June 2009
From the Desk of Pastor Lassman
Are You Studying Your Bible?
My Fellow Redeemed in Christ,
Well, are you? Ouch! That might be the response of those of you who are not reading your Bible, at least not very often, but you’d really like to start…it’s just you have not yet made that commitment yet. But I am pretty sure that some of you might be able to say a resounding “Yes!” without an air of superiority and self-righteousness. I suppose as your pastor the worst response I could think of would be “Well, no I don’t, and I don’t really care.” Ouch! I hope that no one who is a member of Messiah would say that.
I suppose there are many reasons why Christians don’t read their Bibles. Everyone is so busy it’s hard to find time for everything. But then, of course, we usually find time for those things that we really want to do including reading other things, perhaps watching a lot of TV and…well, just fill in the blank. Another reason Christians might not read their Bibles is that they think it’s too hard to understand. Of course, there is some truth to this, but, then, anything that we don’t do very often won’t be easy. The more we do it the better it gets….and so it is with the Bible. I did not get all my Bible knowledge in one session! No, I’ve been reading/studying the Bible for about 40 years (Yikes! Can I be that old?). I suppose that there are many reasons for not reading the Bible….including just plain laziness and indifference.
But wait a minute. The Bible is God’s Word. Of course human beings wrote it….but God moved them, led them by His Spirit to write what they wrote. This means that the Being who created thevast, complex universe is talking to us in the Bible! But even more important the Bible is a love letter from God. When you understand the Bible properly it tells us what God has done in history to save undeserving mankind from sin, Satan, death and damnation as John 3:16 reminds us: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” When you understand the Bible properly you learn that it is ALL about Jesus Christ. (Yes, even the Old Testament). Jesus once told the Pharisees: “You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me” (5: 39, ESV). Jesus was telling the Pharisees that the Old Testament was about Him. And at the end of Luke’s Gospel Jesus told His disciples: “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled” (24: 44, ESV). Of course, this is not surprising when we learn that God planned to send Jesus into the world even before He created the world as Peter says in his first letter: “He [Jesus] was foreknown before the foundation of the world but manifest in the last times for your sake” (1:20, ESV). And it gets even better: God not only knew you before you were born, but even before He created the world He planned to bring you to saving faith in Jesus Christ just as Paul says in his letter to the Ephesians: “…even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world…he predestined us for adoption through Jesus Christ according to the purpose of his will…” 1:4, 5,ESV). Interesting, very interesting. And there is so much more.
There are several opportunities here at Messiah to study the Bible. But our main study is on Sunday mornings during the Education Hour with around 80 in attendance. For all those not attending this class, if you are physically able, I appeal to you as your pastor, your shepherd, in Christ, to join us. We are currently studying Daniel. Just come. Don’t wait until we start a new study. Just come. Try it. I think if you made the commitment to come you will stay. Why? Because you will see and experience what you have been missing for your faith, your walk with God. For Bible study is not just about facts and information. It is for our faith, hope, and love, and for our living. For God Himself works through His Word to strengthen our faith and to empower us to live for Him as Paul says in his first letter to the Thessalonians: “And we also thank God constantly for this, that when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God which is at work in you believers” (2: 13, ESV).
So, what do you think? Would you give my invitation prayerful consideration? What a joy it would be for me (and your God and Savior) to see even more of you in our Sunday morning Bible study. And I don’t think you will be disappointed. But, of course, there is only one way to find out.
In Christ,
Pastor Lassman
From the Vicar
Whether you were looking forward to it or not, I am keeping my word, and continuing my discussion on Law and Gospel. However, this month I am talking about the Gospel, which is always wonderful to hear and to speak of for us Christians.
The Gospel, most strictly speaking is the work that God has done for us in sending Jesus Christ to die for our sins. Period. That’s it, that’s all there is to it.
Of course, I can’t just end my article with that simple statement, so I’ll expand. In all seriousness, this isn’t really just to fill space, but because this bears explanation.
When it comes to the Gospel - that Jesus died for our sins - it is absolutely necessary for us to understand that this work of Jesus is the atoning sacrifice not only for our sins, but the sins of the whole world (I John 2:2); He is the savior of all men, especially those who believe (I Tim 4:10). This means that by the act of this one man all made are made righteous before God (Rom 5:18-19). So the work of Christ is like a big blanket that covers the whole world. The whole world has been made right with God, but now, that forgiveness has to be conveyed to individuals. For those of you who took Pastor Lassman’s Adult Information Class, you might remember that this is called objective (or general) justification vs. subjective justification. You might also remember that the way that this comes to individuals is by the means of grace. These are the pipes that carry Christ’s work on the cross from 2000 years ago to us here and now in 2009.
So what are those means? Word and Sacrament. God’s Word carries the message to us that our sins are forgiven, and by it we have the Word of Christ that makes us clean (John 15:3). Baptism gives us God’s name by giving us His Holy Spirit (Matt 28:19, Acts 2:38), unites us to Christ’s death and resurrection (Rom 6:3-5), clothes us in Christ (Gal 3:27), washes us through the Word (Eph 5:26), and circumcises our heart (Col 2:11-12). The Lord’s Supper gives us the body and blood of Christ for the forgiveness of our sins (Matt 26:26-28).
These means of grace cannot be separated from the Gospel, and vice versa. The scriptures consistently speak of how God works through means to create faith and forgive sins (John 17:20, Rom 10:17, I Cor 4:15, I Pet 1:23, Titus 3:5, John 20:22-23, Matt 26:26-28), and as we look at the whole of Scripture we see how this is consistent with how God works. In the beginning, He created by the Word; in the Garden, He sustained Adam and Eve by the Tree of Life; in the Old Testament, He fed faith by His Word and pointed to the promised Christ who would forgive their sins by the Temple System; and in the New Testament we have the Word, Baptism and The Lord’s Supper. Finally, and most importantly, we see how God has used the means of a man to accomplish this redemption by the incarnation in God-Man Jesus Christ.
Now some of you may have noticed that until now I have only mentioned faith briefly and in passing. This may seem strange because you know that we as Lutherans are adamant about being saved by faith alone. Well, some of you may remember my article a few months back relating to our faith being in Christ and not in faith, and this relates to that. Faith itself is even a gift that God gives us, and He gives it to us by these means. Faith, obviously, is absolutely necessary for an individual to be saved, but that faith does not save by the merit of the faith itself, it saves because it receives the promises of God. God promises that He has saved us in the work of Christ. He promises that this work is conveyed to us in His Word and in the preaching of that Word. He promises we are covered in Christ in our baptism, and that we receive Christ’s body and blood in, with, and under the bread and wine for the forgiveness of our sins. Faith receives the promises. Truly the benefits of these promises are not received without faith, but a lack of faith does not make any of these promises less true. The validity to all of this comes not by our faith, which is always shaky and untrustworthy, but by God’s Word and Promise, which is always unshakable and perfectly trustworthy. If God speaks something, it happens.
So to bring this article and this whole discussion to a close, I want to point out that up to this point you can see that I have yet to mention anything that we do, that is because what we do is Law, and the Gospel is all about what God does for us. It is about God working in Christ and saving us through that work without any merit or worthiness in us, but 100% because of His love and His mercy. It is about how God also now blesses us abundantly because of that work in so many ways, but most especially by giving us eternal life with Him in His Kingdom. Amen.
To God alone be the Glory,
Vicar Zickler
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MISSION PRESENTATION:
THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
WHAT: A power point presentation of the mission work in the Dominican Republic by the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod.
WHEN: June 7, 9:20-10:20am (Education Hour).
WHERE: Fellowship Hall.
WHO: Danelle Putnam who is working with Rev. Ted Krey, whom we are supporting this year in our Spending Guide ($2,000).
Financial update for 2009
Offerings for 2009 are currently running about 3% behind 2008 - which works out to $5,000. As of April 30th our expenses exceed our income by $16,065. In addition, we delayed paying our first quarter's pledge to District and Synod of $3,375. Last year at the end of April we were able to make all payments and our deficit was $4,265.
Due to prior years' surpluses, we started the year with $40,494 in the general fund, which is how we have been able to cover the deficit. However, if the trend in income continues we will have to delay more of our pledges to missions and ministries outside of our congregation. Economic times are tough - but God still showers us with His gifts of grace and forgiveness, and we cannot help but respond with our stewardship of time, talents, and treasures.
Harry Edmon, treasurer
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Dear Fellow Members of Messiah,
Thank you so much for all the prayers and well wishes from you on behalf of Bill. He has made some improvements over the past month, but is still quite weak. The prayers for strength and healing are most appreciated. A very special thanks to the members who formed an Easter caroling choir. The week after Easter they came to our home and sang (in harmony, no less) the beautiful and joyous Easter hymns, which we missed out on this year on Easter Sunday, due to Bill’s condition. It is so uplifting and encouraging to be remembered in such loving ways. Thanks to all of you and God’s blessings to all.
Mary and Bill Branom and Family
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Fred and Jean Holtz wish to thank again all members in our congregation for all the prayers, well wishes and cards extended to us. As an update, Fred continues to be in Hospice Care due to his terminal lung cancer. Please continue your prayers for both of us. We are grateful.
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: “Why Do We Keep Fooling Around?”
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: “Law and Gospel”
WHEN: Thursdays, 7 p.m. (begins June 11) 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
NEW EDUCATION OPPORTUNITY
“The Proper Distinction Between Law and Gospel”
by C.F.W. Walther
taught by Jim Grant
Thursdays - 7:00 - 9:00 pm
Class begins June 11
Is this a class that interests you?
You need to approach an unbelieving good friend of yours with:
Law ___ Gospel ___ Both___
One you love very much has stopped coming to Worship; you approach them with :
Law ___ Gospel ___ Both ___
A close relative – an unbeliever – is terminally ill – on their death bed. You are the only one there. You approach them with : Law___ Gospel ___ Both ___
One of the primary duties of a Christian is to strive to lead a life that makes God pleased with them. T F
A Christian who sometimes has a sudden fear that they have lost their faith and salvation – probably has. T F
An unbeliever who has an absolute fear that they are going to suffer hell after death – but has expressed no love for the LORD – cannot be offered the good news of the Gospel.
T F
To understand the answers to these questions and many more, please join us by signing up on the sheet located on the upstairs bulletin board. Also, please indicate if you will be needing a class book. ($6.00)
Congratulations!
Confirmed May 17, 2009
Elizabeth Cohrs Katie Lassman
Alex Miller Tristan Pierce
High School Graduates:
Heidi Blair - Bellevue Christian; will attend Concordia Portland University
Sarah Lorse - Roosevelt; will attend Western University
Carl Noges - Chrysalis; 1 year off then to Montana University
Megan Hillmann - Roosevelt; will attend University of Washington
Steven Munsell - Redmond; will attend Bellevue Community College
Kevin Williams - McCleur in St. Louis
Robbie Carrasco Tyler Stockdale Sarah Daigneault
College Graduates
Ian Paeth graduated May 11 from Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia with a BA in Economics and a minor in History.
Christina Hartje-Dunn is graduating from Stanford University with a BS in Human Biology.
Welcome New Members
Eric and Grace Brod
UPCOMING EVENTS
Lutheran Ministry Services summer membership meeting June 13th, 10:45 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church, 2650 148th Ave SE in Bellevue.
End of the Year Musicians Potluck - June 14 - after late service. John and Debbie Viets are hosting this at their home. Please bring a beverage and either a salad or dessert. A sign up sheet will be passed around in choir for you to RSVP and list what you would like to bring. This is always such a great time to socialize with each other and all of the other musicians at Messiah. Hope to see you there.
Lutheran Witness Subscriptions are due. Price for the coming year is $15.00. Use the designated envelope from your packet of envelopes if you wish to subscribe to this official publication of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. Deadline for subscriptions is June 20.
Young Adult Group Service Project: The Young Adult Group will be traveling to the Compass Center downtown for their Operation Sack Lunch on June 20th. For this, we will be meeting at 1:15 to be to the Compass Center at 2:00. Our shift will last from 2:00-7:00, during which we will prepare dinner for the homeless, and eating with them. For information or to sign up contact the Vicar at vicar@messiahseattle.org or call the office. Please come if you can, this will be a great opportunity to serve our community!
July/August Messenger deadline is June 21st.
Men’s Night Out - Fourth Annual Steak Feed at Norm Reinke’s Monday, June 22, 6 p.m. Cost is $20. Please sign up on the upstairs bulletin board if you plan on going.
Calling all College Students! Are you home for the summer? Would you like a relaxed, smaller group setting to study God’s Word with other Young Adults? Come to the Young Adults Group which meets every other Thursday at 7:00! We have a great time studying God’s Word, and enjoying fellowship time over dinner after the study. This summer we will be discussing God’s Promises to us in His Word. For more information contact the Vicar at vicar@messiahseattle.org or just come, we would love to have you!
(continued)
The High School Servant Event will be from June 24 – 27 All High School Students are invited to join us for the Servant event in June. We will be kicking off the event with dinner and activities on Wednesday June 24th. We will begin our service projects Thursday Morning continuing through Friday afternoon, with projects at Concordia School, Lake City Food Bank, and The Compass Center. Thursday Evening we will have dinner at the church with an activity to follow and an overnight stay at Messiah. Friday Evening we will have dinner out, with an activity to follow with parent pickup around 11:30. For more information contact Pastor Lassman, Vicar Zickler or check the bulletin board for details and to sign up. The cost will be $40, please join us; a great time will be had by all!!!
Seattle Lutheran High School Summer Sports Camps:
Basketball: For boys and girls entering grades 5 - 8th, June 22-26; 9am-12:30pm.
Volleyball: Girls entering grades 5 -8th, July 9, 10 & 11; 9am - 1pm.
Soccer: Girls entering grades 5 - 8th, August 10-14; 9am - 12:30 pm.
Cheerleading; Girls entering grades 2 - 8th, August 14; 9am - 2pm, August 15; 9am - 12pm.
Registration forms can be picked up in the school office at 4141 41st Avenue SE or downloaded from their website at www.seattlelutheran.org. For more information call 206.927.7722.
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Prepare - Enrich - Building strong marriages.
LIVING TOGETHER: Myths, Risks and Answers, 2008 Howard Books. In this new book, Mike and Harriet McManus document important information about the dangers of living together. Based on their 15 years of building Community Marriage Polices in over 210 cities and seeing the negative impact of cohabitation, the authors argue a compelling case against premarital cohabitation.
Marriage Savers, has selected the new Customized Version of PREPARE/ENRICH as their exclusive inventory for training marriage mentors for working with premarital couples. To learn more about their program and work to build stronger marriages, go to: www.marriagesavers.org.
For Your Information
Can you help? During the Seminary Extension class we usually provide goodies for before class starts and the mid-morning coffee break. Would you be able to provide something for one of the days?
Suggested items would be: plate of fruit, dozen muffins, coffee cake for 12, donuts or donut holes, mini bagels and cream cheese.
If you can bring something, please contact the office with the day you would like to provide the item(s) and what you will be bringing. If we have 3-4 people bringing items each day we should have enough.
There will be about 30 people at the class.
Thanks!
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Do you like to sew? Here’s an easy summer project..sew simple cloth bags with a handle. These bags will be used to pack school supplies for Lutheran World Relief. We have fabric and easy instructions. Please talk to Dorothy Bellin or Kathy Lassman if you’d like to sew some of these bags.
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It’s been fun ringing the handbells with the following people this year: Fumiko Schaub, Noel Channon, Laura Estergreen, Joanne Estergreen, Grace Brod and Pat Rodeman. We have enjoyed playing once a month for both services and also for the Women’s Spring Tea in May.
Do you have an interest in music? Have you ever thought about ringing handbells? If you would like to learn to ring handbells or have questions, please contact Dorothy Bellin. She would be happy to show you our bells and some of the bell music we play.
“Bless the Lord, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name.” Ps. 103:1
