June 2017 Birthdays

June, 2017

A PUBLICATION OF ASCENSION LUTHERAN CHURCH 3801 Oakwood Avenue | Huntsville, AL 35810

reflectionsAdeo sanctum — in manibus In This Issue. . . non est et mentibus haeret Page 1 Updates Page 2-3 From the Southwest Corner Page 4-5 The Elder’s Thoughts Page 5-6 This ‘n That Page 7 LWML Page 8 Stewardship Page 9 Kids’ Corner Page 10-11 DCM Thoughts Page 12-13 Sabol’s Saga Page 14 June Birthdays Page 14 Missional Outreach Page 14 June Flowers Page 15 Reflections on Fathers The Youth group is going to be UCANDU’ing it, Page 19 Calendar again, this year, in Chicago, IL. In addition to cookie support, there are also stock options that you can Quotes by Martin Luther purchase to support the group financially. There are

To be a Christian without prayer is no more five youth and three adults attending the trip. More possible than to be alive without breathing. information in “This ‘n That.”

Let the wife make the husband glad to come home, and let him make her Our Prayers currently include: sorry to see him leave. Dan Smith Prayer is a strong wall and fortress of the church; it is a Don Akins goodly Christian weapon. Bob Smith Bob Hirschbuehler The fewer the words, the better Lynn Hunt the prayer. Addie Strozier Pray, and let God worry. John Ansorge Milton Aponte Families of Benson and Ernst Grant that I may not pray alone with the mouth; Sarah Graves Jerry Heape help me that I may pray from the depths of my Marlene McCarthy Crissi Patterson heart. Paul Prange Nancy Campbell To gather with God's people in united adoration Jennel Adkins Sandy Williams of the Father is as necessary to the Christian life as prayer. 1

Reflections June, 2017

From the Many of us Christians are unaware of how quickly Southwest faith can diminish and evaporate. This happens Corner when we - the churchly leaders - allow our discipline constantly to teach Jesus Christ and Him Pastor Bernard Ansorge crucified and resurrected to all ages to lag for various reasons. This past academic year is the first one in my ministry at Ascension in which I did not Happy June! I know we are at the beginning of confirm any youth, nor did I Summer vacation and school is not on our minds. have any young people No matter what our age! This probably includes enrolled in Confirmation Christian education, as well. It’s time to relax and Class. Now, one can blame forget about serious things for a while. that on individual family situations and a lack of Sorry! That ought never be the case. Our young people of middle Christian education serves as the foundation of school age. Given that reality, it’s easy for us as our faith. If our Christian faith is to survive our leaders just to take a “break” from teaching these lifetimes, and if it is to nourish our children, we classes so we can relax a while ourselves. But, cannot afford to ignore that’s where we let the “problem” take over. Christian education. That’s why Holy Scripture directs I remember the days of the “walkout” of faculty us to “Grow in the members and the majority of students of Concordia knowledge and grace of Seminary (the mid-70’s). I remember that a hastily- our Lord Jesus Christ.” appointed interim president announced - after a Even though we may agree week of no classes on campus - that classes would with that sentiment, we resume “next Monday morning at 8 AM, whether cannot agree that such or not there students to attend or faculty members growth in Christ will happen if we, as responsible to teach them.” I thought that statement, which was parents and adults, do not insist on it and take the broadcast by KMOX radio to a 44-state audience leadership in bringing up our children “in the the preceding weekend, was absurd and, frankly, nurture and admonition of the Lord.” Our society stupid. But that interim no longer aids and abets this work as it formerly president, a retired did in many ways. Brigadier General of the US Air Force, was Some folks estimate that in just a few years, the proved to have made the majority of citizens in the United States will not correct announcement profess membership in any Christian because he had already denomination. Frankly, that seems made the right decision. incomprehensible to me. The “none’s” have come Before very long, up from nothing to nearly 25% of the population Concordia Seminary began “coming back” from a in a few years. How did (does) that happen? We severe crisis to re-establish itself as a premier are just one generation removed from atheism. seminary of the LCMS. Christian education + the intervening work of the Holy Spirit through the Word is the only equation Now, I wonder what would have transpired had he that can (will) keep faith alive in an increasingly said nothing about resuming classes…or to let it up godless world. to a committee decision…or something else similarly indecisive.

Reflections June, 2017

So, my point in this article is simple: In the meantime, dear Parents of middle school children, PLEASE LET ME KNOW THE AGES 1. In August of this year, we will begin AND ENTERING GRADES OF YOUR teaching youth Confirmation classes to CHILDREN. the young people of our acquaintance in grades 6-8, on a schedule that they and In the meantime, dear interested adults, PLEASE their parents will agree to; LET ME KNOW YOUR INTEREST IN 2. In September, we will begin a weekly ATTENDING AN EVENING CLASS. evening class for adults, as well, previously called “Life with God” or Call, email me or text me if you have any “Lutheranism 101,” for anyone who comments or questions. needs to restore or restructure his or her foundation of faith in Christ Jesus; and Love, Pastor Bernie 3. To assist in these endeavors to inculcate our minds with the knowledge of Christ and invite the Holy Spirit to do His work at establishing and strengthening the Christian faith in our hearts, we will incorporate the knowledge and interests of our new vicar, Colin Ford, whose arrival among us we eagerly anticipate.

New Sunday Morning Adult Bible Study

Has American Christianity Failed?

In the last year I have written a number of articles based on the book “Has American Christianity Failed?” by Bryan Wolfmueller. Now the elders will be using this book as the basis for the adult Sunday School Bible class starting June 4. In this class, we will be discussing a lot of theology (what the Bible teaches and what we, as Lutherans, believe) and, hopefully, there will also be a lot of interaction and learning occurring.

Much of what we will cover is material that every Lutheran should know. Therefore, we strongly encourage everyone to attend this class. The material in this book is very enlightening so the class should be good!

- Rick Hilst

Reflections June, 2017

From the Elder It was not easy for me to have to tell my children that Bruce Skrabanek I couldn’t fix their toy. Sometimes, the look in their

eyes was just too much for me. But, just as in real Broken life, my kids grieved the loss of their toy, and were eventually able to remember it with fondness as they

started playing with other toys.

As my children have gotten older, and “daddy’s fix-it shop” starts to lose its business, I have begun to think For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always about those broken toys and what could have before me. Against you, you only have I sinned and happened to them. Most of them probably ended up done what is evil in your sight; so you are right in in a landfill, some of them might have been passed on your verdict and justified when you judge. to other children, and a few might have even been Psalm 51:3-4 returned to kids’ toy boxes in their broken condition.

When my children were much younger, I can Our sinful nature affects our lives very much like the remember times when they would bring me their toys damages that caused my kids’ toys to become broken. that had broken. Or, if I weren’t home, these broken Indeed we are all sinful, toys would end up at “daddy’s fix-it shop” which is thus we are all broken. code for our bedroom nightstand. My kids had great The difference between confidence in my ability to make the needed repairs us and my kids’ broken so that the toys toys is that we are not could be reliant on an amateur toy played with repairman to heal our and brokenness. Our appreciated brokenness is overcome or repaired by the grace of once more. I our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Once we admit can’t tell you our brokenness to God, Jesus restores us. how many hours I spent Brokenness is not an easy thing to admit. Our human trying to repair nature does not want to accept that we are nothing but light-up balls, whole and pleasing to everyone and everything in this monster world. trucks, doll furniture, and But Paul tells us, “For all the list goes on have sinned and fall short of and on. Sometimes my work was satisfactory and the the glory of God” Romans toys were good as new. 3:23. For those of us in the faith, we should not be However, there were other times when no matter how disheartened by this because hard I tried, I could just not get the toy to regain life Paul goes on to say in and, like a doctor that has to provide the terrible news Romans 10:9, “… if you to loved ones that their family member has passed confess with your mouth that away, I had to tell my little ones that I just couldn’t Jesus is Lord and believe in fix that toy. your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”

Reflections June, 2017

Since moving to Huntsville, I have begun a path of trying to understand my brokenness and striving to live in the grace that only Jesus provides. It is not an easy road to walk. It is filled with many twists, turns, potholes and other hazards. The path is sometimes dark and then other times it is clearly marked. But, one thing that I have learned is that God uses our brokenness to bring healing and stronger faith to our lives. No longer am I bound to the relentless anguish of my sinful nature for I know that God has brought me in to His “fix-it shop” and His grace, poured out by the death and resurrection of Jesus, has made me whole again.

- Bruce Skrabanek

THIS ‘N THAT

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL VBS starts on Sunday evening through Thursday evening – June 11-15, 6:00 - 8:00 PM. We hope to see many smiling faces at “Victory in Jesus.” Come for five evenings of Bible stories, music, crafts and fun activities. Registration forms are available online and hard copies are at church.

THANK YOU – to the Board of Education. Over the past several months, they have taken turns sponsoring a monthly meal for the CDC staff. They have also hosted an evening of hamburgers and hot dogs to get to know the staff and their families. During Teacher Appreciation Week, they purchased t- shirts for the staff that had been embroidered by Judy, (thank you, Ms. Judy), and they also hosted the CDC families and staff for a meal before the spring program. Their dedicated commitment to the center is invaluable. Thanks, again!

Reflections June, 2017

UKANDU - The Ascension Youth Group is planning their 3rd Annual Mission Trip to Chicago. Cookies are being requested - 8 dozen - which the group will distribute to the people in the mission area. If you are willing to donate a dozen, please do so and bring them to the church by June 18. Make a note if the cookies contain items that can exacerbate allergies - nuts, peanut oil, etc.

THE MEN’S PRAYER BREAKFAST continues this month with the next meeting on June 24. We enjoy breakfast and fellowship, short study, and end with prayers. All men are invited to attend. We will begin a new topic of study in June. Stay tuned for more information on the next topic. Contact Bruce Skrabanek at [email protected] or at 256-929-2917 if you have any questions.

THE CHILDREN’S SUNDAY SCHOOL is involved in their mission of supplying various animals to people in foreign lands. Their current project is purchasing a piglet for a woman in Nepal. She can raise piglets into hogs and support her family with the income. Check out our bulletin board and check the progress on our poster in the hallway by the preschool classroom in the coming weeks.

Reason is the enemy of faith. Martin Luther

Reflections June, 2017

LWML

Betty Fischer President

harvest fields, we pledge Him our willing service wherever and whenever He has need of “You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be us. We consecrate to our Savior our hands to free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the work for Him, our feet to go on His errands, flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.” our voice to sing His praises, our lips to Galatians 5:13 proclaim His redeeming love, our silver and our gold to extend His Kingdom, our will to do The new LWML year begins this month! And, as His will, and every power of our life to the with the start of all new years, we have new great task of bringing the lost and the erring beginnings! Marsha Carden is the new LWML into eternal fellowship with Him. Amen. President and Shelia Reese, Secretary. They will join Vice-President Lynne Heape and Treasurer The next meeting of LWML will be August 12 at 10 Lavon Hellebrand as officers. Each LWML AM in the Sunken Room! Everyone is welcome to member will act as the “Christian Life Person” on join us! a monthly basis. We pray for our officers and for Have a wonderful summer! our society as we continue in our missions.

Although LWML will not meet in June or July, some activities will continue: A bake sale with lots of homemade goodies will be held on Friday, June 2 from 6:30 AM to 1:00 PM at the CDC and on Sunday, June 4, during the fellowship time. Proceeds from the sale will help fund the 2019 LWML National Convention in Mobile, AL. Refreshments will be served to the English as a Second Language class during June and July. Collection of empty pill bottles for the Matthew:25 Ministries. Collection of electronics recyclables.

As we continue our mission to serve others in love, this is our pledge: In fervent gratitude for the Savior's dying love and His blood-bought gift of redemption we dedicate ourselves to Him with all that we are and have; and in obedience to His call for workers in the 7

Reflections June, 2017

The Lord Stewardship commonly We do this because we have stopped hearing the gives riches to call of our shepherd, which comes through His Glen Huling foolish people, Word. to whom he gives nothing The Word of God is how our shepherd calls us to else. - ML himself. Through that Word, the Holy Spirit gathers and enlightens us with His gifts. Through that Word, we are kept holy and nourished in the One of the best known and beloved psalms is Psalm one true faith, the faith that follows our Shepherd 23, the Shepherd Psalm. There we learn that the wherever He leads us. He promises to lead you to Lord is our shepherd. And since He is our shepherd, your true home, to the land flowing with milk and we will not want. We will not suffer want because honey, to a better country, not of this world, but a the Lord, our shepherd, will lead us to green heavenly one. pastures and beside still waters. In other words, the Lord, our shepherd, will provide for all that we And so, here's the good news: The Lord is your need in both body and soul. shepherd still, even, and especially, for wayward sheep. For Jesus seeks and saves those who are Yet, we live as though this is not the case. We live lost. He finds the lost sheep and carries them back as though we to the fold. He is the shepherd that lays down his actually suffer life for His sheep. The Lord is your shepherd. Let from want, that us live then as His sheep. the Lord, our shepherd, will 23rd Psalm - NIV not provide for all that we need. The LORD is my shepherd, And thus, we live I lack nothing. as though the He makes me lie down Lord is not our in green pastures, shepherd. And He leads me beside quiet waters, that means that He refreshes my soul. we live as though He guides me along the right paths we are not the for his name’s sake. Lord's sheep. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, How do we do this? We do it when we put anything for you are with me; else before Him and His provision for us. When we Your rod and your staff, think that going to work is more important than they comfort me. receiving the gifts that He won for us on the cross, a violation of the First and Third Commandments. You prepare a table before me We do it when we fail to give generously of the in the presence of my enemies. first fruits of what the Lord has provided for us You anoint my head with oil; because we think we don't know what the future my cup overflows. will bring, even though He has promised that He Surely your goodness and love will lead us to green pastures and still waters. We will follow me all the days do it when we think that the Lord is only in the of my life, business of helping those who will help themselves, And I will dwell in the house we do this because we have a mind set on earthly, of the LORD forever. temporal things and not on heavenly, eternal things.

Reflections June, 2017

Kids’ Corner

Reflections June, 2017

DCM Thoughts

Carla Jo Brakhage

There are so many endings – and so many beginnings – right now. It is the end of the throughout the summer. As they explore the fruits of the “official” school term. We had our spring Spirit, they will also be able to explore the vegetables of program on May 18 and said farewell to our the garden. Susan Bridges has been working on the graduates. Many of our students take the preschool garden. We have beautiful tomato plants with summer off from child care because their tomatoes already setting on. parents work in an educational setting and have open schedules during the summer, so After a few years of absence, we are beginning Vacation today will be the final day for several Bible School again! It will be held Sunday, June 11 students. Some will move on to other through Thursday, June 15 from 6:00 - 8:00 PM. We are programs, and some will be back in August. looking for a good time celebrating the “Victory in Jesus” As I look back over my first school year here we have been given by His death in the CDC, there are so many things that are and resurrection. There are memorable. One thing that was a highlight classes for three year olds through was just recently. A parent came into the adults. Please make this a priority office and said I have something I want to tell on your schedules. It is the Board you, (not always a positive moment), she went of Education and my hope that we on to say that her son came home and said, have good attendance. Please fill “My teacher said I can be anything I wanna out the registration forms for be. I choose to be a firefighter.” This attendance and/or support staff by Sunday, June 4. exclamation of positivity, of “the world is my oyster,” is the way you would like all children Another new beginning to be able to perceive this world. I am happened as well last night. I thankful this is the environment we are became a grandma! I knew all instilling in the children here at the CDC. day the baby was coming, but was told “not to say anything.” We are beginning our summer camp program The last checkup before I went for children up through second grade next into program mode was that Tuesday. Ms. Patterson and Ms. Courtney - Suzy was almost dilated. I who recently didn’t take my phone with me “ended” her single because I knew I would jump life and began life as every time it went off, thinking a married woman - it was time, but I can say I was will be the primary a little distracted as the instructors. Ms. program progressed. At just a Moore has been few minutes after 9:00 PM, scheduling field trips Graham Allen Brakhage came and special visitors into this world. He weighed 6 OUR MISSION

Reflections June, 2017

pounds 2 ounces and was 19.75 inches long. Mom, Dad and Son are doing well. Joshua asked to finish up his seminary classes a couple days early in anticipation of the arrival – and to work on moving to the apartment on campus. They haven’t completely moved from one place to the other yet, but all the essentials are at the seminary campus.

The Lord says there is a time for everything in Ecclesiastes 3. As we each go through seasons of endings and new beginnings in our lives let us be mindful that our time and our lives belong to Him, and that our purpose comes from Him.

Lord thank you for endings and beginnings. Thank you for promising to be with us throughout all of these changes in our lives. Thank you for taking us home to live with you when our earthly lives have ended.

In Your service, Summer Kamp has been in session for the first Carla Jo week and there are 17 to 20 children enrolled in the Kamp. Next week begins the field trips - the first one being to the Huntsville Library for viewing wild creatures (Contained and controlled) and learning about their habitat and lifestyles.

Water Day is being greatly anticipated by at least two of the Kampers that I’ve heard from, so far, and we are praying it does not rain on Water Day.

Go figure. . .

Reflections June, 2017

by Lutheranism and he also learned that Sabol’s hymnody could be used as a tool of pastoral Saga care.

Seminarian He graduated from Wittenberg in 1642, but it Alex Sabol wasn’t until 1651 that he would be appointed as a pastor in Mittenwalde, a small town near Berlin. In 1655, he met his wife, Anna Maria Berthold, and they were Greetings and welcome to my ongoing series on married that year. In 1656, historical events and people of the Reformation and their first child was born but the Thirty Years’ War. This month, I would like to died during infancy. introduce you to a person who you may not know, Throughout their marriage, but you’ll certainly Paul and Anna would have recognize his hymns. He seven children, five of wrote hymns like whom would die in infancy. “Awake My Heart, with In 1657, Gerhardt was Gladness, “O Sacred called to serve a church in Berlin and when he Head, Now Wounded,” arrive,d he found a city that was in the midst of and “Upon the Cross turmoil as Lutheran and Reformed theologians Extended.” This man’s were constantly attacking one another’s name is Paul Gerhardt theology. and he is widely regarded as Germany’s greatest Friedrich Wilhelm I was the elector of hymn writer. The impact Brandenburg at the time - and he was reformed of Paul Gerhardt continues to be felt today as we still himself. He attempted many times to bring sing his hymns. When you get a chance, take a look Lutherans and the Reformed together, but to no in the back of your hymnal and just observe the body avail. At the time, Gerhardt was a leading voice of work that we have included in LSB. among the Lutheran clergy and was well respected by both Lutherans and Reformed alike. Paul Gerhardt was born in March of 1607, 90 years However, this did little to prevent the rift after Martin Luther nailed the 95 Theses to the between the two groups from healing. In 1664, church door. He the Elector published an edict that prohibited was born to a attacks aimed at the theology of each church. middle class Gerhardt could not abide by this edict and he family in a small was removed from his position in 1666. town near Wittenberg and His wife then fell ill and passed away in 1668, at the age of 15, leaving Gerhardt with he began one surviving child studying at a who was six years school in Grimma which was known at the time for old. Later in that year, its pious and stern atmosphere. However, in 1626, the he was called to serve school was almost forced to close as the Black Plague in Lübben where he came to Grimma. Gerhardt graduated from there and would serve until his in 1628, he began to study at the University of death in 1676. Wittenberg. It was there that he became influenced

Reflections June, 2017

Paul Gerhardt’s story is both tragic and inspiring. He lived in a time where he would conduct roughly 30 funerals a week, due to the famine caused by the Thirty Years’ War and the plague that was still rampaging throughout Europe. He lost his wife and several of his children, but still, was able to write hymns with lyrics like:

Awake, my heart, with gladness, See what today is done, Text Paul Gerhardt Johann Crüger, 1648 Now after gloom and sadness Comes forth the glorious Sun! My Savior there was laid Where our bed must be made When to the realms of light Our spirit wings its flight.

Despite his hardships, Gerhardt’s hymns are a lesson to us that despite our earthly struggles and suffering, Christ’s death and resurrection are greater than everything that we will deal with here on earth.

God’s Blessings to you all.

With love, Alex

Beautiful music is the art of the prophets that can calm the agitations of the soul; it is one of the most magnificent and delightful presents God has given us. Martin Luther

Next to the Word of God, the noble art of music is the greatest treasure in the world. Martin Luther

If I am not allowed to laugh in heaven, I don't want to go there. Martin Luther

My heart, which is so full to overflowing, has often been solaced and refreshed by music when sick and weary. Martin Luther

Reflections June 2017 Birthdays

Larry Jeziorski 06/04 Anna Grott 06/11 Kathy Pool 06/04 Nicole Jones 06/12 Christina Reynolds/Holmes 06/05 Kathy Linden 06/16 Andrew Hilst 06/05 Sharon Damron 06/19 Dan Gehring 06/05 Marj Ogles 06/24 Neil Buettner 06/05 Robert Hirschbuehler 06/25 Bruce Skrabanek 06/06 Sue Smith 06/26 Cameron Bogema 06/07 Barbara Cowart 06/27 Emily Skrabanek 06/08 Cameron Lee 06/28

If you young fellows were wise, the devil couldn't do anything to you, but since you aren't wise, you need us who are old. Martin Luther

Missional Outreach Visits Altar Flowers  June 14 and 28 - Group visits at HHR at 10:00 AM  June 6 and 20 - Group visits at Regency at 1:00 PM to the Glory of God

Introduction (Ascension & Purpose of Visit) – Pastor June 4 st  1 Song nd  2 Song June 11 - Jim & Debbie Bogema First Reading – Old Testament Anniversary  3rd Song th  4 Song Second Reading – New Testament June 18 - Narsh Benson II  5th Song th Birthday  6 Song Third Reading – Gospel

 7th Song June 25 -  Benediction Song

One-on-One Visits (30 to 60 minutes)

$65.40 for two vases Of flowers, if interested

Reflections on Fathers June 2017

Father’s Day is not As for what makes a great dad, I'm learning a “church” about that every day from holiday, so other my husband. He is patient than an honorable and he takes time to play mention sometime (with our two children). during the service, My favorite thing, though, that’s about all the is how he loves to teach recognition that them everything he can. fathers may get on Our children are blessed to a Sunday morning. have him and so am I.” However, where would some of us be without our fathers in our lives? ALEX SABOL: “My father taught me that hard work is something to be respected.” Well, I took a quick poll before printing this newsletter and here are some of the responses that SHEILA REESE: “I was blessed with a kind, soft came in from the people who happened to look at their -spoken, loving, hard-working father. We spent emails before Friday afternoon: many special times together CYNTHIA PEEBLES: What I loved about my father – working on “His unending patience and his amazing smile!” the farm; milking cows, ANNE SIMS: “My dad died when I was 20 and he was feeding only 45. He stood at the window of the hospital and calves, watched his first grandchild, born prematurely, die, hauling hay, and he followed a couple of months later. I regret that etc. I am so he never got to meet this other grandchildren. He thankful for my Dad!! I miss him every day!” insisted that no matter how tight the budget was, we would spend a week in Florida every summer. My happiest memory is us arriving at Jacksonville Florida, PASTOR ANSORGE: “My Dad would have been very close to dark, and 125 years old on his birthday on April 29. He him taking my sister’s was third youngest of nine children. His father and my hand - with was an LCMS pastor in Iowa when Dad was luggage still in car - and born. His mother running down to the was one of the 600 ocean to see it the very immigrants from first time. Shy, reserved the Saxon region but always that gentle in Germany who smile. Wish I had had a chance to say ‘Thank You’ for left en masse from he was a good Dad, indeed.” Germany in 1838, settled in Missouri, JOSIE LANE: “My dad (he told me he'd always be and who became "dad" because we have only one "father") had a great the core of the laugh, he taught me to be tough and to fish...and those Missouri Synod trips at the break of dawn are some of the best which they memories I have with him. established in 1847. My Dad graduated from Lutheran Teachers’ Seminary at age 20 and became principal of a one-room Lutheran school in

Reflections on Fathers June 2017

Charter Oak, Iowa. That’s where his adventures he would sweep the floor, do other janitor work began. in the outhouse and turn on the single faucet for cold water in the school. Dad and I got along The non-German townspeople persecuted Dad when well. I cannot ever remember that he had to the United States entered World War I. They raise his voice against me. He taught all 8 perceived Germans to be their enemy, and since Dad grades. His curriculum included music and he was teaching the German language to school children taught us all to (so they would be sing. He played able to be confirmed the piano and in German and sang along. He attend German was organist in worship services), two of my they forced his childhood resignation by churches and I threatening his life was so proud of and ran him out of town. Dad then resigned from his him. I wanted to play the organ, too. Only calling as Lutheran Teacher and began a varied career problem (as my Mom incessantly pointed out) that ranged from office clerk, to lawyer, to route you first have to learn to play piano, which I collector - in that order - and he had other jobs too, all disdained….. Dad played baseball with us before I was born (in 1938.) So my memories of Dad during recess. He was the pitcher. He was begin around 1940. Here are a few of them. between 55-60 back then. He also played dodge ball with us. He created a track team from us th He always addressed my Mother as “My dear,” or four 8 grade boys that won the Lutheran schools relays of Southern Illinois… I couldn’t “My dear Lady.” It took me awhile to figure out her th name was Esther….. He always wore a white shirt and wait to graduate from 8 grade so that I could tie. His shirts all had detachable collars that he took quit singing when I entered high school, but he off when working in the yard or mowing grass….. persuaded me to join the boys’ chorus as a Always, he would hide his very bald head under a felt freshman. I actually liked it, and from that day hat or straw hat, depending on the time of year…. until NOW, I have always sung in choirs White shirt with collarband plus hat: that looked somewhere. Thanks, Dad…. Not only did he “different.”….. encourage me to get my driver’s license right away at age 16, He would leave home early he offered to let in the morning and arrive me use his car (a home late at night in his 1937 wonderful 1949 Dodge. His travel was always De Soto) so I plagued by bad tires. (This could take a girl was in the time of rationing during World War II.) out on a date. (I When he had a flat tire, he would find a phone never wrecked it, somewhere to let Mom know, usually late at night. either.) She would answer the phone and then say, “Ohhh, Herman….” The tone in her voice discouraged me….. It’s funny. When Judy sent an email asking Sometime later, he resumed teaching in Lutheran readers of the Reflections to recall memories of schools and he was my teacher. our Dads, I couldn’t think of a thing. Now, I would be remiss, if I did not recall one more set Dad taught me in grades 5-8 in two country schools, of events. where he and I established a daily routine. We would arrive early. While I made the fire in a big old stove,

Reflections on Fathers June 2017

Once he and Mom moved here JUDY BURHANS: God surely knew what He was to Huntsville, Dad took an doing when He gave us to the fathers we got. I occasional turn as organist have lots of stories to tell about Dad, but the until he had a stroke. His snippets that come to mind may be enough: He abilities had suffered, but he was - would always play the same hymn whenever the ushers Quiet - yet his laughter, even when he tried to received the offering, “Count suppress it, shook the house and we could feel your many blessings, name them one by one. Count it; your many blessings. See what God has done.” That is the epitaph of him I carry with me even now as I Caring - had his members’ welfare at heart remember him. before his own;

He died the day before my birthday and was buried the Involved - I remember seeing a gun in his desk day after. Now I remember his last words and my drawer after talking down an armed man who response. He was due to be came to our house late at night, wanting discharged from the hospital in the something. I never knew the details, just the end morning. I had told him goodnight result and nobody got hurt; and left his room when he called me, “Son.” I turned back and Loved woodworking - he bought lumber to listened, “When you come back in make my brother and me a “sunfish” sailboat, the morning, please bring my which turned into bookshelves for my mom; bedroom slippers.” Without thinking, I said, “Sure, Dad.” Loved studying - doing trig, algebra, anything math for no reason, and studying his Greek, Now that I think of it, that response was typical of me, Hebrew, and Latin (he was supposed to go to too. “Sure Dad!” My last words to my Dad. Pitt State and study engineering - he took God’s call into the ministry at the last minute);

PHILIP ANSORGE: I feel very privileged to be the Playing Yahtzee with me until the wee hours of pastor’s son of this church. I the morning; and am thankful for Dad to take care of me since my mom Singing. He loved to sing. My best memory is passed away in January, sitting on his lap as a little girl and listening to 2016. I am just proud to be him sing (“Onward, Christian Soldiers,” for his son. When we had his some reason), feeling the rumble of his low, low 40th birthday – I wasn’t notes in my ear and being wrapped up in his involved in it - I was there at arms. home, so I got to see all the people come and I thought I remember him making “quack” noises and that was neat for his birthday. I think I’ve got an A- giving my kids raspberries on their bellies; Number 1 Dad – and we’re still taking care of each other. I remember him sitting on the sofa, holding my first baby in his arms, with his arm in a cast (he had fallen on the ice when getting out of the car while going on a ski trip with the youth from church.

Reflections on Fathers June 2017

I remember him baptizing all of my kids.

I remember holding his hand and my sister’s hand as Sing aloud, O daughter of Zion; she and I stood around his hospital bed, saying The shout, O Israel! Lord’s Prayer, and then singing his favorite hymn, “I Know That My Redeemer Lives” - all eight verses - Rejoice and exult with all your and hearing his spirit leave him. It was the most heart, amazing, saddest, somber day of my life. O daughter of Jerusalem! He was there when I came to be part of his family; I was there when he went to be with his Heavenly The LORD has taken away the family. judgments against you;

Yes, God knew what He was doing when He gave us he has cleared away your the dads He did. enemies. The King of Israel, the LORD, is

in your midst; you shall never again fear

evil.

On that day it shall be said to Jerusalem:

“Fear not, O Zion;

let not your hands grow weak. The LORD your God is in your

midst, a mighty one who will save; The reproduction of mankind is a he will rejoice over you with great marvel and mystery. Had gladness; God consulted me in the matter, I should have advised him to he will quiet you by his love; continue the generation of the he will exult over you with loud species by fashioning them out of singing. clay. -Martin Luther Zephaniah 3:14-17

June 2017