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The Voice of Hope 1

The Voice of Hope

Hope Lutheran Church

1750 SE Lennard Rd., Port St. Lucie, Fl. 34952

Rev. Dr. Earnest E. Tate

Deacon Susan Spee

Office: 772-335-4673

www.hopelutheranpsl.org

[email protected]

October/November 2016

Rev. Dr. Earnest E. Tate, Pastor

To the People of God here at Hope:

After killing more than one thousand in Haiti and other Caribbean nations, Hurricane

Matthew's frightening power led to the deaths of four people in Florida. We want to

keep the family of those who died and those who are suffering from the effects of the

hurricane in our prayers. Many people are asking about how to help with the situation

in Haiti following Hurricane Matthew. The Lutheran World Relief and Lutheran

Disaster Response are providing humanitarian assistance in the hardest hit areas.

Several church buildings suffered damage and some church member families lost their

homes. Developing a coordinated response plan will be part of the work that ELH

(Eglise Lutherienne d’Haiti) President Livenson will engage in with FB Synod and

ELCA representatives at the meeting in Peru Nov. 9-13. We want to lift up in prayer

our brothers and sisters in Haiti, Cuba, Guyana, Suriname and the seminary in

Jamaica. Financial contributions can be sent to the Synod office.

Continued on next page…..

PASTOR’S PAGE

http://www.hopelutheranpsl.org/

The Voice of Hope 2

Continued from previous page…

On Friday and Saturday, I was part of a conference call with Bishop Schaefer and staff

(Connie and Michelle) along with several Deans. This was an opportunity for me to give the

Synod an update of Hurricane Matthew in our area. I shared with them the effect that

Hurricane Matthew had on our church and community. At Hope, we had branches from 4

trees broken, debris on our parking lot, and campus. Our phone system was down. We are

blessed that Port Saint Lucie did not have a direct hit from the hurricane.

The Florida-Bahamas Synod gave Pastor Aaron Schmalzle, author of the book

"The 7 Habits of Jesus," a grant to hold a discipleship workshop for each conference

in the Florida-Bahamas Synod. All are welcome, but we want at least one or two key

lay people who would potentially spearhead a new discipleship group in our

congregation. On November 19, 2016, St. Michael will be hosting this event and

refreshments (starting at 8:30). It is free.

The Annual Tradewinds Conference will be held at Holy Spirit Lutheran Church,

13301 Ellison Wilson Road, Juno Beach, Florida on Sunday, November 20, 2016 at

3:00 p.m. The theme for the Conference is: “How we live into Re-Form, both locally

and globally”. The clergy of the Conference is asking congregations, if they are able,

to consider increasing their suggested annual contribution to the conference from $100

to $200. The notion is that some, though not all congregations, could help increase the

financial impact we could have for mission that our conference supports. This year the

Conference has chosen to distribute funds to both Hope Lutheran in Port St. Lucie and

the ELCA Global Mission Fund. PJ May will be speaking at the conference about the

Global Mission that our denomination is up to, and by all accounts, we are in the thick

of some important and exciting work.

To help make this event a success, the Pastors of this conference have been asked to invite

members of our congregation to attend, particularly those that have participated in synod

assemblies in the past and those interested in local and global mission. The agenda includes

space for three congregations to highlight how we're participating in reform:

• Is your congregation in the middle of something exciting?

• Share a new outward facing mission that is picking up steam.

• Share a renewal of how you do church together?

The chairperson will add our highlights to the agenda. The presentations can be short and

sweet, can be spoken or use video, and no longer than five minutes each.

The Voice of Hope 3

Bishop Schaefer nominated our congregation to participate in the DreamLeaders

Initiative that was launched in the Florida-Bahamas Synod last fall. It is designed to

complement and enhance our ministry efforts, so please take a moment to learn more

at www.BeDreamLeaders.com. Thanks to a second grant from the Synod's Together in

Mission Campaign, all costs will again be covered except for the meals Friday night

and Saturday which can be as simple or as elaborate as we choose.

If our congregation feels blessed by the weekend and would like to extend the blessing to

another congregation by making a "pay it forward" donation, we are certainly welcome to do

so. There are truly no strings attached. Pastor Jeff Linman will be spending the weekend,

February 17-19, 2017 with our congregation. He will also be preaching during both Worship

Services. Here is a quick overview of the DreamLeaders Initiative weekend to aid in our

planning:

Friday: Dinner with church council members and spouses along with other leaders who wish

to invite. This will be a relaxed and informal time to get acquainted and build some trust,

anticipation, and momentum for Saturday. We are planning to have a potluck, pizza, or

sandwiches. This informal meal works best for conversation.

Saturday: 5 hour workshop, 9am -2pm, with a lunch around noon. We want our church

council, ministry team leaders, staff, and other members in the congregation who would like

to dream a bit together about our congregation's future. The more the better.

Sunday: Pastor Linman plans to preach during both Worship Services and lead an Adult

Forum at 10:15 a.m. During the forum, his presentation will be based on Ephesians 3:20 and

how its witness has been confirmed through what God has done at Spirit of Joy. According

to Pr. Linman, we are not perfect by a long shot but we are a good witness for those who

have doubts about the future of the church.

We have begun our Confirmation Class for children in the 5th grade and above. The

class meets on the first Sunday of each month during Sunday school, 10:15 a.m. –

11:00 a.m. During this time, students can share their understanding of the assigned

readings. The adult class will also meet during the same time with Bert Cain, adult

teacher. The assigned readings are available on the information table in the Narthex.

During the 1st year, students will study Luther's Small Catechism and the Old

Testament. The New Testament, Lutheran Theology, and Doctrine will be part of the

curriculum during the 2nd year. Our Confirmation Class is open to other Lutheran

congregations.


The Voice of Hope 4

We have created a Homework and Date night at Hope, Tuesdays, 3:00 – 6:00 p.m.

Parents can drop off their school children while running errands or to enjoy an early

dinner out. The children will be able to study and receive help with classroom

assignments or participate in wholesome activities. This service is free. Volunteers are

welcome to chaperone and assist the children with homework. Our desire is to give

parents an opportunity to have their children in a safe educational environment for 3

hours. Steven and Gayle Gambill are the facilitators of this program. Volunteers are

welcome to chaperone and assist the children with homework. It is also an opportunity

for us to reach out to our congregation and community.

We are saddened by the loss of Margaret “Marge” L. Yager. Marge passed away

October 21, 2016. She was born March 10, 1931 in New Brunswick, New Jersey to the

late Walter and Louise Spiegel. Marge and her family moved to Port Saint Lucie in

1990 coming from Somerset, New Jersey. Marge was an avid bowler, a member of the

Orchid Society and along with her late husband enjoyed their membership at the Port

Saint Lucie Yacht Club.

I attended the Dean Workshop and the Conference on Ministry at the Life Enrichment

Center in Fruitland Park, Florida. The Conference on Ministry is where colleagues all

come together to worship, converse, inspire and learn. This year, the Conference

welcomed Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton and Father John Dear.

The Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton was elected to serve a six-year term as ELCA presiding bishop

at the 2013 ELCA Churchwide Assembly in Pittsburgh. Bishop Eaton served as pastor for

congregations in Ohio and as bishop of the ELCA Northeastern Ohio Synod from 2006 until

her election as ELCA presiding bishop. Eaton is married to the Rev. T. Conrad Selnick, an

Episcopal priest, and they are parents of two adult children, Rebeckah and Susannah.

Fr. John Dear, is a Roman Catholic priest, activist, organizer, lecturer and retreat leader. He

is also the author/editor of twenty books on peace and nonviolence. Dear has been

nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize by Archbishop Desmond Tutu and most recently by

Senator Barbara Mikulski. He has traveled the war zones of the world and has been arrested

75 times for peace. He has served as the director of the Fellowship of Reconciliation. After

9/11, he served as a coordinator of chaplains for the Red Cross at the New York Family

Assistance Center. He lives in New Mexico.


The Voice of Hope 5

Continued from previous page…

October was Stewardship Month. A pledge card was placed in the bulletin. We asked

for prayerful consideration of your pledge. We are grateful for those who completed

the pledge card and returned it to the pastor's office.

-Pastor Tate

Preparing for Advent

Advent begins this year on November 27. The

lectionary readings of Advent all point us to signs of

God coming—whether we are ready or not—of

days and times advancing toward us, of hopes and

expectations for a future held in the promises of

God. . Advent is not a four-week exploration of

waiting only for a baby. Advent is rather an annual

time to consider God’s coming in every way and

time possible: in a meal, by a word, as a light, in the

assembly gathered, as a complete surprise, following a long wait, suddenly, or as a child.

We will be having our Advent soup suppers starting on Wednesday, November 30, and

continuing the following three Wednesdays, December 7, 14, & 21. There will be a sign-up

sheet in the Narthex.

The Voice of Hope 6

Growing Healthy Kids - What’s Happening in the Garden?

After removing the spent Seminole Indian

Squash plant from the garden bed to

prepare the garden bed for planting a

winter crop, kids armed with rulers

measured the length of the prolific squash

plant. Working in teams they recorded a

total of 184 feet! The squash was

growing EVERYWHERE!!!

Veggies that thrived through the summer

and will remain in the garden are garlic

chives, basis, collards, sweet peppers,

eggplant and Manihot hibiscus (large

leaves are used as a veggie “tortilla” wrap

or to eat in salad). New veggies that will be planted soon are Swiss chard, beets, Okinawa

and Surinam spinach, rattlesnake beans and various herbs and lettuces.

This winter one garden bed will be planted and maintained by Rhema Word Christian

Academy. A second garden bed will be shared by Diane Roma and Ellen King. The third

garden bed will be planted and maintained by Margaret Eubanks. The forth garden bed will

be a tropical demonstration garden hosting sugar cane, pineapples, bananas and a coconut

tree. The existing garden beds will continue to be planted and maintained one by the

Growing Healthy Kids gang and the other by Pastor and Dorothy Tate. If you are interested

in “adopting” a garden or sharing with someone contact Nan Billings.

Look for updates in November and December when Nan takes demonstration gardens to the

community!

Working in the garden is the easiest way to learn what grows successfully in our sub-tropical

climate and year round growing seasons. Anyone wishing to learn about what’s growing

and/or would like to help maintain the gardens can contact Nan Billings 772-812-1682.

The Voice of Hope 7

Hope’s Library

Proverbs 18:15- The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, the ears of the wise seek it out.

Read and study God’s word. Galatians 5:22 Fruit of the Spirit

Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Check out the books in your church library if you are having any trouble being all

the God wants you to be and find a book that will help you all that you and God want

to be. There are sections on prayers, self-help and growth, history, health, Bible

character novel books, children books and Bible reference books.

There are books on health – Top Screw-ups Doctors Make and How to Avoid Them.

Self-help – Power of the Plus Factor by Norman Vincent Peale. Prayer – Prayers for

Life. Comfort & Grief – Book of Comfort and Joy. A Debbie Macomber novel

Angels at the Table.

Members of the church have donated Christian books, especially from the library of

Barbara Flinn and some from Nan Billings. The bookcase has been moved into the

Narthex. Books may be borrowed except for the Bible Reference books. They may

be used to answer bible questions if you are a teacher or seeker of God’s word. It is an honor system. On the top shelf is a clipboard, write your name and the name

of the book on the sheet of paper provided. When you return a book place it on the

top bookshelf in the provided box. The library is located in the narthex and you can visit it before services or after the

service or during the week. The church is open Monday through Friday from 10

a.m.-2 p.m.

-Jean Beldin

The Voice of Hope 8

Confirmation Class

We have a Confirmation Class for children 5th

grade and above. The class meets on the first

Sunday of each month during Sunday school,

10:15 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. During the 1st year the

students will study Luther’s Small Catechism and

the Old Testament. The New Testament, Lutheran

Theology, and Doctrine will be part of the

curriculum during the 2nd year. Our class is open

to other Lutheran congregations.

Day Light Saving Time Ends

An extra hour of sleep is coming your way as

Daylight Saving Time ends, but it also means

sunset will be early. Remember to put your clocks

back Saturday November 5th as daylight saving

time ends at 2 a.m. Sunday November 6th.

Luther’s Small Catechism The 500 year commemorative edition of Luther’s

Small Catechism are available for $5.oo each

from Pastor Tate.

Bible Study

Every Tuesday at 12 noon we will meet for Bible

study. We will be following the lectionary in our

Adult Bible Study.

Dream Leaders

Bishop Schaefer nominated our congregation

to participate in the DreamLeaders Initiative

that was launched in the synod last fall. It is

designed to complement and enhance our

ministry efforts, so please take a moment to

learn more at www.BeDreamLeaders.com

Thanks to a second grant from the synod’s

Together in Mission Campaign all costs will

again be covered except for the meals Friday

night and Saturday, which can be a simple or

as elaborate as we choose. If our congregation

feels blessed by the weekend and would like to

extend the blessing to another congregation by

making a “pay it forward” donation, we are

certainly welcome to do so. There are truly no

strings attached.

Jeff Linman will be spending the weekend,

February 17-19 with our congregation in 2017.

He will also be preaching during both Worship

Services. We hope to see you at the gathering.

Veteran’s Breakfast

This month’s Veteran’s breakfast with be at a

new place on November 26th at Perkins

Restaurant at 8:30 a.m. Come and join us in

this wonderful fellowship. All are welcome!

http://www.bedreamleaders.com/

The Voice of Hope 9

Young People’s Concert

Peter Jones narrates the timeless story of

PETER & THE WOLF accompanied by the

Treasure Coast Symphony for one night

only, November 5, 2016 at 7:00 p.m.at the

Starstruck Academy & Theatre New in

Stuart. Our own Karen Harris will be playing

in the orchestra.

Children will enjoy hearing the characters

come alive through the different sounds of

the orchestral instruments. Following the

performance, children are invited into

StarStruck's lobby to enjoy an interactive

"Instrument Petting Zoo" where they will be

invited to touch the instruments. This 45

minute event will serve as a wonderful way

to introduce your family to live classical

music! Tickets are $14.99 for adults and

$5.99 for children.

Lego Club Lego Club is open to everyone from ages 5 to

105, and there is no charge to attend. Even if

you haven’t attended any of our other sessions,

you are welcome to come! Bring a friend if you

wish to share the fun! Join us for Lego filled

adventure on Saturday November 26th at 5:00

p.m. We look forward to seeing you there.

Homework Help

Hope Lutheran sponsors a Homework and Date

night. Feel free to drop off school children

while running errands or to enjoy an early

dinner out. The children will be welcomed to

study their school work with someone to help,

or participate in wholesome activities. This

service is free. The hope is to bring families a

child free period to shop, or bring couples

some “together time” during the week. It is

also hoped to bring the church families

together and provide a respite for busy couples.

It will be on Tuesday afternoons between 3:00

and 6:00 p.m.

The 2017 Enjoyment Books are now available.

They will be on sale on Sundays and will also be

available during the week at the office. They are

$35.00 a book payable by cash or check which

should be made payable to Hope Lutheran

Church. Hope gets $10.00 back on each book.

Thank you!

The Voice of Hope 10

10/1 Sharon Mack

10/3 Bill Huggins

10/5 Carmen Faillaci

Mika Fowler

10/6 Ramona Frano

10/8 Bette White

10/10 John King

Frank Harris

10/11 Cynthia Carrero

10/13 Nikito Fowler

10/14 Savannah Billings

10/17 Brad Barr

10/18 Maryann Prell

10/21 Thomas Jameson

10/22 Carol Radish

10/23 Johnathan Hocker

10/31 Emerick Witkowski

Wynter Jackson

Rochelle Hanson

October Birthdays

October Anniversaries

10/15 Bill & Annemarie Huggins (27)

10/08 Carol & Carol Radish (22)

10/19 Tina & Scott Kasten (2)

The flower chart is in the usher area. Pease select your favorite date. We have several openings for the next few months. Flowers can be sponsored for $30.00 per Sunday. If you want to pay for only one bouquet you can do so by contacting Diane in the office. The cost is $15.00. Two families can sponsor flowers on the same Sunday. Please place your money in the offering clearly marked for flower’s including your name, or turn it into the office. If you have any questions please contact Diane Calain in the office on Wednesday or Thursday.


11/06 Michael Gentry Ingrid Hammen 11/08 Amberlee Crimmins 11/10 Pauline Granda 11/12 Jindo Fowler 11/13 Mary Bergerman 11/16 Carin Crimmins 11/19 Sandra Kutsner

Ryan King 11/23 Clemmie Vincent 11/24 Bob Hendertilo

Scott Kasten 11/26 Nan Billings 11/27 Harry Keat III 11/30 Jason Billings

November Birthdays

November Anniversaries

11/02 Frank & Ingrid Hammen (13)

11/20 John and Maryann Prell

11/29 Brian & Kate Stack (7)

Memory Verse of the Month: How blessed is the man who fears the Lord,

Who greatly delights in His commandments.2 His descendants will be mighty on earth; The

generation of the upright will be blessed.3 Wealth and riches are in his house, And his

righteousness endures forever.4 Light arises in the darkness for the upright; He is gracious and

compassionate and righteous.5 It is well with the man who is gracious and lends;

He will maintain his cause in judgment.

6 For he will never be shaken; righteous will be remembered forever.

Psalm 112: 1-6


Micheline Berthaut, John King, David Christensen, Becky Schnorr, Ron Beldin, Jean Beldin, Cody Jones, Lee Fowler, Kathy Bogan, Bette White, Hella Cushing, Gatlin Riedel, Brooke Blake, Maddie Demers, Rita Mc Henry, Thomas Faillaci, Norman & Paula Schultheiss, Kasten Family, Dom Aloise, Clemmie Vincent, Scott Harris, Karen Keat, Jennifer Knight & Family, Charlie McCracken, Tom Bacik, Chris & Carole Arcoleo, John G. Prell, Eric Weston, Bob & Lucy Barnette, Harmony Geske, Judy Geske, The Luhrs Family, Jean Carroll, Chelsey Olson, Eleonor Colon, Faith McCracken, Jimmy Back-Galpin, Pat Maranscio, Gloria Iaccabelli, Ed Forella, Bob Hendertilo, Josh Paradoa, Josef Glass, Nancy Larsen, Dolores Hart.

Members in Residential Care Inge Brooks-Lakeforest Park Pricilla Carpenter- The Gardens

Members of Our Armed Forces

LC Scott Strickler - USA

SPC Cody Allen USA - Afghanistan

Tech Sgt. John King -USAF Kuwait

Siayai Tankoon - USN

Reece Tucker - USMC

2nd Lt. Sierra McCrae – USA

Ryan Killing - USAF


Salient Points in the Sermon

Rev. Dr. Earnest E. Tate, Pastor

Luke 14:25-33 on September 4, 2016

In Bonheoffer’s book The Cost of Discipleship, he states that “costly discipleship and

costly grace confronts us as a gracious call to follow Jesus. It is costly because it compels

us to submit to the yoke of Jesus and follow him; it is grace because Jesus says: "My

yoke is easy and my burden is light." Bonheoffer challenges us to understand that being

a follower of Jesus requires full commitment of our life under any circumstance. Just as

Daniel Berrigan was being led into a federal prison to begin his sentence for resistance

to the Vietnam War, he smiled at reporters and said, "If you follow Jesus, you'd better

look good on wood." Yes, we may be crucified.

The teachings in today's text offer us the opportunity to reexamine our commitment to

Jesus. Would an outsider describe you and me as a disciple of Jesus? When we look in

the mirror, are we looking at ourselves and seeing a devoted follower of Jesus? What or

who is more important to us than our relationship with Jesus? a family member, a friend,

our material possessions? Can these questions help us do a self-evaluation as we attempt

to evaluate our own commitment to Jesus?

The demands of discipleship are costly. Just as Jesus gave His life for us, He expects us

to give our lives completely to Him. Jesus warned that we should count the cost before

deciding to be His disciple. He demands no less than complete obedience. Our trust in

Jesus should allow us to be people who are willing to take up our crosses. Maybe it is

time to tell the whole truth: Christianity is not for the wimps or for cowards. Faith

demands bravery and endurance.


In times like these, 9-11, we should to be in prayer, praying without ceasing for our

President and Congress as they address crises around the world. In times like these,

we should to be grounded in our faith; grounded in our creed; pray for our enemies;

release the imprisonment of hate for our enemies of 911, so that we can receive our

blessing. It is hard. Matthew 5:11-12 reminds us, “Blessed are you when people revile

you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.

Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they

persecuted the prophets who were before you.” Matthew 5:11-12.


Jesus told these two parables in response to their criticism. The two parables are very

similar. They both tell of losing something and the joy of finding it again. All of us

have lost or misplaced things. Both of these stories are about someone seeking the lost.

The first story is about a good shepherd who seeks the one sheep, one out of one

hundred, that has been lost. The analogy is that God is likewise seeking the lost. Those

outcasts that Jesus is entertaining are the lost sheep.

The parable of the lost coin is about a woman who lost a coin. It is clearly something

of value and she turns the house upside down to find it. The message is that God is

seeking the lost, just as these two people will not rest until the lost is found. In these

parables, Jesus is teaching about the persistent seeking of God. Jesus is using a woman

to illustrate the point. God is reaching out, eager to reclaim those who have fallen

away.


• In these days during the Presidential Campaigns, hacking of emails and cars, robberies

of stores and banks, do we defend dishonesty? Then, why would Jesus offer a parable that

seems to be praising dishonesty? We notice that this parable is just one in many stories that

Jesus tells about how to handle wealth. One story in particular, when Jesus turn over the

money tables. The story was about dishonesty.

• This parable is not just a lesson on shrewd preparations for the future. This parable is a

story that recognizes the character of Christian discipleship as it challenges us to be prepared

for the future through the use of the world's goods. It is possible to misread and to misuse

this story while paying attention to matters within our Christian life.

• The manager in our text used all his resources to secure his future. We must use our

resources also. At our disposal, we have hope in God’s justice, faith in God’s peace, and trust

in God’s grace. These are some of our resources. We must use them so that it will be said of

us, "And the master commended them because they acted so shrewdly." Are we being

trustworthy (shrewd and wise) with the wealth given to us by others?

• If we cannot properly care for the spiritual riches we receive from others, how can we

be trusted with the spiritual riches that belong to us? Are we being trustworthy (shrewd and

wise) with the goods of this world? Are we demonstrating that we can also be trusted with

the riches of eternal life?


• Sometimes the reading of the Scriptures is not pretty. In this case, one person is rotting

in hell, the second is living it up in the heaven, and the third is telling it like it is. The rich

man seems not to have practiced mercy in his relationships while he was alive, so why

should we expect that he should suddenly catch on and be saved? Even in Hades, the rich

man asks for mercy, but not forgiveness. He asks for water, but not life. The rich man seems

to care for his kinfolks. He believes that his brothers were just like him.


• The advice of 1 Timothy for us is simple. We are not to be haughty nor set our hopes

on the uncertainty of riches but instead rely on God. "Do good" (not well!) and be "rich in

good works. This story really is not about the afterlife. This story is all about this life. It is

about what we do or do not do with our wealth. The story clearly implies that if we ignore

the poor, we will go to hell. In following Christ, are we all excited about the redistribution of

our wealth?

• If a bunch of rich people read this text, they may get squeamish, and avoid the intent

of the parable. If a bunch of poor people read this text, they may stick out their chests, and

ridicule whoever has large sum of money in the bank. But if we read this text together, we

open a door. The problem is the door, not the wealth, not the poverty, but the door.

Sometimes when we open door and step outside of our comfort zone, we discover somebody

is on the other side of the door. Is it Christ on the other side of the door who is the poor,

despised beggar, waiting for us to be caring and sharing?

Luke 17:5-10 on October 2, 2016

What exactly is faith? The author of the book of Hebrews writes, "Faith is the

assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen" (Heb 11:1). Eugene

Peterson's translation of this verse explains faith as "the firm foundation under

everything that makes life worth living." (Eugene Peterson, The Message [Colorado

Springs: Navpress, 1993], p. 471.) What is our foundation? On what or whom do we

stand for? Do we stand on the assurance of our bank account and our stocks for

retirement?

We are reminded in Eph. 2:8 that “For by grace are you saved through faith; and that

not of yourselves: it is the gift of God. Faith is a gift. It is not something we earn or

work for. God gives it freely. So how does all this relate to mustard seed faith?

I believe that Jesus is telling us, “I forgave you of everything, so why can’t you

forgive your brother?” “I can forgive, but I cannot forget, is only another way of

saying, I will not forgive. Forgiveness ought to be like a canceled note–torn in two,

and burned up, so that it never can be shown against one.” Henry Ward Beecher

Some of us have been badly hurt or unjustly treated. It is hard for us to pardon those

who tell lies about us, treat us badly, or cause harm to our loved ones. And yet, their

behavior towards us is not a reason to withhold mercy. God calls us to forgive just as

God forgives us. I believe that with God’s help, we can forgive others. If we really

want God’s best for us, we must humble ourselves, draw closer to God, and allow God

to fill our lives with love. Jesus loves us. Yes, I know because the Bible says so.



• In our Gospel lesson, ten lepers called to Jesus as he entered a village in the area

between Samaria and Galilee. As with Naaman and Elisha, Jesus did not meet directly

with the men but told them to "show yourselves to the priests." The ten lepers displayed

faith as they left Jesus. They went to find the priests. They were not healed at once. The

healing came on their journey. As they walked, they suddenly found themselves cleansed.

Can we imagine the joy that they felt as their strength returning to their body. They may

have leaped with excitement as they examined their hands and faces and saw that they

were no longer disfigured by leprosy.

• Are we aware of God's blessings throughout the year in our life? Are we going about

our faith journey with the assumption that God works within our expectations? Do our

obedient to God's direction grant us special privileges? Do we say, I am a church leader, I

have spent time praying and doing God's will, I know that God will do exactly what I

expect? Do we believe that we receive what we have coming to us? Do we say, "I worked

for everything I have ever received? I earned all of it. Nobody ever gave me anything!"

When we are not conscious of grace, we are not in an attitude of gratitude. It is sad but let

us keep it real, gratitude is not a way of life for some people.

• Is it possible to treat ingratitude? Ingratitude is deeper than what we see on the surface.

It is interconnected with our spiritual body. Our spiritual body consists of receiving and

giving thanks. Ingratitude festers on the illusion that we have something coming.

Ingratitude festers on the illusion that someone owes us. And if we do not get what we

believe belongs to us, do we complain about it? If something is given to us that we are not

expecting, do we believe that we got it because we had it coming to us in the first place?

This may be a disturbing description of ingratitude, but is it true? I believe that ingratitude

is more destructive to our body than leprosy, cancer, or aids. Ingratitude destroys us

spiritually, emotionally, and also physically.


Scripture teaches us that patience is a fruit of the Holy Spirit. Are we always very

patient when we sit in our car on Interstate 95 or the Turnpike when we see that one

lane is closed, and the cars are backed up? What about the time when we stood in line

at the grocery store where the clerk and the customer ahead of us were having a

conversation? Were we very patient? Do we remember when we were listening to

someone rambling on and on? In our mind we are thinking, "Get to the point!" Were

we very patient? Patience, a fruit of the Holy Spirit, sometimes eludes us. We want it

now, a minute ago, yesterday. And sometimes that spills over into our spiritual life.


Persistence is the key that brings deliverance in our lives. The widow who wanted

justice from an unjust judge had no other weapon with her except a persistent attitude.

She kept on asking the judge until he finally agrees to grant her request. Are we

persistent in our prayers? Prayer is the key that can open a door. In the New Luther’s

Small Catechism, it lists an example of several prayers for morning, evening and prior

to eating a meal.

Unanswered prayers may test our faith. We meet that test when we keep praying and

don’t lose heart, in spite of our frustration, our disappointment. Persistence demands

patience, waiting. I believe that persistence is the ground of our spiritual growth! Jesus

loves us.


Last winter, two of our snow birds, Diane and Richard Woodcock led a 4-week Bible

Study in their home on prayer by Max Lucado. Although we were encouraged and

challenged, we are not the first to struggle with prayer. The first followers of Jesus

needed guidance on prayer too. Jesus gave them a prayer, not a lecture on prayer, not

the doctrine of prayer. He gave them a quotable prayer, The Lord’s Prayer. In our

Bible Study with Diane and Richard, they shared Max Lucado’s short prayer, “Father,

You are good. I need help. They need help. Thank you. Amen”.

Both of the men in the parable went to the most prominent place to pray, to the temple,

the house of prayer. There is no better place to pray, no better place to seek God's face.

Both men were seeking God's face. Both men went to pray in order to please God.

They were both seeking God, wanting God to accept them and to be present with them

throughout all their life. Quoting Deuteronomy 4:29, "But if from thence thou shalt

seek the LORD thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and

with all thy soul".

The major lesson of these verses is justification. The words of Jesus are shocking,

contrary to what the world teaches, contrary to the opinions of many believers, and

even contrary to the way they behave. The sinner is the one "justified" in the sight of

God. Justification means that we acknowledge our unworthiness. We cry for God to

have mercy on us. We, being justified, are not righteous, but we are counted as

righteous by God, assuming that we sincerely cry to God for mercy. We are displaying

a mind-set that we have turned from our sinful way to God. Because of our cry,

because of our repentance, I believe that God takes our cry and counted it as

righteousness. Then, God accepts us because our heart is set upon God. Jesus loves us.

Amen.


John 8:31-38 on October 30, 2016

Today is Reformation Day. This day was originally celebrated on October 31 in

remembrance of the Reformation. On this day in 1517, Martin Luther posted a

proposal at the doors of a church in Wittenberg, Germany to debate the doctrine and

practice of indulgences, popularly known as the 95 Theses. This event created a

controversy with Luther and the allies of the Pope regarding a variety of doctrines and

practices.

When Luther and his supporters were excommunicated in 1520, the Lutheran tradition

was born. Martin Luther took an oath to promote the truth and to condemn falsehood.

John Bugenhagen declared after reading “On the Babylonian Captivity”, “The entire

world is blind, for this man, Martin Luther, is the only one who sees the truth.” True to

himself, true to the situation, and true to the text, Luther urged all his hearers to turn

away from worldly wisdom, which he characterized as “lies”, and turn to Christ and

His word.

Truth in Christ makes us free. A large part of the Jesus' mission was to set people free

from various kinds of bondage: "The Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings

unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the

captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; to proclaim the

acceptable year of the Lord" (Isaiah 61:1, 2).

Martin Luther took an oath to promote the truth and to condemn falsehood. Are we

speaking the best about our neighbor? As representatives of God, what are we saying

to the world? Are we are sending a mixed message? THE TRUTH SHALL MAKE

US FREE! Jesus loves us. Amen


WHAT IT MEANS TO BE LUTHERAN June 30, 2016 Bishop Eaton

Lutherans don’t often garner much media attention. In this

country we don’t make up a big segment of the population.

When groups of Lutherans began arriving on these shores in the

18th and 19th centuries, they tended to stay in their nationality

and language groups and didn’t assimilate completely into the

surrounding culture. We kept to ourselves and so went relatively

unnoticed. Lutherans, with some exceptions, weren’t part of the

political or economic elite. There are both benefits and problems

because of this. More later.

Our state of relative obscurity is about to change. In 16 months

we’ll mark the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. For a brief

time a spotlight will be turned on Lutherans in this country and

around the world. Documentaries will be produced and aired, seminars will be held and,

particularly if Oct. 31, 2017, is a slow news day, the media is going to seek us out and ask us

to explain ourselves. When the local newspaper, radio or TV station comes knocking on our

door, what are we going to say?

In our church wide conversation about priorities for the ELCA, we have been asking what it

means to be Lutheran. We aren’t as good as we could be about giving a clear answer to that

question. We speak about grace, about our work in advocacy, about the relief and

development work we do, about our inclusiveness and diversity—though I believe these last

two are more aspirational than actual—about our ecumenical and interreligious dialogues

and relationships. These are true and beautiful and important. They are not exclusively

Lutheran.

Many religious and secular organizations are deeply committed to serving the vulnerable and

working for justice and peace. The ELCA couldn’t engage in ecumenical and interreligious

partnerships if there were no ecumenical or interreligious partners. What is distinctive about

us then?

When trying to define Lutheran identity we sometimes default to cultural types—northern

and central European heritage, a certain kind of hymnody, even standard entrees at church

dinners. I’m not dismissing the faithful witness of the millions of Lutheran immigrants who

left Europe to start a new life on this continent. They built churches and hospitals and

universities. They cared for the poor, the widow and the orphan.

http://elca.org/future


They also lived in close-knit ethnic communities that, at first, helped maintain the Lutheran

confessional movement. That is the benefit I noted above. The problem is that the Lutheran

movement in this country has become over identified with a particular cultural expression.

If we manage to not describe ourselves by a particular culture, we have the tendency of

describing Lutheranism as a set of behaviors—we are inclusive, we work for justice, we

stand with the vulnerable, we are an inviting church. Please, God, let it be so.

But the danger is we can slip into what scholasticism called “fides formata.” Today we might

say faith formation: not in the sense of a living faith that has first been given as a gift, but

that correct action leads to faith. Either of these expressions—cultural or behavioral—can

result in what Martha Stortz, a professor at Augsburg College, Minneapolis, calls the

“presumptive we” that leads to the “othering you.” Those in the majority assume their

experience is universal and those outside of that experience aren’t fully part of the tradition.

Neither culture nor behavior define what is distinctive about the Lutheran movement. It’s our

understanding of the gospel. The gospel word creates faith. The gospel word is judgment and

promise. Faith created by this gospel word sets people free to serve the neighbor. The

church’s proper work is to proclaim the gospel word. You know, in the end, it’s all about

God’s fierce and tender love that drives us to the cross, and there, at the very point of death,

gives us life. The world deserves to hear the gospel—when the spotlight is

on us, and when it is not.

A monthly message from the presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in

America. Her email address: [email protected].

mailto:[email protected]


Martin Luther's Seal

or the Luther Rose

The Luther Rose, also known as the Luther Seal, is easily the most recognized symbol for

Lutheranism, and for good reason. Martin Luther personally oversaw the creation of this symbol.

It provides a beautiful summary of his faith, a faith that is common to all Christians, of every place

and every time. Here is how Luther explained the meaning of his seal:

Grace and peace from the Lord. As you desire to know whether my painted seal, which you sent

to me, has hit the mark, I shall answer most amiably and tell you my original thoughts and reason

about why my seal is a symbol of my theology.

The first should be a black cross in a

heart, which retains its natural color, so

that I myself would be reminded that faith

in the Crucified saves us. For one who

“believes from the heart will be justified"

(Rom. 10:10). Although it is indeed a black

cross, which mortifies and which should

also cause pain, it leaves the heart in its

natural color. It does not corrupt nature,

that is, it does not kill but keeps alive. "The

just shall live by faith" (Rom. 1:17) but by

faith in the crucified. Such a heart should

stand in the middle of a white rose, to

show that faith gives joy, comfort, and

peace. In other words, it places the believer

into a white, joyous rose, for this faith does

not give peace and joy like the world gives

(John 14:27). That is why the rose should

be white and not red, for white is the color

of the spirits and the angels (cf. Matthew 28:3; John 20:12). Such a rose should stand in a sky-

blue field, symbolizing that such joy in spirit and faith is a beginning of the heavenly future joy,

which begins already, but is grasped in hope, not yet revealed. And around this field is a golden

ring, symbolizing that such blessedness in Heaven lasts forever and has no end. Such blessedness

is exquisite, beyond all joy and goods, just as gold is the most valuable, most precious and best

metal. This is my compendium theoligae [summary of theology]. I have wanted to show it to you

in good friendship, hoping for your appreciation. May Christ, our beloved Lord, be with your spirit

until the life hereafter. Amen.


The Ultimate Beauty Salon and Barber Shop

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`


We are asking anyone interested in singing with the ADULT CHOIR to please see Karen Keat or any choir member for information. Please come out and sing with us. We practice on Thursday’s at 7:00 p.m.

For information please call Karen Keat: 772-237-5363.

Worship the Lord with gladness. Come before him, singing with joy. (Psalms 100:2)

If you would like to be in the BELL CHOIR, please see

Karen Keat for information. If you are interested in

learning about the bells, please call Karen Keat, 772-

237-5363.

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1750 SE Lennard Road, Port St. Lucie, Fl. 34952 772-335-4673 www.hopelutheranpsl.org

Rev. Dr. Earnest E. Tate, Pastor [email protected]

If you do not have an e-mail address or access to online we will gladly mail you

an issue. Please contact the church office.

Click & go to www.hopelutheranpsl.org


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