Blessings Trinity Lutheran Church

What’s Message from Pastor Inside Can Do Youth Group Goings On Tidings... Giving & Council Notes The Free Market Serving Calendar

August 2013 Dear Friends in Christ, Over the past several weeks I have been in a discussion with some of my Worship Times colleagues about the theology of salvation, which is called soteriology. I Sunday Morning know that this seems obvious for us as Lutheran Christians and in most of our minds it is simple, believe in the life death and resurrection of . As 10:30 am—Traditional Martin Luther would say, “This is most certainly true.” However, Christians differ in many ways on how they believe this happens. Please allow me to give you a Lutheran perspective as well as some other competing thoughts. Sunday Evening The crux of our discussion comes through the lens of versus Ar- 7:30 pm—Contemplative minianism. is a teaching regarding salvation associated with the Dutch theologian Jacob Arminius (1560-1609). This is what Arminius taught, “Christ’s redeeming work made it possible for everyone to be saved Education but did not actually secure the salvation of anyone. Although Christ died for Wednesday Morning all men and for every man, only those who believe on Him are saved. His death enabled God to pardon sinners on the condition that they believe, but 9:45 am—Bible Study it did not actually put away anyone’s sins. Christ’s redemption becomes ef- fective only if humankind chooses to accept it. In other words, Jesus’ death on the cross only becomes effective if WE chose it. This is what is called “Decision Theology”, and it is the dominant theology in our current religious culture. Calvinism follows the theological tradition and forms of Christian practice of John Calvin (1509-1564). Calvinists broke with the Roman Catholic Church but differed with Lutherans on the real presence of Christ in the Lord's Sup- Continued... per, theories of worship, and the use of God's law for believers, among other things. One of those other things was on the theory of atonement. Calvin believed in “Limited Atonement” or election of the saved. This is what we will focus on. “Limited atonement”, asserts that Jesus's substitutionary atonement was definite and certain in its purpose and in what it accomplished. This implies that only the sins of the elect were atoned for by Jesus's death. Calvinists do not believe, however, that the atonement is limited in its value or power, but rather that the atonement is limited in the sense that it is intended for some and not all. This is part of “”, which I believe was left behind in the Old Testament as Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection gave us a “New Covenant”. Here is the comparison of the two thoughts in a nutshell: The Calvinists view the deciding factor in whether one is saved to be the will of God. The Arminians view the deciding factor in whether one is saved to be the will of man. The Calvinist’s focus is taken off of Jesus’ redemptive work and placed onto the election decree of God. Thus he must ask, “How do I know if I’m one of the chosen, the elect?” The focus of the Arminian likewise is diverted from what Jesus did and onto his decision for Christ. Thus he must ask, “Did I adequately decide for Jesus?” Neither the Calvinist nor the Arminian can simply look to the cross and their Savior for . The work of Christ on the cross for the Calvin- ist is only helpful if he’s one of the elect, and no one knows that for sure. Likewise, the work of Christ on the cross is helpful for the Arminian only if he properly decides for Jesus and chooses to follow him with sufficient faithfulness, and of that we can never be quite certain because we are sinners. So, since neither can look to Christ for assurance, they must look someplace else. So they end up looking for the proof of their election (Calvinist) or the sincerity of their decision for Jesus (Arminian) in their own lives. The question then be- comes: “Do I see ample evidence of the fruits of faith in my life?” Or, stated another way, “Am I doing enough good works to confirm my faith?” Unfortunately, there’s no comfort there. Such an examination will always lead either to des- pair or to self-righteousness. Both have made the assurance of saving faith a question of their subjective evaluations of their own works, which is an abomination to Lutherans Fortunately for Lutherans, assurance of salvation is found only in the objective Gospel. By leaving the question unre- solved to human satisfaction, God forces our faith to rest on what Christ has done for us. It becomes a matter of trust. So, when struggling with the question, “How do I know for sure that I am saved?” we can boldly answer, “Because Jesus Christ died for my sins and rose again for my .” Letting the paradox stand directs the doubting soul to Christ and his work alone where it belongs. So now, my friends, you have the answer if anyone ever asks you “Are you saved?” Peace, Pastor Scott

CAN DO One of the simplest ministries of this church is the Can-Do ministry. All it in- volves is drinking your favorite beverage and bringing the empty can to church. Simplicity at its finest. Please continue to drink your favorite beverage in alumi- num cans and bring those cans to the church to be transformed into ministry. To date we have taken in 200 pounds of cans that has turned into $103.00 worth of ministry dollars. Thank you.

BUILDING RESERVATIONS One of our perks of being a member of Trinity is that we can use the church for various activities at no cost. In order to keep our calendar and records up-to-date, we ask that an Event Scheduling Form be completed and returned to the office. (The forms are available from the church office and will soon be available on the church website.) Party on!

Tidings... GOD’S WORK. OUR HANDS. SUNDAY "God's work. Our hands." Sunday is an opportunity to celebrate our 25th anniversary as the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America — one church, freed in Christ to serve and love our neighbor.

We are a church that rolls up our sleeves and gets to work. On Sept., 8, 2013, let's join together as 4 million members, nearly 10,000 congregations, 65 synods and the church wide expression for a dedicated day of ser- vice. Let's clean up neighborhoods, deliver meals, collect supplies for refugees overseas, visit our neighbors or help a child learn to read.

You work every day to welcome your neighbors and make your community a better place. Now let's do it to- gether as one body, using our hands to do God's work of restoring and reconciling communities in Jesus Christ’s name throughout the world. Trinity Lutheran will be building a new shed for the Lebanon Area Boys & Girls Club. We will begin the project on Saturday, September 7 at 9:00 a.m. and hopefully finish the project following worship on September 8th. Please sign up to help by clicking on this link: http://www.signupgenius.com/ go/805084CA8A62B0-gods

SUNDAY SCHOOL KICK OFF Join us on Sunday, September 8th as we kick off our Sunday School program. Kids agres 4-5th grade are invited to attend Sunday School at 9:00AM each week during the school year.

If you are interested in teaching, please contact Tammy Campbell, Sunday School Superindent. The Adult Sunday School class also meets each week at 9:00 AM. This fall, Pastor Scott will lead us through a discussion of the Letters of St. Paul.

All are welcome to join us as we continue our faith walk.

IF ANYONE IS IN CHRIST… We are deeply rooted. The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America is still com- paratively new as a church body, and yet our roots are much deeper than our 25 years together. The taproot of our life extends through the histories of predecessor churches in the United States, through the formative witness of the 16th century evangelical reformers and their confessional writings, to the Scriptures and the word of Christ. Our life is in Je- sus Christ. We are deeply rooted in his word of forgiveness and the promises of God’s steadfast love and mercy. The word of Christ dwells in us richly. God nourishes us as one body in Jesus Christ with companions from around the globe who meet us at Christ’s table of grace.

GOD PAUSE MINISTRIES Ever notice how Jesus responded to the expectations of others in unexpected ways? A reasonable request is made of stewardship and fairness regarding settling of estate matters, apparently with the assumption that Christ's influence would help the petitioner get whatever is entitled. Be careful what you ask for! Jesus respond- ed with a parable and a warning of far greater scope and implications regarding Heaven's perspective on stew- ardship.

One's strength can also be one's weakness. I've successfully collected too much stuff, and the wish of this cu- rator to display and organize might best be fulfilled in owning a warehouse. Truthfully, the more obvious re- sponse should be to get rid of the excess, in ways which prove to be a blessing to my family and others. Living with limitations and within one's "footprint" is good for the soul. Lord, I've heard it said, "If you want to make God laugh, tell Him your plans!" Help me to listen in prayer and worship, responding with hope, humor and humility. Amen. Tidings…. AUGUST BIRTHDAYS AUGUST ANNIVERSARIES

8/2 – Debbie Bradley 8/5/1977 – Scott & Sherry Mauch 8/2 – Maggie Herrin 8/17/1996 – Steve & Cheri Thomas 8/4 – Michaela Belcher 8/5 – Betsy Inskeep 8/8 – Logan Wallace 8/12 – Tom Coulter 8/13 – Dave Bradley 8/13 – Noah Stenberg 8/14 Ed Belcher 8/14 – Sara Hammerle If your birthday or anniversary isn’t listed, 8/15 – Gene Bokash then we don’t have it recorded in our 8/15 – Amy Hammerle database. Please contact Laura K. in the office and we will add it.

AUGUST CALENDAR HAPPENINGS

4th—11th Pastor Scott on vacation 7th No Bible Study 21st Read Up Tutor Training1:30– 4:00 25th Worship In the Park Micah Stenberg’s Baptism

AND SPEAKING OF ANNIVERSARIES, MERCI! Many thanks to Julie & Gary Parks for donating the delicious meal on Anniversary Sunday!

WE NEED YOU! Our ten college students will soon be heading back to school, some for the first time. They would love to receive cards and letters from their Trinity family throughout the school year. Please stop by the bul- letin board and pick up an address list.

RAISE FUNDS FOR CHERUB BY SHOPPING AT KROGER Yes, it’s true! You can shop at Kroger and raise money for our CHERUB group at the same time! How can one do this, you ask? It’s so E-A-S-Y! 1.) $25 Kroger cards are available for purchase in the church office. (cash or check made payable to CHERUB) 2.) Shop to your heart’s content! 3.) Be sure to reload your card before the initial $25 has been spent. You can then continue to re- load and use this card as much as you’d like. So far this year we have received over $225 from the Kroger Community Rewards program!

DISCIPLESHIP—JOIN OUR MISSION As members of the ELCA, we all share a commitment to spreading God’s word – and sharing God’s love – in the world. To live our lives in and for Christ in both church and society – that’s at the heart of discipleship. But it doesn’t just happen on its own. You can learn about big and small ways we can pray, participate and provide – to share faith with others at http://www.elca.org/Growing-In-Faith/ Discipleship.aspx

Week Of 7/7 7/14 7/21 7/28

Current Expenses $2,368.00 $2,265.00 $1,579.00 $1,485.00

Run-Through $10.00 $10.00 $10.00 $10.00

Special Projects $20.00 $20.00 $20.00 $20.00

Sunday School $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00

Total Deposit $2,398.00 $2,295.00 $1,609.00 $1,515.00

Weekly $2,224 to meet expenses; $2,708 to fully fund the budget Goal

The Giving Report Please ask about giving electronically.

THE COUNCIL NOTES - Review Secretary's Report, Treasurer's Report, and Financial Secretary's Report - Work on plans for ELCA 25th Anniversary Day - Review ongoing business - Review building use requests

ENJOY THE CONVENIENCE OF ELECTRONIC GIVING Trinity Lutheran is pleased to offer an electronic option for making regular offerings. Contributions can be debited automatically from your checking or savings account. The Simply Giving program of- fers convenience for you and much-needed donation consistency for our congregation.

If you are currently giving on a weekly basis, you will no longer need to write out 52 checks a year or prepare 52 envelopes. And, when travel, illness or other circumstances prevent you from attending services, this program will allow your weekly offerings to continue on an uninterrupted basis. The Free Market...

I now have the lowest guaranteed prices on some great vacations. These are too low to be advertised and they can be accessed by going to my website www.TravelPleaser.com. Enjoy a 4 & 5 star vacation at a 2 & 3 star price. In the middle of my home page click on YTBVACATIONS.com, you will then be able to register to gain access to see the pricing. We have All-Inclusive, Vacation Getaways, Cruise Deals, European Tours and more. Coming Wednesday, August 31, 2013 you will be able to book hotel stays using my Low Cost Beds link. I can do that for you now if you just ask. There are 70,000 plus properties participating in this that offer the lowest pricing.

I also have a brochure on the bulletin board about a Wine, Dine and Music cruise I am promoting for November 9-16. It is on Royal Caribbean and the entertainment is Three Dog Night, Kenny Loggins, Don Felder formerly of the Ea- gles and 3 others. You will receive a bottle of wine each evening from seven wineries this equates to 49 bottles of wine. If you access this cruise through my YTBVACATIONS link on my website you will save an extra $400 (per cou- ple) from the brochure price. Wow, now that is a great deal!

Thank you, Barbara Belcher

August Usher Team: Mike Aughe, Brad Campbell, Cathy Smock September Usher Team: Sheri Riegel, Gary Smock, John Hancock

Serving 8/4 8/11 8/18 8/25 9/1

Fellowship X X X X X

Greeters Mezger’s Milk’s Ella M Ottinger’s Parks Sandy N

Acolyte Sara H James H Willow P X Thomas P

Tim P Amy H Brenda Tom C Dave S Lector B

Communion Tim P X Steve T X Cheri T Assistant

Jan C Tracy H Tracy H Julie P Julie P Altar Guild

Nursery & Madison Cheri T Laura A Andrew T Megan H Children’s Church R

Counting Doris K Dorothy C Laura K Julie B Mike A Team Steve K Rick H Nick B Charlie F Cathy S