August

 

Our theme verse chosen for the 2021-2022 school year is 1 John 4:11 - "Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another."

The church father, Jerome, said that when the apostle John was in his extreme old age, he was so weak that he had to be carried into the church meetings. At the end of the meeting he would be helped to his feet to give a word of exhortation to the church. Invariably, he would repeat, “Little children, let us love one another.” The disciples began to grow weary of the same words every time, and they finally asked him why he always said the same thing over and over. He replied, “Because it is the Lord’s commandment, and if this only is done, it is enough” (cited by John Stott, The Epistles of John [Eerdmans], p. 49).

God’s act of love in sending his Son into the world to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins (1Jn 4:10) ought to motivate us as believers to love one another in a similar sacrificial fashion. The author John made the same point already in 1 John 3:16. But this failure to show love for fellow believers is just what the opponents are doing: In 1 John 3:17 John charged them with refusing to love their brothers by withholding needed material assistance. By their failure to love the brothers sacrificially according to the example Jesus set for believers, the opponents have demonstrated again the falsity of their claims to love God and know God (see 1 John 2:9).

God is gracious to the unthankful and to the evil. He makes his sun to rise and rain to fall for the unjust as well as for the righteous, therefore we ought to love the unlovely and the unloving. But just as God has a special love for his own people, we who believe in him ought to have a peculiar affection for all who are his.

If you had a pipe that was clogged - water kept going into it, but never came out, that pipe would be useless. You would replace it. Just so, God puts His love into our lives that it might flow out. We want the Lord to clear us and fill us so that His love can flow through us.

"Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another."

The Cross of Christ (c) copyright Ed Riojas, Higher Things

August

Considerable time has been spent by our school board and staff to safely re-open our school for the 2020-2021 school-year under the theme “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” – Hebrews 13:8

By these words we are reminded Christ is ever present abiding with His church. You are not alone. Christ remains present and He will not change. Yesterday, today and forever you are His.

The Ascension teaches us this. 40 days after His glorious resurrection the Savior returned to reign in glory. He may seem to be absent, but He’s not. He's here. He is here through His promises, in His Word.

The Ascension teaches you God's faithfulness to bring you back to Himself. God is committed ever to refocus you on His promises. So, gaze here, gaze into His Word, and you will find Jesus.

By the power of the Gospel, the disciples came to believe He wasn’t gone after all. He was with them in Word and Sacrament and would return on the last day to fulfill all He said He would do. This gave them the confidence to break their gaze and continue with the lives God had in store for them. May this Gospel free you too, from whatever you gaze at, and give you the confidence to move forward in the Christian life God has planned out for you.

After He rose from the dead, the Lord Jesus presented Himself alive to the apostles, “appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God” (Acts 1:3). When He ascended to the right hand of the Father, He did not orphan His Church, but He fills all things in heaven and on earth and gives gifts to His disciples. Even now, through His Church, He continues “to do and teach” (Acts 1:1), preaching “repentance and forgiveness of sins” (Luke 24:47), even “to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8).

Though the cloud hid Jesus from the sight of His disciples then, and He remains hidden from sight even now, He remains with His people through His Gospel and Sacraments. He comes to us by the word of His apostles, by the promise of His Father and by the power of the Holy Spirit, whom He pours out upon “the church, which is his body” (Ephesians 1:22–23).

Almighty God, as Your only-begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, ascended into the heavens, so may we also ascend in heart and mind and continually dwell there with Him, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.[1]

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[1] Collect for Ascension, Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

Lift High the Cross copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

August

Faith formation is an important work of our congregation. We open our doors at Wyneken for the 51st academic year on Thursday, August 8 with the theme “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity.” -2 Peter 3:18

The Apostles’ Creed is an early statement of Christian belief— is recited in church on Sunday and used throughout the week in Morning Prayer, in our weekly chapel services at Wyneken and in the home. We use the Creed to instruct youth and adults in the core Christian beliefs.  Each statement of faith is rooted in Scripture. As you recite the creed meditate on the truths it teaches as they are rooted in God’s Word the source of our life and work.

I believe in God, the Father almighty, 

[Matthew 5:45]

Creator of heaven and earth. 

[Genesis 1:1; Romans 1:20]

And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, 

[Matthew 3:17; Philippians 2:12]

Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, 

[Luke 1:35]

Suffered under Pontius Pilate,

[John 19:16]

Was crucified, died, and was buried.

[John 19:29-42]

He descended into hell; 

[1 Peter 3:19-20]

On the third day He rose again from the dead 

[Matthew 28:1-10; John 20:11-18]

He ascended into heaven,

[Luke 24:51]

and sits at the right hand of God, 

[Hebrews 1:3]

the Father almighty; 

[Mark 14:36]

from thence He shall come again, 

[Matthew 16:27; Acts 10:39 ff]

to judge the living and the dead. 

[1 Corinthians 15:51 ff ]

I believe in the Holy Spirit, 

[John 14:15-20; Acts 1:7-8]

the Holy Catholic Church 

[Matthew 16:18-19; Ephesians 5:26-27; Colossians 1:24]

the communion of Saints, 

[Mt. 28:19-20; 2 Corinthians 11:13; 1 Corinthians 15:33]

the forgiveness of sins, 

[John 20:22-23]

The resurrection of the body, 

[1 Corinthians 15:51-54; 1 Thessalonians 4 :13-18]

and the life everlasting 

[1 John 5:20]

A special Back – to – School BBQ Cook-Off with be held on Saturday, August 10 beginning at 3pm in the groove across from Wyneken. The cafetorium will be used in care of rain. This event is for school families and congregational members from St. John Bingen, St. Paul Preble, Zion Friedheim, St. Peter Fuelling, and Immanuel Union Township. There will be plenty of food and beverages. Families are invited to bring a side dish, dessert, lawn chairs and games. Activities include a whole host of fun [inflatables, corn-hole, volleyball, etc.] Festivities begin at 3pm with dinner and BBQ judging starting at 5pm. You are invited to come at any time. A free-will offering will be received to help support the Parent Teacher Leagues of St. Peter – Immanuel and Wyneken schools.    

Luther's Seal, copyright ©  Higher Things 

August

August 26 will be a significant day in the life of our parish. On that day we will gather together with our sisters and brothers of St. John and St. Paul to commemorate and celebrated the 50^th Anniversary of our Wyneken School. As to the particulars -

11:00 am- Seminarian Kyle Brown a Wyneken graduate; currently in his final year of study at the Ft. Wayne seminary will be the speaker for this celebration service at St. John Bingen!

12:00 pm- Lunch will be served. An Open House will run throughout the day. Nine Mile is catering! Pulled Pork sandwich, baked beans, potato salad, chips and a drink for $9! Kid friendly 12 and under menu includes Chicken Strips, Mac-and-cheese, fruit and a drink for $9! YOU MUST PURCHASE FOOD TICKETS WHEN YOU RSVP, NO ADDITIONAL LUNCH FOOD SALES SOLD THE DAY OF THE EVENT. There will be representatives present in the gathering before and after church to take you reservations and answer any questions.

Until 3:00 pm- Enjoy Kid Games, Dunk Tank, Whip & Chill ice cream and 25 flavors of shaved ice for sale at the event.

Certainly education stands at the center of our life together in our congregation. For 180 years the instruction of God’s people and especially the youth has been an integral part of our life and work. It is essential as we teach and model the faith.

One of Martin Luther’s more famous quotes is “When schools flourish, all flourishes.” Luther urged that the Scriptures be the primary text in the schools at every level. His oft-quoted and very important statement reads, “I would advise no one to send his child where the Holy Scriptures are not supreme. Every institution that does not unceasingly pursue the study of God’s word becomes corrupt.” He then further reminds us that the freedom to provide sound Christian schooling is the very freedom of the Gospel itself.

We have been blessed by the ministry of our Wyneken Memorial Lutheran School. It is the church’s school. May the Lord continue to bless this important work of our parish ministry. Come join us August 26 for this celebration event.

This month of August will be a time of transition in our neighborhood.  Pr. Christopher Maronde will be installed at St. John Lutheran Church, Bingen on Sunday August 5 as Associate Pastor. Pr. Daniel Brege will be transitioning to the office of District President during the month of August. He will remain as Associate Pastor at St. Paul yet his responsibility in the parish will be extremely limited as the duties of the District President are immense. Presently St. Paul is forming a call committee and will be issuing a call for a Sr. Pastor in the near future. On September 9, Rev. Dr. Brege will be installed as President of our District while Pr. Brock will be installed as 4^th Vice President of our District.

The Indiana District covers the entire state of Indiana and the northern third of the state of Kentucky. It consists of 235 parishes, 53 pre-schools, 50 elementary schools, and three parochial high schools. There are an estimated 102,000 persons which make up our Indiana District. Past presidents of our district include the following pastors:

Rev. Edgar C. Rakow, 1963–1970

Rev. Elwood H. Zimmermann, 1970–88

Rev. Reuben Garber, 1988–91

Rev. Timothy E. Sims, 1991–2003

*Pr. Sims served Emanuel New Haven. He confirmed, ordained, and installed me here at Zion

Rev. Daniel P. May, 2003–2018

*Pr. May for a number of years served as Pastor at St. Peter in Ft. Wayne Tammy's  home parish

August

We continue with our review of St. Paul’s letter to the Romans.  The Righteousness of God which is offered us through the Gospel is what frees us. There is a tendency for us to follow only the external content of the law. “Don’t curse, don’t murder, don’t steal, don’t lie, honor authority, worship God…” That is, to regard or to be concerned only with the outward form of the law. How often do we follow the commandment but disregard the meaning? The rich young man attempting to justify himself argued with Jesus, “These I have kept since my youth.” (Matthew 19:20) Yet the Lord demands of us perfection. “You shall be holy; for I the LORD your God am holy.” That’s a requirement. That’s an ultimatum!

True, none of us are murderers. But we all have the capacity for anger. None of us has committed adultery. But we all have the capacity for lustful thoughts. The Savior does not look for rightness. He seeks humility, repentance and faith. 

Christ Jesus. The Incarnate Word.  Opens our ears to hear.  Opens our minds to understand. And penetrates our cold broken hearts. To believe His Word.  Lest the evil one come. And snatch it away. He transforms our rocky hearts into good soil. Which, clings to the Gospel. And, “indeed bears fruit.” (Matthew 13:23).

God never tires of hearing us repent. He doesn’t disregard it, treat it lightly, disparage the person repenting, or, throw them away. He mends. He heals. He forgives. He strengthens. And while we should always strive, as athletes do, not to fall, we do, and even if we should fall thousands of times, we stand back up, we repent, and God grants us forgiveness—for we are all the work of His hand.

August

Aug 7     Proper 14 ~ Divine Service Setting #3 ~   Luke 12:32-40 "Your Faith is Showing!"

Almighty and merciful God, it is by Your grace that we live as Your people who offer acceptable service. Grant that we may walk by faith, and not by sight, in the way that leads to eternal life;

Aug 14  Proper 15 ~ Prayer and Preaching ~ Luke 12:51 “The fire of God’s Word divides”

Merciful Lord, cleanse and defend Your Church by the sacrifice of Christ. United with Him in Holy Baptism, give us grace to receive with thanksgiving the fruits of His redeeming work and daily follow in His way;

Aug 21 Proper 16 ~ Divine Service Setting #3 ~ Luke 13:22–30 “The Cross Is the Way into the Kingdom”

O Lord, You have called us to enter Your kingdom through the narrow door. Guide us by Your Word and Spirit, and lead us now and always into the feast of Your Son, Jesus Christ,

Aug 28 Proper 17 ~ Divine Service Setting #3 without Communion ~ Luke 7:12-14

“Look who’s coming to dinner.” 

O Lord of grace and mercy, teach us by Your Holy Spirit to follow the example of Your son in true humility, that we may withstand the temptations of the devil and with pure hearts and minds avoid ungodly pride.

With the coming of the month of August, another school year will begin. Our annual meeting of our Wyneken Association will be held at St. John Parish Hall on August 1, 2016 Not only will the budget for the 2016-2017 school year be set but we will also have an accounting of the functioning of our school along with various reports and updates concerning our school’s ministry.

Under the theme “Do everything in Love” ~ 1 Corinthians 16:14 we will begin our forty-eighth year by the grace of God. Because of your sacrificial, first-fruits giving we have been able to make our contributions to our school and fulfill our obligations. The Thrivent Choice and SGO funding sources have helped our congregation reach our goals in a timely manner. Your continued support of our church’s school is deeply appreciated.  As we continue to support our school, we pray the Lord’s blessings on all our endeavors.