Sunday Mornings 9:20 a.m.
WHERE: Fellowship Hall
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HIGH SCHOOL BIBLE CLASS SUNDAY MORNINGS
WHAT: AGrowing in Christ@
WHEN: Sunday Mornings 9:20 a.m.
WHERE: Youth Room-Room 202
INSTRUCTOR: John Daigneault, Dave Manahan
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MONDAY EVENING MARY/MARTHA BIBLE STUDY
WHAT: AStress Less@
WHEN: First Monday of the Month
WHERE: Lounge
INSTRUCTOR: Kathy Lassman
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TUESDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY
WHAT: A1 Corinthians@
WHEN: Tuesday Mornings, 10:30 a.m.
WHERE: Fellowship Hall
INSTRUCTOR: Pastor Lassman
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THURSDAY EVENING BIBLE STUDY YOUNG ADULTS
WHAT: AMatthew@
WHEN: Thursdays, 7 p.m. Two Thursdays a month 7 pm
WHERE: Youth Room-Room 202 Lounge
LEADER: Jim Grant Vicar Zickler
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ADULT INFORMATION CLASS
WHAT: A 15-week course on basic Christian teachings
WHEN: Thursday Evenings, 7:00 p.m.
WHERE: Fellowship Hall
INSTRUCTOR: Pastor Lassman
From the President
Dear Congregation,
At our annual Council Retreat we take time to recognize the accomplishments of the past year and we develop Goals for the coming years. The Council enjoys sharing this information with the Congregation to communicate the coming plans for Messiah.
This year we have a lot to be thankful for - as you can see the list is long. We also opened discussions on two new ideas: improved Assimilation of new members and plans for a community event or festival. Watch for more information on these ideas and others as together we all continue to grow God’s church at Messiah!!
OUT-REACH
2008 Accomplishments
Christmas gifts for Lake City Kids’ Project
Collected bags for the University Food Bank
Collected for Compass Center (monthly donations)
Combined Messiah/Concordia VBS
Completed summer Youth Servant Event
Continuing AIC instruction
Continuing transportation assistance
Created Messiah web business card and pew flyer
Gathered Thanksgiving food shower for University Food Bank
Implemented the new Messiah Website
Offered Text and Audio of sermons on Website
Started Post-High School outreach with Young Adults
Supported Seminary Student
2009 Goals (continue the above plus the following)
Investigate making AIC brochures available at local colleges/mass mail to dorms
Start research for Messiah Community event/festival
IN-REACH
2008 Accomplishments
Bulletin note for weekly AIC video clip
Celebrated Vicar Farewell and Welcome dinners
Continued Nametag Sundays
Continued Sunday night High School Bible class
Continued Tables for Eight program
Created a new member mentorship / sponsorship program
Held two receptions for new members
Hosted Advent and Lenten, fall dinners
Plan new members’ recognition dinner
Provided information about missions’ success with Narthex posters
Renewed Reformation/Oktoberfest celebration
Updated group email distributions on server
2009 Goals (continue the above plus the following)
Develop Messiah member’s photo plan - CD or on-line distribution
Improve Assimilation of New Members
Improve Concordia awareness / school enrollment
Possible improvements for Nametags procedure
Update Cradle Roll list
Other Items:Look for opportunities for events with other congregations (Concordia
Auction)
STAFFING
2008 Accomplishments
Arranged for new organist
Continued Vicarage program
Plans for future (evaluated for budget planning)
Possible changes in office staff / pastoral staff / expanded ministry staff
MAINTENANCE / CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS / FINANCES
2008 Accomplishments
Cleaned the Altar woodwork and painted front and rear walls
Completed choir room lighting project
Completed the Sanctuary lighting project
Painted Parsonage interior
Purchased more individual pew cushions
2009 Goals
Clean up nursery walls
Create advertising for Endowment Fund
Endowment Fund reaches $100K
Improve Coffee Bar area lighting (DONE!)
Improve Sanctuary sound system (DONE!)
Install new choir loft carpet
Plan to repair front yard marquee
Review and update the church maintenance book
Stripe the parking lot
Update cabinet for Video / sound system
Update Parsonage bathrooms
Update Lighting in Sunday School room (DONE)
Projects for 2010 and beyond (In general order of occurrence)
Physical Plant (2010 summer?)
Revise office heating (take off the boiler / use new addition furnace)
Replace the Boiler
Sanctuary Remodeling (2011 summer?)
Replace Sanctuary Roof
Remodel / Replace Sanctuary Ceiling
Fellowship Hall Remodeling (2012 and beyond?)
Remodel lighting, ceiling, flooring, add drop screen
Open up access to Patio (with new wall and doors)
Remove/Remodel stage (still in discussion stage)
Other items / future long-term Projects:
Add a street light or ground lighting for north end of parking lot
Improve Balcony cooling
Improve exterior lighting of stained glass window
Install new Sanctuary flooring
Plan to improve or replace front yard marquee
Purchase Hymn Boards for Sanctuary
Remove logs in parking lot and replace with concrete stops
Replace Candle Holders
Replace pews
From Messiah Altar Guild
On Monday, February 9th, the Altar Guild had their winter meeting. Regretfully, 2 members are unable to serve (for indefinite periods), leaving only 10 of us to fulfill the duties of the minimum membership of 12. With the new members welcomed into the congregation on February 22nd we are praying we might recruit the needed 2 additional workers and/or introduce some longtime parishioners into the Altar Guild. The Altar Guild is unlike any of the other church guilds or committees in that we SERVE FOR EACH AND EVERY SERVICE EVERY SUNDAY OF THE YEAR AS WELL AS ADVENT, CHRISTMAS, LENT, AND EASTER.
1.Sound like a hefty responsibility? It is!
2.Does it involve time spent on Saturday? Yes!
3.Are we in the Sacristy by 7:30 on Sunday mornings and until 12:30 after the late service? Yes!
4.Are others curious as to why we do the things we do? Yes!
The answer is easy; every single one of us feels our duties are the response to a heartfelt conviction that the Holy Spirit and our Lord Jesus has called us to serve. I am certain I speak for every member of the Altar Guild when I declare we are both honored and willing to participate in the sacramental ritual of preparing the Lord’s table for Holy Communion and serving Pastor Lassman and the Vicar. Please feel free to learn more from any Altar Guild member or contact me.
In His Service,
Cheryl Gagne, Director
UPCOMING EVENTS
Men’s Night Out Monday, March 2nd, 6 p.m. at Dukes’ Chowder House, 7850 Green Lake Drive N. Please RSVP to Brian Danforth.
April Messenger deadline is March 15th.
On April 18th, Concordia will hold their 2009 auction. Messiah will be making a ASnack Basket@ this year. Bring your item(s) such as packaged cookies, candy, microwave popcorn, jerky, chipsBwhatever you like to snack on and place on the table by the coffee bar. If each family brings one or two items we will have a huge basket of snacks for the auction. Then PLAN TO ATTEND the auction!
FOR YOUR INFORMATION
We have a large narthex (lobby) so that we can visit with each other and introduce ourselves to people whom we don’t know. Please do both before entering the church.
A number of 2009 envelopes have not been picked up. They are available on the table by the coffee bar.
Social Ministry News
Monthly Donations
Toothpastes and toothbrushes are the items we are collecting in our lounge basket for Compass Cascade and Immanuel Lutheran. Please help the homeless. By including marked receipts Thrivent Financial will give us money for our Social Ministry projects.
Used eyeglasses are given to the Lion’s Club for their programs around the world. Please put eyeglasses in the box in the lounge.
Sunday School News
How important is Sunday School?
One answer to that question might be found in a lesson we had just last month. Jesus said, Alet the little children come to me, forbid them not@. We thank that means Christian education is very important. Another answer might be, it is so important to God that He gave us a staff of dedicated teachers and substitutes so that Christian education at an age appropriate level takes place at Messiah every Sunday. Starting at age two we have a teacher with a lesson for everyone at Messiah.
How important is Christian education to you? When you pray please remember Sunday School and your teachers. They are: Kim Strege, Jill Cohrs, Andrea Edmon, Sharon Weiss, Joanne Estergreen, Sara Zimmerman, Ann Melvin, David Paeth, Vicar Zickler, Dave Manahan and John Daigneault. Our substitutes are very important and we ask you to keep them in your prayers also: Stephanie Colbert, Judy Koppelman, Rachel King, Jeri Aguayo, and Brian Reid are there whenever we need them.
Sometimes a bad cold will hit a family and you just can’t make it to Sunday School. When your child is absent for two weeks we mail you their lesson and depend on the parents to teach the lessons missed. So you see, Christian education is very important to us, and we continually ask for His guidance to do His will for all of our children. March lessons are all about Jesus’ ministry leading up to that most important story every told AEASTER@, April; 12, 2009.
Lutheran Women Missionary League (LWML) News
Ladies’ Guild
Wednesday, March 11, 12 noon
Anything Goes Luncheon - bring a salad OR a casserole OR ? to share; beverage and dessert will be provided
Bring your AMite@ money for missions
The following items were discussed and/or voted on:
$60 to Concordia
Fees for receptions, etc. will be raised
Project Day is Wednesday, March 25, 9:30 to 2:30. Bring a sack lunch.
Mary/Martha Ministries
Monthly Women’s Bible Study Monday, March 2nd, 7 p.m. We will continue the study of the Sermon on the Mount out of Matthew. This month’s study is AStress Less@. All women of Messiah are welcome.
As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. Luke 10:38-39
Prayer Tree Ministry annual meeting will be on March 1st. If you are interested in joining the Prayer Tree, please contact Stephanie Colbert.
A letter from our seminarian......
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
God has abundantly blessed us with all your prayers and support. Lisa and I are humbled by your generosity.
College life is a spiritual battleground. Once they have left the watchful eye of their parents and their familiar environment, students find themselves face to face with great obstacles that will either strengthen their trust in God or leave them searching for something else to believe in. With heavy workloads, conflicting world views, a new-found independence, and the anxiety of an unknown future, it’s easy for a student to turn his or her eyes from the Lord in order to concentrate on what appears to be more pressing issues. We can all understand how sometimes life’s struggles cloud our vision. The stress of raising children, household chores, tiresome occupations, financial crisis, and health problems can be very burdensome. We might be tempted to neglect our worship life or to see events in our lives as completely separate from God’s work. It is as if God’s work is limited to the walls of our church building or as if we don’t need God to follow us into our homes and workplaces. But the truth is we need God’s mercy all the time. We need His guidance, protection, strength, healing, and provision. God does not post up flashing signs wherever we are saying, AI am God and I did this@, but we can be sure that He is at work showing His love to us through teachers, parents, children, doctors, grocery store cashiers, and bank tellers. He is working in us and through us in even the toughest times. @Yeah, I know@, a college student says, Athat’s why I’m focusing more on school work and haven’t been coming to church lately. God is everywhere, not just at church.@ Yes, this is true, but where does God promise to give you forgiveness from the times you trust in things of this world and not in God? Where does God promise to empower you with the Holy Spirit to serve Him as child, parent, student, friend, and worker? Where do you find strength to get through the stress of life or comfort in times of suffering? Where does God give us salvation and everlasting life, so that no matter what assails us we will hope in the great plan God has for us?@ All these things God has promised to give us through the preaching of His Word and the administration of baptism and the Lord’s Supper. I have been very blessed to work at Stanford University, bringing the Church to students through the encouragement of the gospel and connecting them with the Word and Sacrament ministry of Trinity Lutheran in Palo Alto. Please pray for my work as well as the teaching work of Lisa. I will continue to mention the ministry of Messiah in my prayers.
God’s blessings to you,
Dave Solum
