Volume 10 issue 9 September I, 2015

PASTOR'S VOICE "An Unlikely Choice"

Have you ever experienced seeing someone chosen for a particular position that you thought they were totally unqualified for? Some may have had such thoughts when chose Matthew as a who of course later became an Divine Savior Lutheran Church Apostle. He was certainly not a person that any of us would have chosen for such 405 Ingram Road an important role. The Apostles were given the responsibility of establishing the Christian Church on earth after Jesus ascended into heaven. September 21, is the Devine, Texas 78016 day that the Church recognizes St. Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist.

Every Sunday So what made Matthew such an unlikely choice to be an Apostle? Matthew was a tax collector. Tax Collectors in those days were considered to be social

9:00 A.M. Sunday School & outcasts. In Scripture you often find the terms "sinner and tax collector" used Adult Class together as if they have the same meaning. The Jews hated tax collectors because they were collecting taxes for the Roman Government and in doing so acting 10:00 A.M. Fellowship against their own people. The job paid no salary. Tax Collectors were expected to make a profit by "overcharging" those who owed taxes. It was sometimes a 10:30 A.M. Divine Worship rather lucrative business even though there was not a regular salary associated with Service the position. The calling of Matthew as a disciple is recorded in :9. By the way the and Luke refer to him as "Levi". Matthew and Levi were one and the same person. Matthew 9:9 tells us; "As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector's booth. "Follow me" he told Phone Numbers: him and Matthew got up and followed him. Matthew left a very lucrative, money

Office 830-663-3735 making, position to become a follower of Jesus Christ. Why would Jesus choose Home 830-665-9440 someone who was considered to be a thief and a traitor among his own people? Cell 830-931-5099 Many of the original twelve disciples did not seem even remotely qualified for the E-Mail position of Apostle. Remember that some of them were uneducated fishermen; [email protected] not someone that we would trust with the future of the Christian Church. Paul wrote in I Corinthians I:27-30; "God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things and the things that are not to nullifY the things Pastor: that are, so that no one may boast before him." Odis Doyal Matthew immediately had a dinner at his house for Jesus. He invited many of his friends and guess who his friends were; you guessed it sinners and tax collectors! He introduced them to Jesus. As an Evangelist it is believed that he wrote the that has been read by millions of people throughout the years. Matthew was a sinner called by Grace! Think about it. Odis Doyal, Pastor Monika Atkinson was honored with a baby shower to welcome the twins that she and Jeremy are expecti ng. Congratulations and good luck to all of you.

These roses were donated anomalously as a memorial for Alma Kappelman and Flo Woods. They were also donated to honor the marriage of Randolph and Lauren Haass by grandparents, Douglas & Joyce Haass. Come by

Thanks to your donations the Old Irotll and see how pretty the yard looks. Trail Ride was able to donate $16, 291 to Confirmation Class Make-A-Wish of Central and South Texas. Three ~ wishes are available for children with life threatening illnesses in Medina County or the neighboring area. t '. If you know someone to help please contact

Douglas or Joyce Haass (210-422-0919).

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Pastor Doyal is currently conducting a Confirmation '. Class at I:30 p.m. on Sunday after church. August 25,2015

Divine Saviour Lutheran Church 1041 CR 7611 Devine, Texas 78016

Dear Pastor Doyle and Church Members:

Thank you so much for the wonderful cookies and snack trays that your congregation provided us this past week. Our employees enjoyed the delicious snacks and the blessing of being remembered by your members. As church members you make a difference in children's lives in the spiritual realm as the school seeks to improve the academic realm. We appreciate your efforts to make our community and world a better place!

Your church has. been so kind to our staff over the years, and again you have provided DISDwith another good start to out school year. We know that both church and school serve an important role in the community of Devine, and together we can improve the lives of children. Thank you for your kindness and for all that your church does for children.

Sincerely, ~1Y\t~ Linda McAnelly U Superintendent of Schools

Isn't it strange how difficult and boring it is to read one chapter of the Bible but how easy it is to read 100 pages of a popular novel? ***~~*FREE td-' k * .1' FAITHFUL e om * w

REETINGS, DEAR BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN CHRIST. The founders of our beloved Synod left Germany and sailed to the United States in the mid-18DDs so they could practice their faith without persecution. Being free - not just to worship but to live according to the teachings of their faith - was important then, and it remains vitally important today. In recent months, the government has taken steps that we believe infringe upon religious liberty. With the provision in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) requiring the health plans of many religious employers to cover contraceptives, including emergency contraceptives that can act as abortifacients, we are now reaching a tipping point. The Lutheran Church-c-Missouri Synod (LCMS) has launched "Religious LCMS President Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison testifies Feb. 16, 2012, on Liberty: Free to Be Faithful," an education Capitol Hill in defense of religion and conscience. The "Free to Be Faithful" and awareness campaign aimed at campaign encourages LCMS members to follow "their reason and all their inspiring LCMS rostered and lay members senses" and safeguard religious liberty this election season. to take action to protect the freedom of religion. Concordia Plan Services (CPS). our liberty and invite you to learn more and The goals of the campaign are to church's benefits provider, seeks to explore informational resources at provide clarity regarding the church's role continue to serve those who serve the lems.orglfreetobefoithfid. in matters of Christian citizenship and church in a manner consistent with our impress upon elected representatives the faith. Unfortunately. the aforementioned crucial need to protect First Amendment provision within the PPACA may rights for all religious organizations - not ultimately impact CPS' ability to meet its just houses of worship - so they remain mission of providing care and coverage to free to operate according to their religious LCMS employers and employees. REV. DR. MATTHEW C. HARRISON beliefs. We must be free to put our faith Please join us in learning more about PRESIDENT, THE LUTHERA.'1 CHURCH- into action in the public square, not just our rights and responsibilities as Christian l>.USSOURJ SYNOD in our sanctuaries. In response to Christ's citizens on the cusp of national. state and bidding, we must be able to witness to the local elections. rz!:::.fs.-'f::r Gospel message as we demonstrate His . We encourage every member of the mercy through our love and compassion LCMS to use "their reason and all their PRESIDENT, CONCORDIA PLAN SERVICES for all people. senses" to safegard our precious religious

The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod 888-THE LCMS (843-5267) www.lcms.org/freetobefaithful rev. 9/12