O U R M I S S I O N

Low’s Lutheran seeks to be a visible presence in the community, committed to love and care for each other and the world. October 2017 Through faith in our Lord Jesus, we worship and pray, teach and learn, live and serve.

Sunday Worship: 11:00 AM BBQ & LIVE BLUE GRASS MUSIC Sunday School: 9:45 AM COMMUNITY EVENT

Come Grow With Us in Saturday, October 14th SE Guilford County! 4:30 pm—7:30 pm [email protected] (See Page 4 for More Details) www.lowslutheran.com We will celebrate

THE FESTIVAL OF THE Sunday, October 29th - 11:00 am Remember to Wear Something Red!

“A TIME TO REMEMBER

THE MESSENGER’S GUIDE ALL THE SAINTS OF GOD”

Sunday, November 5th A Lighter Note ...... Page 8

Calendar ...... Page 6 & 7 We will remember those who have gone into the care of our ELCA Congregational News ...... Page 4 & 5 — loving Heavenly Father, especially those who have died since All From the Mail Box ...... Page 9 Saints’ Sunday 2016. Please extend a special invitation to the extended family and

Just for Kids ...... Page 11 friends of these loved ones. The service will conclude with a cemetery benediction

4639 - Member Milestones ...... Page 10 (weather permitting) and the placing of flowers on all the graves. More Congregational News .... Insert

565 During the afternoon, there will be a chili cook-off and bingo from 4 - Pastor’s Corner ...... Page 2 to 6 p.m. We will need donations of prizes for bingo. Serving Schedule ...... Page 10 The Healing Touch ...... Page 3 Sponsored by Social Ministry

(Watch for more details in your November Newsletter)

213661 NC Liberty, 27298 NC Phone: 336 Low’s LutheranChurch Return RequestedService

THE MESSENGER OCTOBER 2017 PAGE 2 THE MESSENGER OCTOBER 2017 PAGE 11

Dear People of Low’s, On October 31, 1517, we will mark the 500th anniversary of the beginning of the Great Reformation of the Church. , a German monk and Bible scholar, nailed a call for reform on the door of the castle church in the town of Wittenberg, in the state of Saxony in Germany. The document (often referred to as the 95 Theses) Luther nailed to the door that All Saints/Souls Eve (many worshippers were bound to see the paper as they attended All Saints/Souls worship) ignited a movement that resulted in the division of the church in Western Europe (we sometimes forget that the Eastern Church had already experienced a split with the church of Rome earlier in the Middle Ages and was largely unaffected by the Reformation). The multitude of denominations we have today (by some counts as many as 40,000) is a direct result of this momentous event, as even those who sought to reform the church disagreed with one another over the Sacraments of and Holy Communion, as well as other issues. We mark the occasion with joy over Luther’s reclaiming of St. Paul’s teaching that sinful human beings are justified (made right and reconciled) with God not by works that we accomplish but by what has already accomplished for us in his death on the cross. We receive what Christ has done for us by faith as a gift of God’s grace. For Luther St. Paul’s letter to the Romans was essential in teaching this great truth, and he focused on the following verses in particular:

16 For I am not ashamed of ; it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who has faith, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17 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

While we rejoice we also experience sadness over the divisions in Christ’s body, particularly since Jesus prayed that we would be one (John 17:21). While Roman Catholics, Orthodox Lutherans, and other Protestant denominations have worked to come together and reconcile over many issues, the divisions are still there and not likely to vanish any time soon. Nonetheless we give thanks for the German monk who was bold enough to challenge the leaders of both state and church of his day, princes, bishops, cardinals, and the and power of sin, death, and the devil, freedom from the demands of the law, and freedom to read and hear Scripture unfettered by church dogma and present- ed in a language understandable to the common person, is a legacy truly to be celebrated. God loves you and I do too, Pastor John Mark

Sermon series: On the five Sundays of October we will look at the Five “solae” of the Reformation—By Scripture Alone, By Faith Alone, By Grace Alone, Through Christ Alone, Glory to God Alone. The reclamation of these foundational truths of our faith resulted from the work of Martin Luther and other reformers begun 500 years ago this month, Christians who risked their lives and livelihood for the sake of the gospel. THE MESSENGER OCTOBER 2017 PAGE 10 THE MESSENGER OCTOBER 2017 PAGE 3 Member Milestones The Healing Touch October Birthdays Spirit of power and might, you give strength to the weary and new courage to 2 Kelli Harrell 10 Kendra Sharpe 25 Joan Walters those who have lost heart. In your grace, comfort all who are in need of your 4 Martha Ward 11 Ajay Chriscoe 27 Jeff Porterfield healing presence. Hear the prayers of all who call on you in any trouble, that they 5 Chris Troxler 13 Pam Greeson 30 Ernest White may have the joy of receiving your help in their need. Especially . . . 6 Cathy Sharpe 15 Addison Shoffner 9 Becket Overton 20 Norma Clapp Guidance October Anniversaries World Leaders, especially President Donald Trump ELCA Leaders, especially Bishop Elizabeth Eaton 2 Pastor John Mark Beam & Pastor Constance Garrett 17 Lawrence & Anne Clemmer NC Synod Leaders, especially Bishop Tim Smith 13 Derek & Jena Kiser 18 Seth & Ashley Shoffner Our Mission in Ministry at Low’s Low’s Ministry Team Leaders and Members CARES: Pastor John Mark Beam  Rivers Shoffner is back at Alamance House following a hospital stay for pneumonia Low’s Renewal Team Lutheran Church and continued back pain. Jonathan, Christy & Natalie Shoffner

 Glenda Horner has returned home and continues physical therapy for a broken hip Those Serving Our Country in the Military and femur and radiation treatment for cancer. Ryan Culberson Captain Jonathan Stevens - deployed Chaplain Brian Stamm & family K. Chad Ingle  Anne Stewart is at home being treated for an infection. Joe Tsicouris (brother-in-law/Bradley & Kim) - deployed Paul Culberson

 Ann Holt is at White Oak Manor, 323 Baldwin Rd., Burlington, NC 27217, Room Those in Need of Physical Healing Judy Artofer Glenda Horner 302,following a stay at Alamance Hospital for an infection and a possible stroke. John Beam Jr. (father/Pastor John Mark) Howard & Reva Hudson  Mary Brandon, Diane Shoffner’s mother, is at Liberty Commons, room 402, for Mary Brandon (mother/Diane Shoffner) John Krantz rehab following hospitalization for a serious leg infection. Billy Clapp Agnes Loy Linda Dove Mary Loy (friend/Joyce Faircloth) Bob Gertenbach (cousin/Diane Shoffner) Dickey Robertson Wanda Grooms (friend/Marie & Frances) Gerona Shelton/hospice (friend/Clifton Fogleman) HE ANCTUARY AMP ANDLE FOR THE T S L C Muriel Hall (mother/Phyllis Carpenter) Rivers Shoffner MONTH OF OCTOBER IS GIVEN BY SALLY DAVIS Donna Harris (neighbor/Ken & Jan Broach) Pastor Sam Shores Jacob Helms (friend/the Carpenter’s) Randy Williams (cousin/Diane Shoffner) IN MEMORY OF WENDELL DAVIS. Bo Herndon Barbara Winchester Ann Holt

October Serving Schedule: Those Who Are Mourning Greeters: Ken & Jan Broach The family of Jeannie Parker (employee’s grandmother/Clifton Fogleman) The family of Nancy Richardson (friend/Janet linens) Ushers: Ken Broach Clifton Fogleman Doug Shoffner Tyler Fogleman Those Unable to Attend Worship Lucy Culberson (at home) Molene Sharpe (the Oaks of Alamance) Lector: Brenda Hill Mildred Fields (Twin Lakes Memory Care) Nellie Shoffner (at Alamance House) Altar Care: Steve & Brenda Hill Rick Gallant (friend/Roger Carpenter) Anne Stewart (at home)

Other World Peace The Unemployed A COMPARISON OF AUGUST Military Personnel & their Families Neglected Prisoners

Our Finances 2016 2017 Attendance 2016 2017 2016 2017 Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; Weekly Avg. needed $3052 $3008 Worship S. S. for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18 THE MESSENGER OCTOBER 2017 PAGE 4 THE MESSENGER OCTOBER 2017 PAGE 9

A Word on Worship from Pastor John Mark: Visitors (and some members too) probably wonder as they read the bulletin, “What are the nave and narthex?” These are “church” From the Mail Box words to describe parts of the building in which God’s people in Christ gather, but behind Church family, while Jonathan's unit has access to most everything they need, we have a good those words is some deeper meaning as well. The word “nave” comes from the Latin word for friend who is currently deployed to Iraq who is not as lucky. They have no th “ship”, and refers to a 4 century AD image of the church building as a ship. The image of the store at their base and rely heavily on care packages to get the things they ship was important to early Christians, as the church was sometimes seen as a refuge for need. If anyone would like to donate items to them, I would be happy to God’s people in the turbulent waters of persecution and the pagan world. The ship imagery collect and mail them, and our friend will distribute them to her soldiers that also hearkens back to two powerful biblical images—that of Noah’s ark, a refuge for the need them. Things they need are: patriarch and his family and representatives of animal life, saved to replenish the earth -shampoo/conditioner -toothpaste/mouthwash -hand sanitizer -shoe odor balls following the great flood; and the fishing vessels in which Jesus spent much time, teaching -Gatorade/Powerade powders or other drink mix packets from such a boat on the Sea of Galilee and stilling the storm when the boat he and the -twin sheets (they were provided mattresses, but no linens) disciples were in was battered by winds and waves. The nave is the place where the -indoor extension cords (there are 4-8 people per room and only one power outlet) congregation gathers together for worship. We often refer to it as the sanctuary. The narthex Thank you!! Please let me know if you have any questions. Rosa Stevens is sometimes referred to as the “vestibule”. In some churches today what is termed the narthex is often simply called the “lobby”. Narthex, like nave, derives from a Latin term. The NEW ADDRESS Captain Stevens, Jonathan E., narthex in the early and medieval period of the church was the place where those who had not 75th FA BDE, Camp REDLEG, APO AE 09304 yet been baptized would gather to hear and observe worship. These were often people who WELCA Fall Gathering for the Northern Conference - Saturday, October 21st at Macedonia were going through the catechetical (confirmation) process. The word narthex has its origins Lutheran Church, 421 W. Front St., Burlington. Registration begins at 9:30 am. Please join us in a Latin word for “scourge”, with the connection being that the narthex was a place for for brunch, a Bible study - “Can Women Achieve Justice?”, a candlelight Service of penitents (self-scourging being one way some particularly devout Christians attempted to Remembrance in honor or memory of special women in our church, a short business meeting atone for their sins and connect with the Savior—by experiencing in their own flesh Christ’s and great fellowship. Cost is $8.00. The regular offering will be for Hurricane Disaster Relief suffering). Penitents was another way of referring to those preparing for membership in the through Lutheran Services Carolinas. The Pennies Offering will go to ELCA Good Gifts. And In-Kind Gifts will be school supplies that will go to ACE Alamance Citizen’s for Education’s church. The narthex today is largely a place for welcoming members and visitors, a place of “Teachers Closet”. Deadline is Saturday, October 21st. Please see Diane Shoffner or Kathy hospitality as well as preparation for worship. Two other “church” words refer to other portions Fries to sign up. of the building where we worship. The “chancel” is the raised platform housing the pulpit, “In God’s Own Country”, International Theater Production celebrating the lectern, and altar. Chancel is another word derived from Latin, referring to the screen or 500th Anniversary of the Reformation, sponsored by St. John's Lutheran railing that sometimes separates the chancel or altar from the nave. The “sacristy”, a room Church, Salisbury. October 12-15, 18--21 (evening performances at 7:30 pm, for preparing communion, housing paraments (fabric hangings for the altar, pulpit, and matinee on the 15th at 2:30 pm). The Salisbury "Piedmont Players" and "The lectern), and caring for candles and other worship items, is located behind the chancel. Sac- Landesbuhnen Sachsen" professional travelling repertory theater of the risty is derived from the Latin word for “holy”. German province of Saxony will perform this play on the story of the struggle to establish the Lutheran church in America in the 1700's, entered on the experience of Henry Melchior Muhlenberg. Performance at the Meroney Theater, 213 S. Main "BBQ & Bluegrass" Saturday, October 14, 4:30--7:30 pm. Volunteer St., Salisbury, NC. Contact 704-633-5471 for tickets ($26.75). and donation sign-up sheet on board in narthex (need desserts, Piedmont Singing Men’s Concert - Sunday, October 15th at 5:00 p.m. at Coble’s Lutheran drinks, chips and volunteers to serve). Live bluegrass music from Church. A variety of patriotic and Gospel anthems will be rendered by this ecumenical choir "David Watson & Spiritual Strings". Barbecue catered by from Cabarrus and Rowan Counties. A reception will follow. Hursey's. Bounce house and hot dogs for kids. All are invited to this community event. Free-will donations to Lowe's Lutheran Church Roman Catholics and Lutherans will worship together at St. Thomas More , Parking Lot Improvement Fund accepted. 940 Carmichael Street, Chapel Hill on Friday, October 27, at 7:00 p.m. to mark the special anniversary of the Reformation. You are invited to this historic worship. THE MESSENGER OCTOBER 2017 PAGE 8 THE MESSENGER OCTOBER 2017 PAGE 5 A Lighter Note Congregational News TOP 7 CHRISTIAN OXY MORONS

1. Comfortable pews - Did you ever try to sleep Social Ministry Meeting - Our next Social Ministry meeting will be Monday, October 23rd at 3:30 p.m. We will work on plans for the All Saints’ Fall on one? (Oh, you have, huh?) Festival. 2. Short sermon - Did you ever try not to sleep Lunch Bunch will meet Sunday, October 8th immediately following worship through one? (Just kidding.) at Golden China, 202-A S. Main St, Graham. Please sign up in the Narthex.

3. Heated baptistery - Even fundamentalists Community Fall Festival - E.M. Holt will hold it’s annual Community Fall shout “Glory!” when they hit the water. Festival on the school grounds Friday, October 13th, 5:30 to 8 pm They are 4. Vacation Bible School - Did you ever teach in VBS? in need of volunteers to help with concessions, games, and entry. Please contact Kim Sulecki if you are interested in helping. (Vacation for who?) 5. Exciting deacon meeting - Come on, it’s called a “bored” meeting. The Social Ministry Inreach Committee’s goal is to create fellowship opportunities for our church family. Please let Kim Sulecki know if you have any ideas. (336) 524-4282 or email 6. Part-time pastor - Only if you consider TWELVE hours as half a day. her at: [email protected]. 7. Modern Gospel - Jesus Christ: the same yesterday, today, and forever. Love Offering - There will be a Love Offering Sunday, October 1st to help the family of Jonathan Shoffner (son of Doug and Nancy Shoffner) as they recover in Houston from A Lighter Note is made possible by various people who graciously share appropriate faith related jokes, bloopers, etc. Hurricane Harvey. Their home was extensively damaged by flooding and they have We invite your creative and humorous participation! suffered damage several times previously from storms in the Houston area. We will continue to take donations through Sunday, October 10th. You may note on your check “Shoffner family” or use the special offering envelopes found on the tables in the narthex. OCTOBER BIBLE STUDY WILL FOCUS ON THE REFORMATION We will look at Luther’s ideas and understanding of Scripture that led to New Address - Jonathan, Christy & Natalie Shoffner, Montfair at The Woodlands, 10851 great change in the church, the hymns Luther both wrote and inspired, and E. Montfair Blvd., Apt #1324, The Woodlands, TX 77382 his marriage to Katherine von Bora, his “dear Katie”. The study will consist of video presentations and discussion. All are invited to join us Burlington Shrine Club Plantation Drive, Burlington will hold their annual fish fry Friday, Wednesdays at 10:30 am in the education building. (There will be no October 6th, 11 am to 7 pm. Pick-Up or Eat-In. Cost:$10.00 a plate. 100% of all profits go to benefit Shriners Hospitals for Children. See Ricky Sharpe for tickets. Bible study October 11th.) Church Council - Sunday, October 8th at 4:00 p.m. Devotions—Lynne Steele. Notice - As the seasons change, we are aware that the heating and cooling needs change Reminder: Treasurers’ reports (ending September 30) are due for this meeting.

for the church. If you have an event scheduled at the church, please contact Steve Hill in Pastor’s Convocation - Pastor John Mark will be attending the NC Lutheran Synod advance so that he can program the thermostat for you. Steve’s number is (336) 226-3180. Pastor’s Convocation at Lutheridge Monday, October 9—Wednesday, October 11.

Prepare for our worship on Sunday by listening to “Sing for Joy” at 7:00 a.m. Join our Social Ministry Team in making a difference here in our community. on WVTF radio - 89.1 or 7:30 a.m. on WCPE radio - 89.7 FM. For those who cannot worship in the sanctuary on Sunday there is a wonderful ministry named Remember our First Sunday of the Month Allied Churches Food Pantry Focus “Worship for Shut-Ins” – a half-hour worldwide Lutheran television worship The Social Ministry Team would like to thank everyone for their program. INTERESTED? You may find this program on television at 11:30 am generous participation last month. on Sunday morning. It airs on The Church Channel (TCT), which is 377 on Let’s fill the box again on Sunday, October 1st! DirecTV and 7442 on the Dish Network. It is also broadcast locally on Greensboro’s WLXI, Don’t forget items can be donated any time, not just the 1st Sunday of the month. Channel 43 which is channel 6 on Time-Warner Cable. May this program be a blessing to you. Thanks for your partnership in this ministry.

October 2017 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 Pentecost 17 2 3 4 5 6 7 9:45 am Sunday School 10:30 am Bible Study 10:00-12:00 pm Pastor 11:00 am Shriner 8:00 am “Free 11:00 am Holy Communion 11:30-12:30 pm Pastor John Mark Office Hours Fish Fry Market” John Mark Office Hours Allied Churches Food Pantry Focus 8 Pentecost 18 9 10 11 12 13 14 9:45 am Sunday School 10:30 am Bible Study 10:00-12:00 pm Pastor 5:30 pm E.M. Holt 10:00 am—Living Free 11:00 am Holy Communion 11:30-12:30 pm Pastor John Mark Office Hours Fall Festival Ministries 12:00 pm Lunch Bunch @ Golden China John Mark Office Hours 7:30 pm “In God’s 7:30 pm “In God’s 4:30 pm BBQ /Blue Grass 4:00 pm Church Council Own Country” Own Country” 7:30 pm “In God’s NC Lutheran Synod Pastor’s Convocation Own Country” 15 Pentecost 19 16 17 18 19 20 21 9:45 am Sunday School 2:00 pm “But God Can” at 10:30 am Bible Study 10:00-12:00 pm Pastor 7:30 pm “In God’s 9:30 am WELCA 11:00 am Holy Communion Connie Butlers 11:30-12:30 pm Pastor John Mark Office Hours Own Country” Fall Gathering 2:30 pm “In God’s Own Country” John Mark Office Hours 7:30 pm “In God’s at Macedonia 5:00 pm Piedmont Singing Men’s Concert 7:30 pm “In God’s Own Country” 7:30 pm “In God’s 7:30 pm “In God’s Own Country” Own Country” Newsletter Deadline Own Country” 22 Pentecost 20 23 24 25 26 27 28 9:45 am Sunday School 3:30 pm Social 10:30 am Bible Study 10:00-12:00 pm Pastor 7:00 pm Worship at 11:00 am Holy Communion Ministry 11:30-12:30 pm Pastor John Mark Office Hours St. Thomas 4:00 pm Peacehaven Farm Harvest Meeting John Mark Office Hours More Catholic Church

29 Reformation Sunday 30 31 May your Holy Spirit come into 9:45 am Sunday School 11:00 am Holy Communion each of our hearts this day, O Lord.

Reformation Day Amen