Glory of Christ Lutheran Church Lutheran Church Missouri Synod

4040 County Road 101 No.

Plymouth, MN 55446

Office phone763-478-6031 www.gloryofchrist.org Pastor: Rev. Klemet Preus Asst: Jo Ellen Braun

Assistant Pastor for Missions: Rev. John Fehrmann Visitation Pastor: Rev. Dean Weibel Organists: Carla Claussen, Zelda Malo, Maddie Marshall & Sarah Miller, Adult Choir Director: Carla Claussen

Bell Choir Director: Brenda Richards, Music Coordinator: Zelda Malo, Children’s Choir: Andrea Heeren, Chimes Director: Ellie Leimer

February 2013

The Theology of Calling a Pastor

Pastor Preus Cell Phone: (763) 438-2375 (Pastor can be reached anytime on his Cell phone) Church Office Telephone: (763) 478-6031 Church Fax: (763) 478-3970 Church e-mail: joellen@gloryofchrist.org Pastor’s Home Telephone: (763) 519-0459

“Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in

heaven”

Church Elders: Church Elders: Church Elders: Church Elders:

Bill Anderson Josh Christian Carl Hartness Dave Koosman Peter Krenzke Bruce Paradis Ben Rolf Mark Swenson ******************* President of Congregation:President of Congregation:President of Congregation:President of Congregation: Bob Strom Treasurer: Treasurer: Treasurer: Treasurer: Jesse Huber Secretary: Secretary: Secretary: Secretary: Brenda Richards Church Council: Church Council: Church Council: Church Council: Philippe deBlois Lori Beck Jeremy Eickhoff Mari Houck Mike Lindh Gary Peterson Kevin Skau Craig Smith

Since Glory of Christ is in the process of calling a second pastor this might be a good time to review what the Bible teaches and what we practice about the calling of the pastor. Two points must be made. First, the Bible teaches that it is God who calls the pastor and places him into the office of the Holy Ministry. Paul, addressing the elders (pastors) in Ephesus, says, “Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God which he bought with his own blood” Acts 20:28. And he writes to Titus and says, “As a manager appointed by God, an elder (pastor) should be blameless etc.” (Titus 1:7) So God appoints pastors. This has some implications.

1. We do not speak of hiring a pastor but of calling or sending a pastor. The Bible specifically says that true pastors are not hirelings. If you want to insult the pastor and God then talk about hiring him.

2. We do not talk of “clergy.” The Bible never uses the word. It’s a word that speaks of clerical responsibilities. The pastor’s job is not “clerical.” That’s Jo Ellen’s job. Don’t call the pastor “clergy.”

3. There are four words which are used in the Bible to refer to pastors. “Overseer or bishop” refers to the pastor’s job of making sure that the doctrine and sacraments are taught and applied properly. He has authority over the ministry of word and sacrament. That’s the pastor’s job delegated to him from God. “Minister” is used in the Bible to indicate that the pastor is the servant of God like a waiter who serves what God has prepared in Christ – word and Sacrament. Lutherans called their pastors “ministers” until the nineteenth century. We’ll get to the other two words later.

4. A pastor, by virtue of his call from God must be confident that his preaching and teaching are actually Christ’s teaching preaching. The sacraments he administers are the sacraments of Christ. He needs to say, “Thus saith the Lord,” when he is teaching and preaching in the church. This he is able to do because God has called him.

5. And the congregation needs to be confident that the pastor speaks for God and is authorized by God to do so.

6. Because the pastor is called by God you can’t just fire him or get rid of him because he does not please you. You can only dismiss a pastor for cause and that cause has to be something the pastor has done against God – not you. If he preaches contrary to God’s word then he can be removed. If he is guilty of an open immoral life (such as habitual lying, adultery, engaging in homosexual acts, breaking confidences etc.) then He can be dismissed. If he refuses to do his Job or simply cannot then he can be dismissed. Our congregational bylaws tell us the process to be followed in the event such a tragic step would be needed.

Second, the Bible teaches that God calls the pastor through the church. The church appoints them. Luke describes how the church called pastors at the time of the apostles, “They appointed elders (pastors) for themselves in each church and with prayer and fasting they entrusted them to the Lord in whom they believed” (Acts 14:23). And Paul says to Titus, “I left you in Crete to make the improvement still needed and to appoint pastors in every town as I directed you” (Titus 1:5). This has some implications too. 1. In our synod it is the congregation (strictly speaking, those above a certain age in the

congregation) which calls the pastor. These pastors have been preapproved by the seminaries and the district presidents of the church so we can only call from pastors in good standing on the church body roster. In some church bodies a select group from the congregation makes the decision. In some churches the bishop makes the decision. But in all true churches the people whom the pastor serves accept him as their pastor. Our way is probably the best way but it has its shortcomings.

2. Pastors don’t just show up claiming God sent them. Even a fervent desire in the heart of a man who wants to be a pastor is not a call from God. All the visions in the world do not make a man a pastor. A pastor is called when he has a piece of paper from the congregation telling him precisely that. Without that piece of paper (it’s called ‘a diploma of vocation’) the pastor has no call from the church and, consequently, no call from God. If a pastor should claim a call from God without a call from the church, he is a liar and not to be trusted.

3. The Bible uses the term “Elder” to refer to the pastor. This indicates the status that the pastor must have in the eyes of the church which calls him. Without the acceptance of the congregation a pastor cannot serve. The Bible also uses the word “pastor “ to refer to the minister of the Gospel. This word means shepherd and it describes the relationship between the minister and the people. He feeds the sheep in a patient and loving way, sensitive to them and recognizing that they expect to hear the voice of the Good Shepherd through the voice of their shepherd.

4. Because the pastor is called by the church he answers to the church. His job description, in broad terms, comes from God. He preaches and teaches the word, baptizes, absolves, and gives the Holy Communion. But the church tells him when and where and how often. The church says “we want you to go to the Higher Things conference, teach in the Philippines, visit this or that person in the hospital, conduct worship workshops, have Saturday services, write newsletter articles, attend certain meetings, etc.” Our new pastor will be responsible for starting some programs for the younger families who are flocking to our congregation and for a more vibrant local mission outreach effort. True, good pastors do these things without specific instruction from the church. But if a pastor did not show initiative the congregation would find ways to motivate him.

5. Because the pastor is called by the church, the church has the responsibility to support him and his family financially. Paul says, “Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching. For the Scripture says, ‘You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain,’ and ‘The laborer is worthy of his hire’” I Timothy 5:17-18. Glory of Christ has always been very generous in removing the muzzle from her ox.

So that is our theology, summarized and partially presented. This theology guides us as we go through the process of calling a second pastor. Practically by stressing that the call comes from God we give both pastor and congregation confidence in the Office of the Ministry. By stressing that the call comes from the church both congregation and pastor recognize their responsibility in the matter. So a good balance is maintained. Pastor Preus

Glory of Christ Pastor Calling Update

First a "Thank You" to the entire congregation for your energetic support for nominations. We have received over 25 names (our list was up to 27 different names at one point). The Call Committee (Elders) have already met in December and January to review the names. So far the list has been reduced to about 16 (some due to candidates recently accepting a call, and other related reasons). Originally our desire was to bring a final list along with bibliographies sometime in early March, but the Minnesota South District reported they would not be able to get the nominee information (Set's and PIF's) to us until late February along with their list of nominations. So, we hope to be able to bring the final list with the bibliographies likely in late March. Please continue to Pray for the Call Committee as we go through the difficult process of recommending 5-10 candidates from a very fine list of Pastors you have nominated. Also, if you have any questions about the call process, where we are at, or anything else to do with the call please contact Pastor or an Elder. Yours in Christ Dave Koosman

Lenten Mid-Week Services: This year we will have services at 11:30 am and 7:00 pm beginning with Ash Wednesday on February 13th. Lenten Meals: A simple soup lunch will be served after the 11:30 am service. Supper will be served at 6:00 prior to the 7:00 pm service.

COMPASSION CIRCLE

The Compassion Circle will be meeting on February 4, at 1:00 for devotion, dessert and fellowship. We will be assembling a "Valentine" for the residents at the Women’s Home Free Shelter. Anyone is welcome and look forward to seeing you there. To all members who can cut fabric, iron or sew! Come and join us for some fellowship and have a fun day of Quilting for "The Orphan Grain Train" (World Relief) on Feb. 15th starting at 9:00 am. until you get tired and want to leave! We will be meeting in the fellowship hall. Please bring a bag lunch. Zion Lutheran Church has invited us to join them again this year in tying quilts for "The Orphan Grain Train", on Monday Feb. 18th starting at 9:00 am. All you need to know is how to tie a knot and have fun with fellow Christian ladies! Lunch will be provided for us. Zion is located at: 241 5th st.N. in Hopkins. If anyone would like to car pool over, please call Eunice M. 763-493-5333.

The Breininger family is still in need of prayers and assistance. Sean is progressing but the recovery is a very slow one. If you would be able to help with grocery shopping, dinners, etc. please go onto their website at https://www.lotsahelpinghands.com/c/648124 You can receive updates and keep informed by the many posts by Allison and Sean. They also have a phone line #612 568 2620 that you can call and leave words of encouragement, bible verses, etc. for Sean to listen to. They could also use gift cards to Target, Old Navy or BP Gas. Their home address is: 376 Herschel Street, St Paul 55104. Thank you for all that you have done for their family up until this point and in the future. They are very appreciative of your kindness. “He who is gracious to a poor man lends to the Lord, and He will repay him for his good deed." Proverbs 19:17

OUR MUSIC STAFF:

Church Organists: Carla Claussen, Zelda Malo, Maddie Marshall, & Sarah Miller

Music Coordinator: Zelda Malo 763-972-3710

Adult Choir Director: Carla Claussen 651-697-1117 (practice at 7:45on Wednesday’s during Lent)

Bell Choir Director: Brenda Richards 763-476-6981 (practice at 6:15on Wednesday’s during Lent)

Cherub Choir Director: Andrea Heeren 763-478-9094 (practice at 4:30 on Wednesday’s)

Children’s Chimes Director: Ellie Leimer 612-220-7834 (practice at 5:00 on Wednesday’s)

Lenten Services at Glory of Christ

This year you will have two opportunities to attend Lenten services at Glory of Christ. We will have Services at 11:30 every Wednesday morning from February 13 until March 20. And we will have services every Wednesday evening on the same dates at 7:00 PM. There will no round robin this year with the other churches in the circuit so pastor Preus will be leading all the services. The theme this year will be “Christ the Ultimate Lamb.” We will look at Old Testament stories when God provided a sacrificial lamb for his people and how Christ is the ultimately lamb to which all the previous sacrificial animals pointed.

Here is the schedule: Ash Wednesday with the imposition of ashes February 13 God kills an animal to provide Adam and Eve a covering for sin February 20 God smells the animal sacrifice of Noah after the flood February 27 God provides a lamb for Abraham in place of Isaac March 6 God institutes The Passover March 13 God sends the scapegoat into the wilderness on the Day of Atonement March 20 In the morning services the order of Matins will be followed and in the evening we will follow the order of Vespers. The hymns will all teach us about Christ the Lamb of God. Lenten services are great tradition which allows God’s people to reflect both upon their sins but especially upon the grace of God in Christ the Lamb of God.

Congress on the Lutheran Confessions ACL National Free Conference 24 Luther Academy Lecture Series 20

April 17–19, 2013 Ramada Mall of America

Bloomington (a suburb of Minneapolis) Minnesota

IT'S THE LAW – OR IS IT? LEGALISM VS. ANTINOMIANISM

What is Legalism and Antinomianism? Rev. Dr. Scott Murray of Houston, Texas

Lutherans Caught Between Rome and Geneva Rev. Rolf Preus of Mayville, North Dakota

What Happens when the Third Use of the Law is Rejected? Rev. Roland Ziegler of Fort Wayne, Indiana

Teaching the Law from Luther's Small Catechism Rev. Peter Bender of Sussex, Wisconsin

The Lord's Prayer as a Prayer of Confession in the Antinomian Disputations of

Luther Rev. Paul Strawn of Spring Lake Park, Minnesota

The Third Use of the Law as Answer to Anti-Nomianism Rev. Dr. David Scaer of Fort Wayne, Indiana

Gospel Only – What's Wrong with That? Rev. Dr. Albert B. Collver III of St. Louis, Missouri

Why Germans Drink Beer and Baptists Don't Rev. John Pless of Fort Wayne, IndianaThursday Evening Banquet Speaker

Embodied Antinomians: Female Priests, Pastors, and Preachers Rev. Dr. Charles Cortright of Milwaukee, Wisconsin

2/03/000 Lou Ann Jespersen Birthday

2/05/000 Leo Esget Birthday

2/10/000 Alexander Schaumburg Birthday

2/13/000 Arlin Hitchcock Birthday

2/15/000 Curt Woolfolk Birthday

2/19/000 Jan Diemand Birthday

2/21/000 Bill Thompson Birthday

2/21/000 Lea Connealy Birthday

2/23/000 Lia Edson Birthday

2/23/000 Chelsie Zitzlsperger Birthday

2/24/000 LeRoy Reinke Birthday

2/26/000 Janie Tesch-Cassady Birthday

2/27/000 Darlene Yount Birthday

2/28/000 Elizabeth Madson Birthday

2/29/000 Betty Reinke Birthday

The following magazines are now going to be available as a gift from Glory of Christ on the

table in the Narthex. Please share with your children and grandchildren.

My Devotions

Encourage 8- to 12-year-olds to build a habit of daily Bible reading at home! My Devotions is an excellent resource that points children to the Word through stories and situations to which they can relate. This magazine will be available in the Narthex quarterly beginning in March.

Happy Times

Bring parents and children together for Happy Times! Each monthly issue is filled with Christian stories, poems,

colorful activity pages, and special projects for active 3- to 5-year-olds and their parents. This monthly magazine will be available on the table in the Narthex.

Save the date! VBS is coming to GOC June 10-14 from 9:00 am - noon!

All Preschool - 5th grade students welcome!

Event Tentative Dates Time

Silent Auction April 27th

5:00 pm-10:00 pm

Confirmation Examination May 4th

Confirmation May 5th 9:00 AM

Pasta Dinner May 19th

Vacation Bible School June 10th - 14th 9:00 am to noon

Higher Things Conference July 16-19

Message from the Council President

Dear Glory of Christ Member, Our Annual Congregational meeting was held December 16th with approximately seventy people in attendance. A budget of $522,210.00 was approved for the year 2013. Our officers are chosen by placing the candidate’s name for each position in a Bible or a basket and then drawing names to determine who will serve. Serving in 2013 will be: President: Bob Strom Treasurer: Jesse Huber First year Council: Lori Beck, Philippe Debolis, Mike Lindh and Gary Peterson Second year Council: Jeremy Eickhoff, Mari Houck, Kevin Skau and Craig Smith All of the Elders are returning this year, they are: Mark Swenson (Head Elder), Bill Anderson, Josh Christian, Carl Hartness, David Koosman Peter Krenzke, Bruce Paradis and. Ben Rolf.

A special thank you to all retiring officers: President Travis Dorweiler and Council person Brenda Richards. We had our first Council meeting January 14th where we reviewed some of the open business from last year and looked at some of the suggested topics for address this year. They include

1. A review of all insurance policies 2. A review of our Gift Policy that has been around since 2001 3. The creation of ” Wish List “ to bring an awareness of needed items or

projects that are not in our current budget. ( This was old business from last year’s Council )

4. The restart of the Building and Grounds Committee. Council person Craig Smith and Past President Travis Dorweiler will lead the effort. Anyone interested in helping?

The Lenten season will be here soon along with the Wednesday suppers and worship services. The Elders will host the first supper on February 13th, with the Council, Music people, Young Adults. Youth with Parents and Miscellaneous Volunteers, respectfully. Plan on attending every Wednesday. Yours in Christ, Bob Strom

Council President

Glory of Christ Lutheran Church Lutheran Church Missouri Synod

4040 State Hwy. 101 No. Plymouth, MN 55446 Office: (763) 478-6031 www.gloryofchrist.org

Rev. Klemet Preus – Pastor Jo Ellen Braun– Admin Asst.

Service Schedule

Sunday Service 9:00 am

Adult Bible Class 10:20 am

Sunday School 10:20 am

Saturday Service 5:00 pm

Mid Week Lenten Services 11:30 am and 7:00 pm