April 2008

From the Desk of Pastor Lassman

THE CROSS DOES NOT GIVE SALVATION

My Fellow Redeemed in Christ,

Did the title of my article get your attention? I hope so. Because I want to teach/remind you of something very important: the Means of Grace, the Word and the Sacraments of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper. With a heavy heart I must tell you that the Means of Grace are not well understood or appreciated by many/most Christians for what they are and what they do. First, let’s start with the Cross. What do I mean that the cross does not give salvation? Well, I mean just that. Jesus’ death on the cross does not give us salvation from sin, death, and damnation. Well, what did His death on the cross do? His death purchased salvation for us by dying for our sins. Sin is the problem. Living for self instead of God. Sin separates us from God and puts us under God’s judgment and wrath. When Jesus died on the cross He was punished by God for all of our sins. This means that our debt to God has been cancelled. Okay. Now here comes the point (drum roll)....the cross does NOT give or distribute or deliver this salvation that Jesus purchased on the cross. How could it? It’s gone. You see here’s the problem: we get sloppy in our language in the Church or use figures of speech that are well intended and can be understood properly..but can also lead to wrong ideas. Here’s one: “Go to the cross of Jesus to find forgiveness.” Sounds good doesn’t it? So, what could be wrong with this statement? Well, let’s look at it. If you are supposed to go to the cross to find forgiveness aren’t you in trouble? Where’s the cross? You can’t find it. It’s long gone.

And here’s the point of this article: #1) Jesus’ death on the cross purchased our salvation by dying for our sins and canceling our debt to God BUT, #2) This salvation is offered and given ONLY through the Means of Grace, the Word and the Sacraments. The Means of Grace, God’s Word and the Sacraments of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper are His Postal Service, His UPS, His delivery system giving us what Jesus purchased on the cross. You see then, we don’t “Go to the cross of Jesus to find forgiveness.” True, Jesus purchased forgiveness on the cross, but He gives forgiveness in His Gospel Word, in Baptism and in the Lord’s Supper. See? Do you want God’s forgiveness? His Peace? His Eternal life? His Spirit? His presence? Then go to His Gospel Word; go to your baptism, go to His Supper. This is where you will find and receive what Jesus’ death on the cross purchased for you. And there is more: God cannot and will not work in your life apart from His Word and His Sacraments. Do you want the power of God in your life? His Spirit? A stronger faith? Greater love? More certain hope? Do you want to live more and more for Jesus who died and rose for you? ONLY God’s Word and Sacraments can do these things for you. If you are not using God’s Means of Grace you can only be weak in faith, hope, and love. This is why we are concerned when members of Messiah don’t come to the Divine Services on a regular basis.

Do you understand why then that the focus of our Divine Service on Sundays is the Word and the Sacraments? Everything in the Service is built around the Means of Grace. You have probably noticed that the Divine Service is divided up into three basic parts: 1) Confession and Absolution 2) Service of the Word and 3) Service of the Sacrament. Do you understand then that we come to services on Sunday mornings to receive forgiveness, life and salvation given through the Means of Grace purchased by Christ’s death on the cross? And as we receive this salvation by faith God Himself works in our lives to strengthen and nourish our relationship with Him so that we can stand before Him on the Judgment Day without fear, but with joy. And in response, the Holy Spirit, working through God’s Means of Grace, empowers us to give God thanks and praise to God in the Liturgy and in lives that are lived for Him and in service to our neighbor.

But many/most Christians either don’t know these things or they simply take the Means of Grace for granted, thinking little of them. “Familiarity breeds contempt.” We can tell how much we love God by how faithfully we use His Means of Grace. That’s why I have written this brief article so that you might better understand the function, centrality and importance of

the Means of Grace, God’s Word and Sacraments...and as a result that you might love them for the gifts from God that they are and use them regularly and faithfully. Because while the cross of Jesus is the source of our salvation, only God’s Word and Sacraments can give us that salvation. And that’s why we are at the Divine Service regularly and faithfully.

In Christ,
Pastor Lassman

EASTER VIGIL, APRIL 11 (SATURDAY)

The precursor to what we now call the Easter Vigil was first mentioned by the theologian Tertullian in 210 AD and took its modern form by 800 AD. We will have once again a modified form of the Easter Vigil on April 11, Saturday, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. You can come any time you want during this time period. This is not a “regular’ service. There is no sermon or singing. You will receive a devotional booklet with readings and prayers that you read in the pew. Gregorian style music will be playing over the speakers. How long you stay will depend on how completely or quickly you go through the devotion. That is up to you. The atmosphere will be one of reverence and reflection to contemplate the time between Jesus’ death on Good Friday and His resurrection on Easter. It is not a time for visiting. Ushers will be in attendance to pass out the Easter Vigil devotion, to answer questions and to serve as security.

From the Vicar

It occurred to me recently that as Lutherans we are always talking about Law and Gospel, and that Law and Gospel are often misunderstood even by Lutherans. I realized also that the misunderstanding often comes because the concept is always phrased in that way: “Law and Gospel”; and its understanding is assumed. This is a problem because this is one of those concepts that is certainly central to understanding Lutheranism properly. Truly, it is absolutely necessary to understand “Law and Gospel” when understanding the Scriptures and Christ Himself. Because of all of this, I thought it would be worthwhile to try to explain this concept in some other terms, terms that the reader of Scripture can look for when trying to see this concept in the Bible, or terms that help the reader to grasp the concept itself and the contrast between the Law and Gospel. This way when Law is seen it can be understood as Law and Gospel as Gospel. To distinguish Law and Gospel simply, I thought it would make sense to put these terms into a chart contrasting the two:

This list obviously is not comprehensive, and it is not a list of synonyms, although many of the terms in each column could be seen as synonyms for each other. The intention though is to see how Scripture words the two ideas in different ways.

It is also helpful to see the references to some of the above, so that you can read them in their context in Scripture and see the contrast all the more. Paul discusses commands (or Commandments), things that we are told we must do or not do, very specifically in Romans 7 when he tells of how he does not do good the good he wants to do. Promise is contrasted with Law/Commands in Gal. 3:18. Works are typically associated with Law too as mentioned in Romans 3, and especially they are contrasted to grace and faith in verse 28. Ephesians 2:8-9 also demonstrate this well. Sacrifice and mercy are seen contrasted very clearly in Matthew 9:13. Sin and its effects are discussed all through the Bible, but very specifically contrasted with the grace of a Gospel Promise in Romans 6:23. They also are seen when talking about the Letter of the Law, which is contrasted with the Spirit in 2 Cor 3:6, in the next verse Paul clarifies that one (the Law) is the Ministry of Death, and the other (the Spirit or Gospel) is the Ministry of Life. Cursing and Blessing are often contrasted in the New Testament, but in terms of God cursing and blessing we see this clearly in the Judgment explained in Matthew 25, and also in Galatians 3:9-10. Finally, we see judgment and forgiveness in Christ held side by side in Acts 10:42-43.

From all of these the thing that should be clear is that the Law relates to sin and the Gospel relates to our forgiveness in Christ. The contrast between the two is clear especially when understanding that when the Law is being taught, it is a teaching that explains what man is to do, and the Gospel is being taught it is teaching what God has done for us, totally free of anything we do, but only because of His love for us and the mercy given to us by the work of Jesus Christ. With this we give only God credit for our salvation because we see we cannot accomplish even the smallest part on our own.

Hopefully this distinction as seen in Scripture has been helpful in further understanding Law and Gospel. Next month I will continue this discussion, and I will explain the three uses of the Law.

To God alone be the Glory,
Vicar Zickler

CURRENT AND UPCOMING BIBLE STUDIES
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FELLOWSHIP HALL BIBLE CLASS
WHAT: “Daniel”
INSTRUCTOR: Pastor Lassman
WHEN: Sunday Mornings 9:20 a.m.
WHERE: Fellowship Hall
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HIGH SCHOOL BIBLE CLASS SUNDAY MORNINGS
WHAT: “Growing 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: “A Visine Cure for Judging Others”
WHEN: First Monday of the Month
WHERE: Lounge
INSTRUCTOR: Kathy Lassman
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TUESDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY
WHAT: “1 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: “Matthew”
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

Holy Week Schedule
Thursday, April 9th Maundy Thursday Communion Service 7:30 p.m.
Friday, April 10th Good Friday Tenebrae Service 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, April 12th Sonrise Service 7:00 a.m.
Easter Breakfast 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
Children’s Service 9:20 a.m.
Festival Service with Communion 10:45 a.m.
Pancakes, ham, fruit, juice, coffee and tea will be served at the Easter breakfast.

UPCOMING EVENTS
Men’s Night Out Monday, April 13th, 6:00 p.m. at Azteca Mexican Restaurant, 401 NE Northgate Way. Please RSVP to Brian Danforth.

On April 18th, Concordia will hold their 2009 auction. Messiah will be making a “Snack Basket” this year. Bring your item(s) such as packaged cookies, candy, microwave popcorn, jerky, chips–whatever 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!

May Messenger deadline is April 19th.

Bethesda/Good Shepherd Lutheran Communities is selling coupons to raise money to benefit the developmentally disabled clients the Washington/Alaska Unit of the Auxiliary helps support in independent living homes in Renton and Kent. These $10 coupons are good only at the Bellevue Square Macy’s only on May 16. See Carole Martens or LaurAnn Radosevich for more information on this fund raiser.

For Your Information
The 4 W’s of Ladies’ Night Out:
The WHO: you and a combination of ladies, women, females, girls, friends
The WHAT: WHO’s having dinner together
The WHERE: WHO’s having WHAT in a restaurant
The WHEN: WHO’s having WHAT in a WHERE once a month.
Confused? Just remember this - You having dinner with us at a restaurant once a month.

Longing for a taste of Minnesota pizza, tater tot casserole, brats, and a cold Hamms? Then join us at Zayda Buddies Pizza, 5365 Leary Ave NW in Ballard on April; 20th at 6:15 p.m. Former Minnesotans Jane Krueger and Marie Byarlay have their knives and forks ready and their napkins tucked in. Maybe there’s even jell-O for dessert! RSVP to Bev Edmon.
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Do you have any 1-gallon ice cream containers or the large margarine containers? We could use both of these items in the church kitchen. Please leave on the kitchen counter.
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Knitting/Sewing Project for Childrens’ Hospital - Jean Holtz has been delivering items to Childrens’ Hospital from our knitters and crocheters and reports that from January 2008 to March 2009 Messiah gave 33 knitted blankets (24" and 36"), 27 prayer scarves, 21 pairs of baby bootees, 18 pairs of slippers, 6 baby caps and 1 pair baby mittens. There is a particular need right now for receiving blankets (either 24" or 36" square of flannelette in infant suitable colors). Many of these projects are small enough to be great “earner” projects for knitters or crocheters, and can be made in a short time. If you would be interested in making any of these items you can check with Kathy Lassman about the details for each of the projects. Debbie Viets, who volunteers at Childrens’ weekly, has volunteered to take the items we make, so you can give completed items directly to her.
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Fred and Jean Holtz wish to thank all those who have been praying for us, and for the many well wishes, cards and phone calls. Fred’s second course of radiation has now been completed. Fred’s lung cancer being terminal, he is now in hospice care. Your continuing prayers are much appreciated.
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Thrivent Financial for Lutherans is sponsoring a “Teach your Kids to Share Day” April 24th from 5:30 to 9:00 p.m. at Seattle Children’s Museum, 305 Harrison Street. For more information, go to www.Thrivent.com/shareday.
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Husbands and Wives. It has been said that the greatest gift you can give your children is two parents very much in love with each other. Polish up this gift at a Lutheran marriage Encounter Weekend. You deserve the best and your children need to see you reaching for it. Visit our website at www.GodLovesMarriage.org for more information or to register online for the next Marriage Encounter Weekend: May 1-3. You may also contact Carl and Dallas Presley, 206.522.6849, or call 1.800.235.1010 for information.

Lutheran Hour Ministries
Lutheran Hour Ministries is a Christian outreach ministry supporting churches worldwide in its mission of Bringing Christ to the Nations and the Nations to the Church. It is also a volunteer movement more than 100,000 people strong. LHM produces Christian radio and TV programming for broadcast, as well as Internet and print communications, dramas music, and outreach materials, to reach the unchurched around the world. LHM’s flagship program, the Lutheran hour, is the world’s longest-running Christian outreach radio program. It airs weekly on more than 800 stations.

Four of many resources LHM provides are:
1. Local radio broadcast of the Lutheran hour: KIXI 880AM at 6:30 AM Sunday mornings
2. www.jcplayzone.com - Children’s playtime with a purpose
3. www.jcparentzone.com - News and notes for parenting families
4. www.lhmmen.com - Lutheran hour ministries Men’s NetWork is new this year. This site is gaining traction in the cyber marketplace. Part of the Web site’s attraction is its broad offering of practical and easy-to-use resources with a web design that appeals to men. Information on financially supporting Lutheran Hour ministries is located on the Evangelism bulletin board on the main floor, across from the youth room.

Debbie Viets
Evangelism Committee

Social Ministry News

Monthly Donations
Unfortunately Seattle has many people who are homeless. We, as individuals, can help some of the homeless by donating to Messiah’s lounge basket a specific item(s). This month please put shaving creams, razors and after shaves into our lounge basket. These items will go to Immanuel Lutheran and Compass Cascade for the people they and we help. Marked receipts also help. We submit the receipts to Thrivent Financial for Lutherans which gives 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.

Hallelujah, and Amen! Easter is almost here. The children’s service this year is “God’s Promises Fulfilled”. April 12th during the Education/Sunday School hour, the children will share their joy with you, of the greatest story ever told and it is TRUE! Each Sunday leading up to that joyous day we have a lesson about Jesus’ life and ministry on earth.

Sunday School News
We have been practicing our songs during the Sunday School opening for several weeks and have scheduled a dress rehearsal for Saturday, April 11th, starting at 10:00 a.m. We will be through before 12:00.

Please have your children in their classroom by 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, the 12th.

VBS is scheduled for the week of June 22-26. Theme is “Studio Game Show”. Save the date and pray for no more snow. More information will be forthcoming in the bulletins.

Lutheran Women’s Missionary League (LWML) News
Ladies’ Guild

Wednesday, April 8th, 12 noon

“Annual Salad Luncheon” - bring a salad to share; beverage and dessert provided
Bring your “Mite” money for missions

Project Day is Wednesday, April 22, 9:30 to 2:30. Bring a sack lunch.

LWML Zone Spring Rally

April 25, 2009
Lamb of God Lutheran Church
9:30 to 1 p.m.
Lunch included ($4 Registration Fee); details in Sunday bulletin

Mary/Martha Ministries
Monthly Women’s Bible Study Monday, April 6th, 7 p.m. We will continue the study of the Sermon on the Mount out of Matthew. This month’s study is “A Visine Cure for Judging Others”. All women of Messiah are welcome. Led by Kathy Lassman.

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

MITES: Thank you to everyone who has remembered to bring in their mite boxes on Mite Box Sunday. Mites donated last year were over $300. Keep saving those pennies! Your change goes a long way in supporting Lutheran Mission activities around the world. Bring your boxes back on the last Sunday of the month.

Save the Date - Mary Martha ministries and the Ladies’ Guild will be hosting a Spring Tea for all the women of Messiah. Saturday, May 2nd, 2-4 p.m. Come enjoy a fine “high tea” and share some fun with your friends at Messiah.

Mission Opportunity!
Social Ministry, Mary-Martha Ministries and Ladies’ Guild are collecting health kits for DSHS. Deadline for completed kits is Sunday, April 19th. Travel-size items needed: soap, tooth paste, tooth brush, shampoo, deodorant, comb, wash cloth and hand towel. Put all items in gallon-size Ziplock bag and place on the table by the coffee bar.



Youth News
Attention high schoolers! We need your help with the Easter breakfast this year. Please plan to help us set up for the Easter breakfast on Saturday, April 11th, from 4 to 5 p.m. We need to arrange tables and prepare the food for Sunday morning. Afterwards we will treat everyone to free pizza at Pizzeria Fondi in the U District. We also need help with cooking and busing tables Easter morning. Please plan on arriving by 7:30 a.m. that Sunday. We have a sign up sheet on the youth bulletin board and can really use your help. All money donated for the Easter breakfast goes into the youth board budget.

High schoolers! Save the date. On Saturday, May 9th, we will work from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at The Treehouse in downtown Seattle. This will be a new quarterly volunteer youth servant event that replaces the New Horizon Ministry Program. We need a minimum of five kids to help this day. The Treehouse is a local non-profit agency that focuses on helping local foster kids. We will be assisting them with their clothing store that day which allows foster kids to receive free clothes donated by individual and local businesses. Please see the youth bulletin board for the sign up sheet.

Junior high youth will be active in April. First we have the joyous opportunity of joining with the Senior high youth in helping with the Easter breakfast. Look for sign up sheets for setting up Saturday evening followed by going out for pizza afterwards), or helping serve at the breakfast or help with clean up afterwards.

Junior high youth have a game night planned for Saturday, April 25th. Meet at church at 5 p.m. and enjoy games, including video games and any board or card games you want to share. Ever tried “Foot and Hand”. We’ll also open the youth room and have access to those games. Dinner and snacks will be provided. The evening ends around 9. We’re planning a night that is full of fun and fellowship together. Please sign up on the bulletin board for this event so we can provide enough food.


News from Concordia
from Dave Meyer.....

Lutheran schools week is full of excitement for all the children here in the school. I am amazed at all the effort the teachers and kids have put into this week. Today at the talent show we are excited to share our “talents” with each other in an encouraging loving environment. Each day has had a different focus and the children are surprised each day with something to remember the focus. With all the activity that has blessed us this week I cannot leave out our 9-12 year old basketball team and their efforts in their first regular season game. It was Monday evening at 5:30 p.m. in Des Moines, of all places. It takes 5 to play the game and that is what we had to face a team of 12 players. No sub, running non-stop for an hour and coming away victorious is an amazing feat that was accomplished on Monday. Yissak, Josh, Ryan, Alex and Harrison thank you for showing us that effort and heart does matter. As we celebrate Lutheran schools around the country, some big and some intimate (like us), we know that we matter not because of our size, but because He is in our heart.

April calendar and events
March 30 - April 3 - Spring Break
April 8 - Jump Rope for Heart
April 18 - “Luau” Auction 5:30 p.m. in the school gym
April 25 - Spaghetti Dinner and Parents’ Night Out 4-9 p.m. in the School Gym.
This fundraiser will benefit the Cardinal Team for their trip to Washington DC
May 2 - Rummage Sale

Attention Ladies! Do you worry about the children in your life? Replace your anxiety and fear with peace and hope by praying with other women. If you are a mom, grandmother, aunt or friend to a child, there is an opportunity for you to become part of a group called Moms in Touch International. Groups of women who meet once a week for an hour to intercede on behalf of their children and the schools they attend. We know our children face much pressure at school, and to stand in the gap for them through prayer is our highest calling. If you are interested in being part of this praying support group, please visit Moms In Touch International website www.MomsInTouch.org. For information about a local group, please contact momsintouch4edmonds@yahoo.com. Questions? Lisa Marik, 425.743.2005. Thank you!

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