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Divine Shepherd Lutheran Church The Lutheran Church—Missouri

NOVEMBER 2016 NEWSLETTER

“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” [Saint John 10:27]

Dare to Be Lutheran!

October 31 marked the 499th anniversary of the start of the . The Reformation is filled with people, dates, and events that transformed both the church and the world in many and various ways. Martin . Indulgences. Ninety-five theses. Papal bulls. Excommunication. The . “I will not recant.” Edicts. . Councils. Threats of being burned at the stake. A staged kidnapping. Knight George. Translating the into the language of the people. Katie. The . The . And so much more. As exciting as Luther’s story is, being Lutheran is only about one thing. One person. Not . But Jesus Christ. First and foremost, we Lutherans are Christian. This distinguishes us from all other religions, agnosticism, and atheism. As Christians, we believe in the Holy as revealed in Holy Scripture and confessed in the ecumenical creeds, and in Jesus Christ as the Lamb of who takes away the sin of the world. Second, we Lutherans are Lutheran. This distinguishes us from other Christian denominations that believe, teach, and/or confess something contrary to God’s Word. Perhaps they add to or subtract from God’s Word, or water down God’s grace, or deny the saving power of Holy , or deny the real presence of Jesus Christ in ’s Supper, or confuse faith and good works, or make Jesus only part of the equation of salvation, or borrow aspects of various false religions, or mold a personal spirituality that is at odds with Biblical . Third, we Lutherans are confessional. This distinguishes us from other Lutherans who use Luther’s name but still cling to false teachings and errors. The confessional standard to which all of our teachings are conformed is The of 1580. What is contrary to these confessions we reject and condemn as opposed to the Christian faith. Ironically, Martin Luther never wanted anyone to bear his name. It was the enemies of the Gospel in Luther’s day who first used the term Lutheran to describe those who clung to the faith Luther preached. Luther’s followers took this term as a badge of honor, happy to stand on the Gospel of Jesus Christ that Luther faithfully preached. Today, five centuries later, being Lutheran is still all about Jesus. And because it’s still all about Jesus, we still take Him at His Word. We still place the highest priority on receiving His gracious gifts in Word and . We still daily die to sin and rise to newness of life in His word of forgiveness. Because it’s still all about Jesus, we still champion the ‘solas’ that permeate God’s Word. Namely, that we are saved by grace alone () through faith alone () in Jesus Christ alone (). All of this is revealed to us in Scripture alone (sola Scriptura). As exciting as Luther’s story is, being Lutheran is only about one thing. One person. Not Martin Luther. But Jesus Christ. Do you get it? The Lutheran Reformation and being Lutheran is about Jesus Christ. Jesus alone is our Savior, , Lord, Prophet, Priest, King, Word, Lamb. He alone justifies sinners. We are declared righteous for His sake. And because it’s all about Jesus, we delight in His Gospel, His cross, His blood, His death, His resurrection, His forgiveness, His Church, His Word, His Baptism, His Supper, His love, His mercy. As we enter the year-long celebration of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation this month, let us re-learn what it means to be Lutheran. And then let us dare to be Lutheran in a world that so desperately needs to hear us speak and sing about our Savior. The Reformation was and is still all about Jesus.

Pastor Mumme

November Birthdays

01 Cris Ruisz 01 Conner Schilling Calendar 02 Laurrie Bingenheimer 02 Carolyn Stronczek Week of Trinity 23 03 Kristina Learnahan 06 Jill Olifirowicz Tue, Nov 1 All Saints’ Day 07 Arya Data Wed, Nov 2, 2:45 pm Youth Catechesis 1 08 Jolene Delaney Wed, Nov 2, 5:00 pm Youth Catechesis 2 08 Tom Novy Wed, Nov 2, 7:00 pm Choir Practice 09 Cassie Cruz 12 Diane Weaver Week of Trinity 24 15 Kim Stache 16 Edward Cruz Sun, Nov 6, 9:00 am Divine Service (All Saints’ Day) 20 Dolores Bauman Sun, Nov 6, 10:00 am Celebration for George Rousar 21 Lori Mumme Tue, Nov 8 Election Day 22 Anthony Simonetti Tue, Nov 8, 1:00 pm Women’s Bible Study 24 Brian Data Tue, Nov 8, 7:00 pm Elders Meeting 26 Louis Pallek Wed, Nov 9, 2:45 pm Youth Catechesis 1 Wed, Nov 9, 5:00 pm Youth Catechesis 2 Wed, Nov 9, 7:00 pm Choir Practice Baptismal Anniversaries Thu, Nov 10, 12:00 pm Pastor @ SRPC Meeting Thu, Nov 10, 7:00 pm Council Meeting 02 Gregory Mazurkiewicz Fri, Nov 11 Veterans Day 05 Robert Thornton Sat, Nov 12, 8:30 am Men’s Bible Breakfast 12 Spenser Fox 14 Meghan Zeller Week of Trinity 25 18 Paula Kramer 19 Linda Shurhay Sun, Nov 13, 9:00 am Divine Service 26 Katie Olifirowicz Sun, Nov 13, 10:00 am Thrivent Meeting 26 Kyle Olifirowicz Sun, Nov 13, 10:30 am Bible Class & Sunday School 28 Quentin Parmenter Tue, Nov 15, 9:00 am Pastor @ Circuit Meeting 30 Shaun Peters Tue, Nov 15, 7:00 pm Book of Concord Study Wed, Nov 16, 11:00 am Pastor @ NICL Study Wed, Nov 16, 2:45 pm Youth Catechesis 1 Wedding Anniversaries Wed, Nov 16, 5:00 pm Youth Catechesis 2

Wed, Nov 16, 7:00 pm Choir Practice 02 Mike & Jill Olifirowicz Sat, Nov 19, 10:00 am Altar Guild Meeting 06 Ron & Cris Ruisz Sat, Nov 19, 11:00 am Ladies Aid Meeting 13 Mike & Kim Stache

Last Week of the Church Year

Sun, Nov 20, 9:00 am Divine Service Daylight Savings Time Sun, Nov 20, 10:30 am Bible Class & Sunday School Wed, Nov 23, 7:00 pm Thanksgiving Eve Vespers Daylight Savings Time is ending. Remember to fall back Thu, Nov 24 National Day of Thanksgiving by setting your clocks one hour back before you go to bed on Saturday, November 5. Week of Advent 1

Sun, Nov 27, 9:00 am Divine Service Membership Update Sun, Nov 27, 10:30 am Bible Class & Sunday School Wed, Nov 30, 7:00 pm Evening Prayer Amy Edgar Wed, Nov 30, 2:45 pm Youth Catechesis 1 (new mobile phone) Wed, Nov 30, 5:00 pm Youth Catechesis 2 331-457-0476 Wed, Nov 30, 8:00 pm Choir Practice 2 Baptized into Christ Celebration for George Rousar

Emily Irene Marie Pruett, daughter of Steve & Angela We are planning to have a celebration on Sunday, Pruett and granddaughter of Ron & Cris Ruisz, was November 6 to thank God and to honor George for all baptized into Christ on October 29. We pray that Emily his years of service as Divine Shepherd’s organist and will continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of music director. We will be observing All Saints’ Day Christ all the days of her life. during the Divine Service that morning, which will include a few of George’s favorite hymns. The main “As many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.” celebration—which will include a presentation, special [Galatians 3:27] music, and cake—will take place in Luther Hall immediately following the Divine Service (roughly 100 Years Young 10:00–11:30 a.m.). Let’s show George how many lives he has touched over the years.

All Saints’ Day

We will be celebrating All Saints’ Day on Sunday, November 6. Concerning this feast day, Treasury of Daily Prayer states:

This feast is the most comprehensive of the days of commemoration, encompassing the entire scope of that great cloud of witnesses with which Louise Anderson, a homebound and longtime member we are surrounded (Hebrews 12:1). It of Divine Shepherd, turned 100 years young on October holds before the eyes of faith that 30. She remains one of the most joyous people you’ll great multitude which no man can number: all the saints ever meet, loves the Cubs, and enjoys playing cards and of God in Christ—who have come “out of the great games with the other residents at Meadowbrook Manor tribulation ... who have washed their robes and made in Naperville. Congrats, Louise! them white in the blood of the Lamb” (Revelation 7:9, 14). As such, it sets before us the full height and depth “O God, from my youth You have taught me, and breadth and length of our dear Lord’s gracious and I still proclaim Your wondrous deeds.” salvation (Ephesians 3:17-19). It shares with Easter a [Psalm 71:17] celebration of the resurrection, since all who have died

with Christ Jesus have also been raised with Him : (Romans 6:3-8). It shares with Pentecost a celebration of Words of Wisdom from Luther the ingathering of the entire Church catholic—in heaven and on earth, in all times and places—in the one Body of When our Lord and Master Jesus Christ said, “Repent” Christ, in the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. (Matthew 4:17), He willed the entire life of believers to Just as we have all been called to the one hope that be one of repentance. belongs to our call, “one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through The Ninety-Five Theses: Number One all and in all” (Ephesians 4:4-6). And the Feast of All 3 Saints shares with the final Sundays of the Church Year Bible & Studies an eschatological focus on the life everlasting and a confession that “the sufferings of this present time are Sunday Bible Class not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed Topic: Philippians to us” (Romans 8:18). In all of these emphases, the When: Sunday mornings @ 10:30 a.m. purpose of this feast is to fix our eyes upon Jesus, the Where: Luther Hall author and perfecter of our faith, that we might not grow weary or fainthearted (Hebrews 12:2-3). Men’s Bible Breakfast Topic: Sola Scriptura (a.k.a. Scripture Alone) When: Saturday, November 12 @ 8:30 a.m. Reformation 500 Where: IHOP

Women’s Bible Study Topic: Pew Sisters (chapter 9) When: Tuesday, November 8 @ 1:00 p.m. Where: Luther Hall

We will celebrate the Commemoration of Martin Book of Concord Study Luther’s Birth with a festive Divine Service on Sunday, Topic: Treatise on the Power and Primacy of the November 13. Join us as we kick off our celebration of When: Tuesday, November 15 @ 7:00 p.m. Reformation 500. Where: Luther Hall

Thanksgiving Eve Vespers Little Lambs News

Join us on Wednesday, November 23, beginning at November is the time when we think about all of the 7:00 p.m., for a Thanksgiving Eve Vespers service in things we are thankful for. Our themes this month will which we thank and praise God for all His blessings of span from owls to our country and the first body and soul. He has given us Thanksgiving. We will learn about Bible heroes Jonah, His Son, forgiveness, life, and Daniel, and the three men in a furnace. We will have our salvation. He has given us Parent/Teacher conferences this month and our Picture countless physical blessings as Day. Just before we go on break for Thanksgiving, we well. Join the lone Samaritan in will have a Thanksgiving Feast for all of our families. returning to Christ to thank Him for His grace and mercy. We are always looking for cleaning help after school and we are looking for people who are willing to help clear our sidewalks this winter when it snows, so that our Advent families have a safe place to walk. If you are interested in helping, please contact me through the school at 630-

759-5300 ext. 2 or [email protected]. The new church year begins with the First Sunday in

Advent. Accordingly, our Advent focus on Christ’s Terri Kreier, Director threefold coming will begin on Sunday, November 27.

Christ came in mercy to save us. Christ still comes in mercy to deliver His good gifts of forgiveness, life, and salvation. And Christ will come again in glory to take us home.

Advent Midweek

Join us for our candlelight Evening Prayer services on Wednesdays throughout Advent. The services begin at 7:00 p.m. and run about 45 minutes.

4 Sunday School & Preschool of year. Start to bring you contributions after Christmas Program Thanksgiving. If you know of someone in the congregation or immediate family in need, please give

his/her name(s) to Pastor Mumme or Lisa Cruz. This year’s Children’s Christmas Manna gift cards help the person in need and benefits Program will be on Sunday, December our Ladies Aid group and church. It’s not too early to 18 at 3:00 p.m. at Divine Shepherd. For order gift cards for the upcoming Giving Tree. that to happen, we will need to put in some practice time. We need children All of us have just finished or are in the process of to sing, to do parts, and to read. Older exchanging our summer wardrobe to winter garments. If children who would like to help with younger children you have found clothing that you no longer want or out are greatly appreciated. Practices for the program will grew, bring it to church on any Sunday. Ladies Aid is begin on Saturday, November 12 at 10:00 a.m. and now able to get cash for gently used clothing. 20 cents will take place every Saturday until the program day per pound doesn’t sound like much, but it will quickly (except for Thanksgiving weekend). If your child will grow into dollars. Give your items to Judy Yuenger or participate this year, I would appreciate a quick any Ladies Aid member (with a tag stating “Ladies notification. You can email me at [email protected], Aid”). Thank you. or call/text me at 630-248-6708. This will help with my planning. The process of ‘making over’ our kitchen in time for the th 40 anniversary of our church has begun. Ladies Aid has Terri Kreier been earmarking some of our Rummage Sale proceeds

for this project. It is time to get it started. The cabinets

are falling apart, the stove is blocking the doorway, and Ladies Aid there is a lack of sufficient storage. Your suggestions of things that should be included in the improved kitchen Back by popular demand: Fannie are welcome. If you would like to make a contribution to Mae candy bars! We hope you this project (cash or check), any funds, large or small, enjoy the candy bars – they are will definitely help include upgrades as well as the high quality chocolate and oh, so basics. Please make checks payable to DSLC Ladies Aid good. Pick up one for $2.00 or and give to Judy Yuenger. three for $5.00 in Luther Hall. The next meeting is Saturday, November 19 at 11:00 Pre-purchased Manna cards for Home Run Inn, Darden a.m. We’d love to have you join us! Restaurants, Subway, Walmart, Starbucks, and Target are available for purchase each Sunday. Turn in dates for orders are November 6, 13, 20 and December 4, 11, 18 Thrivent Financial with pick up the next Sunday. These gift cards are great for every day purchases, birthdays, vacations, and are great gifts for college students.

In lieu of gifts we are asking for monetary donations for Pastor May and his family, who work with Lutherans in Africa (there is a huge duty tax on all gifts received). Please give all donations to Liza Cruz by Sunday, Members, if you haven’t done so, please donate your November 13 via cash or check (made payable to Choice Dollars to Divine Shepherd (you have to do this Divine Shepherd Manna). Thank you. each quarter). Monies received are used to support various church programs. Christmas is closer than we think. Thrivent and Ladies Aid will again Thrivent thanks everyone for their generous donations of sponsor the Giving Tree and the food for the Oktoberfest, for the youth who set up, Food Drive for members who served, and cleaned up, and for the monetary could use a helping hand to make contributions for Higher Things. this season joyful. Try setting up a box in your home and drop a food Thrivent along with Ladies Aid is sponsoring the Food item in it each time you buy Drive for those in need in the congregation. Last year’s groceries. A box of groceries can drive was a huge success. Let’s see if we can collect really help their budget at this time even more this year. 5 Luther Fest Church Library

For those who use Portals of Prayer, the writing of A. Trevor Sutton is already familiar, as he wrote the devotions for the month of October. He is a Lutheran pastor and a graduate student of Writing and Rhetoric in Michigan.

However he has written a book titled Being Lutheran, which is now in our library. In clear and concise language, Pastor Sutton describes our theology and how

we find ourselves in the Both member and non-member children had a great time freedom of the Gospel, which is learning about the Reformer, the Reformation, and our truly open to all, regardless of Savior at Luther Fest on October 29. Each age group had race, literacy, or sociology. He three Luther curriculum sessions, interspersed with a states, “open access to God’s craft, game, snack, and songs. They learned a song grace is at the heart of being Dona Nobis Pacem (translated “grant us peace”) and the Lutheran.” This was the central first stanza of A Mighty Fortress Is Our God, both of issue of the Reformation. Because the majority of which they sang during the closing. worship was in Latin and people had lack of access to the Gospel, this left them very confused about their faith. Thanks to all the parents who made the time on a Being Lutheran is good for anyone who seeks a better Saturday morning and brought their children to this understanding of what it means to be a follower of faith-filled event. Christ, one who desires to get to know Jesus better and the power of His Word in his or her life. Special thanks to Robin Wise (director); Jim Kranich, Denise Ziesemer, Carolynn Mazurkiewicz, Katie You can browse the selection of books in our library by Dobbs (teachers); Laurrie Bingenheimer (crafts); visiting librarything.com/catalog/DivineShepherd. Anne Drevlow (snacks); Terri Kreier (games); Books may be checked out at any time by members. Christine Stocker, Jenny Rohr (music); Bobbie Light, Karen Moritz (registration), Greg Mazurkiewicz, Aimee Mazurkiewicz, Zach Mumme, Caleb Mumme, Help with Fall Projects Mumme, Adam Mumme (helpers/setup); Kelly Stewart (castle church door); and Pastor Have leaves to rake, gutters to clean, bushes to trim, Mumme (opening/closing). yard work to get done, or windows to wash before winter? Our youth group is ready and willing to help you See our church’s Facebook page for more photos. get your fall projects done. Contact Lori Mumme or Nadine Parmenter to schedule the youth. Your free will donation will assist them in attending the Higher Things Lutheran Radio youth conference next summer.

Youth Cookie Sale

The Youth Group is taking orders for Christmas cookies. The cost is If you have a computer or smart phone, you can listen to st $15 for 2 dozen or $25 for 4 dozen the radio voice of the Lutheran faith for the 21 century. assorted cookies. The sign-up Issues, Etc. is Lutheran talk radio hosted by LCMS sheet will be posted in Luther Pastor Todd Wilken and produced by Lutheran Public Hall; all cookie orders need to be Radio. Listen live or at your leisure. Simply download placed by Sunday, December 4. Cookies will be the LPR (Lutheran Public Radio) app for Apple, available for pick up at church on Sunday, December Android, Windows, or Amazon, or listen via podcast 18. See Lori Mumme or Nadine Parmenter if you (iTunes or XML) at issuesetc.org. have questions. 6 Bulletin Covers & Altar Flowers Prayer Chain

The November–December bulletin chart is posted in the Several members of our congregation narthex. The 2017 chart will be posted soon. Sign up for are part of a church prayer chain. If any open Sunday(s) to celebrate a special occasion or to you would like to join them in honor/remember someone. Cost of bulletins is $10. praying for our congregation’s special needs, please contact Bobbie Light at 630-251-7860 or Pastor Mumme.

Sunday Treats

Do you enjoy treats and fellowship after Sunday services? If so, please consider signing up on any given Sunday(s). The signup sheet is posted on the Luther Hall bulletin board. Ladies Aid only provides drinks, not The 2017 flower chart is posted in the narthex. This is a goodies, when no one wonderful way to help beautify God’s house, celebrate a has signed up for a birthday or anniversary, or remember a departed loved given Sunday. Monetary one. Traditionally flowers are not used during the donations are accepted penitential seasons of Lent and Advent. We typically to defray the cost of have special floral arrangements for certain festivals: drinks and supplies. palms on Palm Sunday, spring flowers on Easter Sunday, red bouquets on Confirmation, and poinsettias on Christmas. That leaves nearly 40 open Sundays. If Important Phone Numbers you would like to contribute flowers to help beautify the sanctuary on a Lord’s Day, please add your name to any Church Office: 630-759-5300 ext. 1 open Sunday on the flower charts. Preschool: 630-759-5300 ext. 2 (Terri Kreier) Pastor Mumme: 815-676-4444 Prices are $40, $45, or $50 for two bouquets (subject to Prayer Chain: 630-251-7860 (Bobbie Light) change). If you sign up, Karen Moritz will contact you Newsletter: 630-759-3188 (Karen Moritz) to get your price range, flower request, and a brief note to place in the worship bulletin. When the worship (items are due November 28) service is over, you are welcome to take your bouquets home or you may leave one or both at church for the following Sunday or for pastor to take to homebound or Veterans Prayer hospitalized members. Lord, we lift up all the veterans Altar Guild would like to thank everyone who purchased and the loved ones left behind flowers to beautify the altar during 2016 and Ruth who have answered the call to Ogden for the many beautiful arrangements. duty on land and sea and in the air. Because of Your kindness toward us, we live in freedom today through the sacrifices our veterans have made. We thank You for letting us live in this beautiful land, where only love of You and family take precedence over love of country. We thank You for the victories that have been Please check upcoming weekly bulletins for forms to given to us and the liberty we now enjoy because of the purchase poinsettias for the Christmas Season. Cost is courageous service of our veterans. Bless us and bless $10 each and payment with completed form is due our land, that we always may be the “land of the free and Sunday, December 11. home of the brave.” In Jesus’ name. Amen.

7 Thanksgiving Prayer Dedication of Porte Cochère

Father, we are overwhelmed by Your bounteous love The restored porte cochère was dedicated in memory of and mercy. You have provided us with food, homes, the Rev. Paul F. Huxhold, our founding pastor, in a brief clothing, family, friends, and freedoms. You have ceremony following the Divine Service on October 30. blessed us with Your Word. Through Baptism, we are This year marks the 35th anniversary of the dedication of blessed to be Your children. We have this blessing of our church and fellowship hall. A commemorative forgiveness from Your Son, through His body and blood. plaque with Pastor Huxhold’s photo now hangs in the We are blessed to receive the , the Comforter. narthex. Thank You for all of these blessings. Amen.

Portals of Prayer

Amazon Smile

With Christmas just around the corner, did you know that a small percentage of your Amazon order can come back and benefit Divine Shepherd? Simply go to smile.amazon.com, select Divine Shepherd Lutheran Church in Bolingbrook as your charitable organization, and shop like you normally do. Then, begin each of your purchases at smile.amazon.com and Amazon will do the rest. Our congregation will receive 0.5% of every Amazon Smile purchase made by those who designate our congregation as their charitable organization.

Oktoberfest

Roughly 45 people partook of a delicious German feast at our annual Oktoberfest luncheon on October 23. A great time was had by all. Special thanks to our Thrivent group for sponsoring this event, to Don Fiolka and Bill Tilker for preparing all the brats, and to our Youth Group for setting up and cleaning up. See photo below.

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