the philippian · been able to look forward to for going on 60 years. though the youth gathering...
TRANSCRIPT
Fall Events Begin
The Philippian The Monthly Newsletter of St. Philip’s Lutheran Church of Hastings, Minnesota
Come and Worship...Come and Serve...Come and Learn...Come as you are
…Philip said to him, “Come and see” John 1:46
October 2017
October Events
Martin and Katie Luther Visit
October 11
St. Paul Area Synod South Cluster
Event
October 21
Lefse Making
October 9 and 25
Leaf Raking
October 28
Opening the Bible 3rd
Grade Event
October 28
Reformation Anniversary Worship
3 Year Olds and 3rd
Graders Receive
Bibles October 29 at 9:30 am
2 THE PHILIPPIAN October 2017
For I am not ashamed of the gospel; it is the power of
God for salvation to everyone who has faith, to the Jew
first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness
of God is revealed through faith for faith; as it is written,
“The one who is righteous will live by faith.”
Romans 1:16-17
One of the tenets that set Christianity apart from other religions is that salvation and eternal life are not dependent upon the things we do or the laws we keep. In many religions the individual is constantly on a quest to achieve a higher level of holiness or must be
careful to follow all the rules and regulations of his or her faith. Sometimes, even Christians become so concerned about what they should or shouldn’t do and spend so much time dwelling on their anger or their guilt that they forget that there is nothing of their own doing that can make them right with God. This was Martin Luther’s revelation as he studied God’s Word. He had wrestled his whole life with how to please God somehow to earn or deserve God’s love and favor. Luther felt the weight of this law intensely. He knew that his sins would condemn him when he died. He knew that his sinfulness only earned him eternal death. He tried to earn God’s love by doing all sorts of good works which the Catholic Church said would free him from his sins’ guilt. But inside, he knew that God’s law still condemned him for his sins. He knew there was no price which he could pay that would remove his sins. He despaired. Until… Until the Holy Spirit opened his eyes to see that it is only by God’s grace and through faith that we are saved. Thankfully, Luther turned to God’s Word to find the answer to his dilemma. When Luther turned to Scripture to find out how he could be saved, he found that the gospel message told him that he had a Savior, someone who already paid for his sins. He found out that we could only be saved by what God has done for us. As he was teaching about God’s Word at Wittenberg, he came across a passage that talked about “the righteousness of God.” As he studied what the Scriptures taught about this righteousness of God, he found it was not a righteousness demanded of us by God, but a
righteousness given by God to us freely. Romans 1:17 states, “For in it (the Gospel) the righteousness of God is revealed through faith for faith; as it is written, “The one who is righteous will live by faith.” When Martin Luther learned of this precious message, he bet his life on it. He faced the fury of an angry pope and the whole Catholic regime. He even stood on trial before the Emperor. Yet in all this, Luther did not stand on his pride or arrogance, but always turned to what Scripture said. He could not teach or preach otherwise, because he knew he was a redeemed child of God. Being declared right with God (justification) has nothing to do with our works or efforts. It is a gift God gives us through Jesus’ coming into the world, his dying for our sins, and his resurrection. God wants you and me not only to know that message of justification, he wants us to take it into our hearts and to cherish it. We have been given such a great blessing in that we know how much God loves us. On October 29, we will be celebrating the 500th anniversary of the event that started the Protestant Reformation. Martin Luther was a great man, but we celebrate not the man, but the message that the great reformer returned to God’s people. Salvation is ours not by anything that we could do, but because God justifies us freely by his grace. Thanks be to God.
Your Servant in Christ,
Pastor Geier
- AMONG OUR OWN -
Congratulations to… Josh and Chelsey Retterath on the birth of their daughter Monroe Grace Retterath born September 7. Wyatt David Boatman (son of David and Megan Boatman) blessings on his baptism. Joshua and Emily (Norwig) Ringuette, blessings on their September 9 marriage. Guy and Cathy Rudiger on their 30th wedding anniversary on October 10. Tom and Diane Reller on their 45th wedding anniversary October 20. Rick and Deb Carlson on their 20th anniversary on October 25. Josh and Chelsey Retterath on their 5th anniversary on October 27.
THE PHILIPPIAN October 2017 3
Preschool Chatter
The St. Philip’s Early Learning Center classes are off to a great start! We welcome the families and look forward to a fabulous year together! Our teachers have worked hard to get students into a routine and acclimated with their classroom. There has been a lot of activity taking place!
Here are a few quotes from preschoolers when asked, “What do you like about preschool?”
“I like the snacks.”
“I like running around.”
“I like playing with friends.”
“I like reading books.”
“I like playing at the dot table.”
“I like going outside.”
Pastor Geier and Miss Stephanie started chapel time with the preschoolers this month. We are so grateful to have a staff that will share the love of Jesus with our little ones.
What a great first month here at St. Philip’s Preschool!
Kim Sill ELC Director
Thank You! Jim and I want to thank all who have prayed for us in the last few months. Also, for those of you that brought food, sent cards and visited. We are so grateful to know so many caring people. With many answered prayers, Jim is doing great.
Jim and Vonnie Olson
Sunday School Minute
Let’s start at the very beginning…a very good place to start… Sunday School has started and with it, the stories, snacks, crafts, songs, and games are rolled out weekly to help the kiddos learn about God in ways that children learn best. Along with all that learning is also relationship building between the students, the students and teachers, and between everyone and God. This is the biggest piece—and depending on the situation—it’s the easiest or the most difficult part. We are blessed with so many new Sunday School teachers who have followed God’s call to serve. We also have new families joining in. This means lots of new faces, new personalities, and new opportunities to grow and learn together. We also have Sunday School teachers and students who are returning for their sixth and seventh years—continuing to serve and learn together. This range is so exciting and is definitely something we can all be thankful for. With so many new personalities and new possibilities, we celebrate, support, and challenge each other in new ways. Thank you, for always keeping our Sunday School teachers, helpers, students, and families in your prayers!
Stephanie Becken Director of Children, Youth and Family Ministries
Teen Talk
The Youth Gathering is coming! The Youth Gathering is Coming!
For young Lutherans (and their not so young leaders), the Youth Gathering is something they’ve been able to look forward to for going on 60 years. Though the Youth Gathering may have changed over the years, the purpose remains the same—helping connect young Lutherans to Lutherans all over the US and the world. In 2018, 30,000+ youth will gather in Houston, Texas. From June 27-July 1, these students will be serving, worshiping, playing, and learning in big ways—huge ways. What’s worship like with 30,000 voices leading in prayer, song, and scripture? We’re going to experience that at the Youth Gathering. Students currently in 9th-12th grade are encouraged to attend. Information meetings coming in October are Sunday, October 1 at 11:45 am and Wednesday, October 25 at 7:00 pm. Watch for times in November (we need to register before November 14). If you have questions, please contact Stephanie Becken.
Pastor Appreciation Month
God bless Pastor Geier for the time he gives, the work he does
and the care he offers.
4 THE PHILIPPIAN October 2017
9:30 WORSHIP SERVICE ON OCTOBER 29! To celebrate the 500th anniversary of Martin Luther’s act that started the Protestant Reformation, St. Philip’s will be having a single worship service at 9:30 am on October 29. There will be brass! There will be choirs-o-rama! There will be bells! There will be our Praise Band! There will be Word and Sacrament! There will be children’s activities and a potluck lunch following service! Those planning to share in the potluck lunch should bring something according to the following:
A-I Dessert J-R Main Dish S-Z Salad
SEE YOU THERE!
COMING IN NOVEMBER!
Transformed by Grace, Faith and Love
Beginning on November 12 we will be lifting up how God transforms us into faithful disciples and stewards through grace, faith and love. This will be lifting up how we support the work of Christ in and through our contributions of time, talent and treasure to the general fund of St. Philip’s Lutheran Church. Stay tuned!
Early in August we closed the books on August financials. The Finance Team is happy to recap the following details.
General and Miscellaneous Fund thru August 31, 2017:
Actual Budget Actual Year to Date: 8/17 8/17 8/16 Income: $342,973 $357,253 $342,751 Expenses: $317,686 $354,591 $314,465 Over/(short): $25,287 $2,662 $28,286
Capital Fund Year to Date: $111,141 $115,611 $107,567 Below are some little-known facts that may be of interest regarding the SPLC technician on staff, the sound board, and how it all relates to Sunday morning worship.
Meeting with Pastor to input and review sermon slides takes 30-60 minutes each week.
Developing slides for projection during worship takes 8-10 hours each week. (Includes finding backgrounds, typing hymn/song words when necessary, placing text on slide backgrounds, building key announcement slides, and completing graphic and video conversions when necessary.
Practice, sound level setup, and slide verification with the Praise Band takes about 2 hours each week.
Setting up microphones, microphone stands, and programming the audio mixer for the various musical groups takes 30-60 minutes each week.
Publishing "The Word and Sermon" from each service to the website takes 30-60 minutes.
Scheduling volunteers for audio-visual duties takes 1-2 hours per month.
Training of volunteers takes a minimum of 10 hours spread across 4-5 sessions. In addition, trainees are supervised during 3-4 worship services.
Many thanks for supporting the ministry of St. Philip’s!
THE PHILIPPIAN October 2017 5
3rd ANNUAL MITCHELL MARTIN LUCAS SCHOLARSHIP FUNDRAISER
Saturday, September 30 8 am - 2 pm
Orlando Game Farm 25441 Orlando Avenue (Southeast of Miesville)
Cannon Falls, Minnesota
Please join us to honor Mitchell’s memory the best way we know how: eating, playing games, laughing, hunting and having a good time! Mitchell died tragically by suicide in his senior year. This event keeps his memory alive in our hearts, helps fund a scholarship in his memory ($9000 gifted thus far) and raises awareness of the teen suicide epidemic. This event includes silent auction items, games, gun raffles and great food. You do not have to be a hunter to participate. The HHS Trap team will be there to assist anyone who wants to try shooting a clay pigeon. Contact Jeff or Lynn Lucas at [email protected] or 651-480-2112 if you have any questions, would like to sign up to hunt or would like to make a donation of food, silent auction item or cash. THANK YOU and may the Lord shine down on us!
SUNDAY SCHOOL PARENTS AND FRIENDS do you need a 10 - 30 minute opportunity to meet new friends, visit with old friends, or build connections? Look in the narthex near the Sunday School rooms between services (9:30 - 10:30 am). Each week of Sunday School Carol Hellen will have some creative endeavor underway. And, it's for you! A way to engage for a few minutes with friendly hearts, feel good about your time of "waiting", and create a message of connectiveness with our kids and each other. Feeling curious? Are you an old member or new member? A visitor? Shy and quiet? All are welcomed! Stop by.
OCTOBER ADULT FORUMS Sunday morning at 9:40 am in the Learning Room. October 1 Martin Luther and Controversy October 8 The Reformation after Luther October 15 Confirmation and the Bible October 22 No Adult Forum October 29 No Adult Forum
MAKE PLANS FOR 15th ANNUAL BAKE SALE AND SOUP LUNCH - On Saturday, November 18, 10 am-1:30 pm. St. Philip's Lutheran Church will be bustling with activity as this is our 15th Annual Bake Sale and Soup Lunch. Lefse making days are Monday, October 9 from 6 pm until done, Wednesday, October 25 from 9 am until done and Saturday, November 11 from 9 am until done. Please join in the lefse making fun whether you are a novice or experienced lefse maker. And start planning what you will be preparing for the bake sale. Be watching for sign-up sheets and volunteer wherever needed. There are so many opportunities to serve. The committee is pleased to announce that a Thrivent Action Team Project has been approved. This means that the $250 grant will be used in purchasing food for the preparation of the soups. Because of participation by members of the congregation we will be inspiring generosity and positive change is on the way for the lives of many. We will be supporting the mission of the church in the following ways: - Bible Story books for three year-olds - Scholarship for a high school girl in Tanzania - Feed My Starving Children - Bibles for 3rd graders - Support of Youth Mission Projects And Thank You for Living Generously!!
ST. PHILIP’S YARN SHOP! During our 2017 garage sale we were gifted with a generous donation of yarn.
Due to the large quantity, batches of yarn will be for sale in the narthex. The next sale date is October 8. The yarn is being stored at Bill and Vicki Pavlish’ home so you may also visit them to shop. There are acrylics of
different weights, acrylic/wool blends, organic cotton, specialty and baby yarns, $1.00 per skein. It’s time to gear up for your winter projects. Proceeds go to the garage sale! Questions? Contact Vicki at 437-1527.
6 THE PHILIPPIAN October 2017
AND THE BAND PLAYED ON! Yes, "Darlene and the Boys" played crowd pleasing music in St. Luke's sanctuary for the final outdoor concert series of the summer. St. Philip's hosted the event indoors due to rain which resulted in proceeds of $636 for Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota. Thanks to members who provided the 37 pies and brownies which sold out to the 150 guests attending the concert.
Rain caused the peppy country music to be played inside for people's enjoyment
Jim Cowee took a turn scooping ice cream after Mary Rock's shift. Four
pails were consumed
Pat Schultz and Sue Karnick served as cashiers for the pie/ice cream fundraiser for LSS of MN
Margaret Goderstad, Vicki Pavlish, Helen Brudvig, Ruth Jackson and Patty Todnem represent only
some of the volunteers who set up and served pie and ice cream just outside the sanctuary.
Enjoying pie and ice cream took place in an adjacent room from the music. Pictured is the
Merle Arndtson family along with Dale and Ron Wegener.
THE PHILIPPIAN October 2017 7
ST. PAUL AREA SYNOD SOUTH CLUSTER EVENT Join us for a wonderful morning of fellowship, learning and service with women of the St. Paul Area Synod South Cluster. Where: Easter Lutheran (on the Hill)
4200 Pilot Knob Road in Eagan (corner of Diffley and Pilot Knob Roads)
When: Saturday, October 21 from 9:30-11:30 am Due to the hurricanes and flooding in Texas and Florida and the wild fires in the Northwest, we will be putting together Kids Kits for Camp Noah. This is a Lutheran Social Services program that helps children deal with disasters. Please bring supplies for the kits from the list below:
8 or 10 count Crayola broad line washable
markers (classic colors)
8 count Crayola washable watercolor paints with
brush
Elmer’s glue stick
24 count Crayola box of crayons
Kids-sized blunted scissors
Black pen, yellow pencil (unsharpened), self-
contained pencil sharpener
5 ounce Play-Doh container (any color)
*Note: Fairness is very important to children. We ask
that only the specified items and brands listed above
are provided, so that every Kids Kit is the same.
Thank you!
If you have questions please call Robin Kieffer, 651-216-3611, Marianne Adelmann, 612-309-8404 or Darla Kimmes, 651-437-6018
PRAY AND PLAY IN THE NARTHEX - In September, Tiffany Stewart led Pray and Play for children too young for Sunday School and their parents. They played games, sang songs, read stories, and more. In all of the Faith Formation planning and programming, nurturing relationships between families and also helping parents feel supported in faith education is always the goal.
PASTOR JIM MOSSMAN, a son of the congregation who went into parish ministry, is
pictured with his wife Pastor Larinda and their son.
The Mossmans
were able to visit worship having brought their daughter Jennifer to St. Olaf College for her freshmen year.
COUNTDOWN TO CONFIRMATION - The "Final Four" confirmation students gave their Faith Statements.
CONFIRMATION RETREAT OCTOBER 13-15: 7th, 8th and 9th grade confirmation students will be headed to Camp Victory for a fall retreat—a time to build relationships, play hard, and learn in new ways. We’ll be looking at themes of the Reformation and also exploring the mixed messages we’re all subject to when it comes to being a child of God and also a member of this world.
Morgan Stark and Justin Hoffbeck
McKenzie Langenfeld and Molly Gathje
8 THE PHILIPPIAN October 2017
LEAF RAKING VOLUNTEERS October 28 (rain day, November 4) 9:00-noon — Meet at St. Philip’s
The leaves are changing color, and soon they’ll be on the ground. For many years, the families and youth of St. Philip’s have come together to help others with yard work. This
is a fun and hands-on service time, and one that is always appreciated by those who could use help. You can sign up to rake on the kiosk. We need trucks, trailers, tarps, rakes, and lots of hands to make this work load reasonable. We’ll rake all morning (until about noon) and then enjoy pizza together back at St. Philip’s (plan to be done about 1:00 pm).
NEED HELP WITH YARD WORK? If you’d like the St. Philip’s leaf-raking crew to stop by your home, please sign up on the kiosk or contact Stephanie Becken. We’ll be out to rake October 28 or in the event of rain, November 4. Please note how large your yard is and if you have any special requests. Usually, we rake up the leaves, pile them into trucks, and take them to the city leaf disposal area. We bring our own rakes, blowers, and tarps. If you have pets, please try to clean up any pet waste before we arrive.
OCTOBER SUNDAY SCHOOL SCHEDULE
October 1: Joseph and His Brothers, Can it be proven that God exists? (56rs)
October 8: Joseph Helps His Family, Is God male? (56rs)
October 15: Baby Moses, Does God still create stuff today? (56rs)
October 22: Off for MEA October 29: Special Reformation Worship at 9:30 am
with activities to follow
OCTOBER CONFIRMATION SCHEDULE October 4: Jacob and Esau (7th), Jesus’ Nazareth
Sermon (8th), Seven Important things Luther said (9th)
October 11: 6:30-8:00 pm Special Presentation / Speaker—open to congregation and a planned night for Confirmands and parents
October 18: Off for MEA October 25: Moses and Pharaoh (7th), Jesus Calls
the First Disciples (8th), Four Most Common Heresies Lutherans Commit (9th)
“OPENING THE BIBLE”
Class for Third (and some Fourth Graders) and their Parents on October 28!
On Saturday, October 28 at 9:00-11:00 am third graders and their parents are invited to participate in a morning of fun that will introduce the Bible and help them to learn why and how to read Scripture. A light breakfast will be provided. Children who are older and have not yet received a Bible are welcome to attend with their parents as well. This is an important step of parents fulfilling the promises they made when their children were baptized. On Sunday, October 29 the children will be awarded Bibles at our special Reformation Worship at 9:30 am. All students who are 3 years old or in 3rd grade and their families, will be invited up front during worship for a special blessing and their new Bible. These Bibles are provided by the St. Philip’s WELCA. We give Bibles to our children on Reformation Sunday since one of the great emphases of the Reformation was to put Scripture in the hands of the laity. For 3rd graders, this will be a student Bible with activities, questions, maps, and more—all for the reader they are becoming. As a bonus, 3 year-olds will also receive a children’s Bible on the 29th as well. This is a storybook Bible filled with classic Bible stories and bright pictures.
This event serves as a way for families and the whole church to celebrate together!
OCTOBER SUNDAY SCRIPTURE READINGS - October 1 God’s Name is Revealed Exodus 2:23-25; 3:10-15; 4:10-17 October 8 God Provides Manna Exodus 16:1-18 October 15 God Calls Samuel 1 Samuel 3:1-21 October 22 God Calls David 1 Samuel 16:1-13; Psalm 51:10-14 October 29 Solomon’s Temple 1 Kings 5:1-5; 8:1-13
THE PHILIPPIAN October 2017 9
Martin and Katie Luther Visit St. Philip’s
Lutheran Church on October 11!
Wednesday evening October 11 from 6:30-8:00 pm St. Philip’s will host Martin Luther and his wife
Katherine Von Bora. (Actually, we
will be hosting Johan and Sonja
Hinderlie.) The Hinderlies have
portrayed the roles of 16th century
reformer Martin Luther and his wife
Katarina since 1979. They present
the testimony of these amazing
people in full costume with the flavor
of the Reformation time in
Germany.
The Hinderlies proclaim the gospel of
the forgiveness of sins in Jesus Christ
through these presentations while
presenting interesting anecdotes on
the life and times of this unusual
couple.
Their stories reveal the theological
focus of Luther’s teaching: sola
scriptura, sola gratia, and sola fide.
(word alone, grace alone, and faith
alone). Katie also tells of her escape
from the Nimbschen convent, life
with Martin and coping with
suffering and death in her family.
This will be an event for young and
old alike! Confirmation families
please note the extended times. This
is a confirmation family event, so
please plan on attending with your
student and bringing older and
younger siblings. This will be fun for
the entire family! Being “Good
Lutherans”, there will be a time of
refreshments and fellowship before
and after the presentation. So come
have a snack, visit with old and new
friends and maybe learn something
you didn’t know about Martin Luther and the Protestant Reformation.
10 THE PHILIPPIAN October 2017
Barb Taffe helps in the assembly of the 63 school kits which were sewn
and filled with donated goods for Lutheran World Relief
Pastor Geier assembled all school children at both worship services for the blessing of
the back packs
Being installed to be a church school teacher for the coming year are(left to right): Robyn Tank, Stephanie Becken, Tiffany Stewart, Kristian Ronning, Becky Kaphing, Tami Bernt, Lisa
Bergert, Bernita Weber and Megan Schenach
RALLY DAY RECAP - What an amazing day! Thank you, everyone, who participated in this year’s Rally Day festivities. Teachers were installed, student registrations were taken, assembly of help kits were done. The bounce houses were busy all morning and countless bubbles were blown. Lots of new faces were present and many of the new members of the Faith Formation Ministry team were in action, welcoming families and helping the morning run so smoothly. Fun fellowship days like Rally Day help bring together everyone in joy and are a special part of the ministry at St. Philip’s.
Being installed to be a church school teacher for the coming year are (left to right): Marge Peterson, Katie Thomas, Julie Sieben, Sarah Gathje, Andrea Barker,
Molly Barker, Carol Hellen and Brenda Rossow
THE PHILIPPIAN October 2017 11
.
Ruth Jackson is assembling a kit for Lutheran World Relief which was
coordinated by Dr. Jennie Orr
Rosie Zietlow is completing registration with Carol Hellen for her son Roland
Payton Thomas is more than anxious to go in the giant slide
Sophia Villavicencio waits her turn at the challenging slide
Roland Zietlow and Parker McGinnis especially enjoyed shooting baskets
through the net
12 THE PHILIPPIAN October 2017
ST. PHILIP’S STAFF
Gregory Geier, Senior Pastor
Noreen Swanson, Organist
Ellen Diischer, Music Director
Joel Hinck, Director of Contemporary Worship
Kim Sill, ELC Director
Stephanie Becken, Director of Children, Youth
and Family Ministries
John Bergland, Business Manager
John Diischer, Sound Board Technician
Lista Klocow, Office Manager
ST. PHILIP’S LUTHERAN CHURCH
1401 West 15th Street
Hastings, Minnesota
651-437-6541
www.splchastings.org
ST. PHILIP’S EARLY LEARNING CENTER
www.splchastings.org
Church Office Hours:
Monday - Thursday: 9:00 am – 4:30 pm
Friday: 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
Worship Service Times:
Worship Services at 8:30 and 10:30 am
Holy Communion offered every Sunday
St. Philip's Lutheran
Church
1401 West 15th Street
Hastings, MN 55033
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