july / august 2014€¦ · 12/07/2010 · kitchen remodeling at trinity lutheran church, cedar...

PASTOR

Rev. Kevin Kolander

MUSIC DIRECTOR

Gail Christiansen

CHURCH COUNCIL

PRESIDENT

Bob Brown

VICE PRESIDENT

Dave Anton

SECRETARY

Susie Wysong

TREASURER

William Neebe

FINANCIAL

SECRETARY

Gail Christensen

EDUCATION

DIRECTOR

Melody Anton

EVANGELISM

DIRECTOR

Brenda Romanek

STEWARDSHIP

DIRECTOR

Robert Sandberg

TRUSTEES

Tom McDermott

Maurice Kaneshiro

Jesse Washington

HONORARY

TRUSTEE

Frank Crow

ELDERS

Robert Arp

Don Crow

Larry Hall

Justin Morris

Michael Sunshine

Blessed summer to you family and friends of First Lutheran! Summertime usually involves taking a break from the routine of things and finding new places to go and see. It also means meeting new people. Many of the folks we’ll meet at the park, campground or museum will not be Christian. As we visit places and people this summer, inevitably the topic of Jesus will come up. What do you say if someone asks why you are a Christian? What’s your latest answer to questions about the existence of God? why go to church? or if there is a Heaven? As Christians we’re al-

ways thinking about these things and having these talks. We’re glad that God teaches us and makes us available to give an account of reason for the hope that is within us. This past spring, over 200 Lutherans gathered in Escondido to hear and consider another portion of Luther’s Small Catechism. Over the last six years we’ve already worked through the Six Chief Parts of the Catechism. This time, The Table of Duties was the topic. The three topics covered were the Christian and the Pastor; the Christian and the Government; and the final one spoke of the Christian as an Evangelist. The presenter gave us a four page article for further reading and consideration. The first paragraph grabbed my attention in, “What Non-Christians Ask”, by Paul E. Little. “I can predict with 95 percent accuracy the questions that will be asked me in the course of an hour’s discussion with non-Christians. These questions turn up again and again in discussions in fraternities, sororities and dormitories. Christians can anticipate them and search out their an-swers. As we do this, the Holy Spirit will liberate us from the fear that has paralyzed so many of us in the past, and make us increasingly helpful to our friends.” The article addresses such questions as:

What about those that never heard of Jesus Christ? Will they be condemned to hell? What about those who are sincere about “whatever” they believe? What about the problem of evil in the world? What about science and miracles? What about the trustworthiness of the Bible (Does science and scripture conflict)? What about those who say, “ I’m Good Enough”?

There are copies of “What Non-Christians Ask” available on the credenza in the narthex along with another that briefly details the journey of one man first trying to disprove the existence of God and then searching in earnest to find Him. Help yourself to these short little reads and pass them on to someone else. We thank God for the gift of creation, summer, and all the First Articles things God has made for us to enjoy and use. The Church also thanks God for the opportunity to both study the questions and give an answer to those we’ll sit and visit with this summer, both the Christian and the non-Christian. Maybe we’ll see you at the beach. +Pastor Kolander

First Lutheran Church

Cross Currents July / August 2014

May 4th

Worshipped 102 , Communed 88 , Bible class 22, Sunday school 14

May 11th

Worshipped 118

May 18th

Worshipped 97, Communed 87 , Bible class 47, Sunday school 10

May25th

Worshipped 110, Bible class 48, Sunday school 14

June 1st

Worshipped 106, Communed 100, Bible class 32

June 8th

Worshipped 91 , Communed 80, Bible class 45, Sunday school 12

June 15th

Worshipped 92, Communed 84, Bible class 38 , Sunday school 8

June 22nd

Worshipped 82, Bible Class 38, Sunday School 9

We Pray for our Family & Friends

Church Attendance

PRAY FOR CHURCH FAMILY & LOVED ONES

Jim Rohrbach (surgery), Tom McDermott (surgery 6/24), Detviler

family (Tom), Chuck Cheek, Bonnie Harlow (daughter-in-law, Nada),

Lori Tucker (friend Marshall), Brian Christensen (Lutheran college

in MN), Robert and Aggie Steiner (just married), those traveling on

vacation, LWML convention.

MEMBERS & LOVED ONES IN THE ARMED FORCES

Robert Steiner, Debbie Bergman (nephew), Mary Kenagy (nephew

Joshua), Erla Cloer (grandson), Nancy Purcha (3 grandsons), Brenda

Romanek (brother), Alan & Helene Peterson (son Erick), Francine

Wellington (grandson), Andrea Hall (nephew), Don & Ruth Detviler

(grandson), Chaplains Rob Mueller & Dann Ettner.

OUR HOMEBOUND

Betty Leonhart, Madeline & Jack Dulmatch, Anna Mevis, Sylvia

Carter, Kay & Don Foster.

LUTHERAN PASTORS

Rev. Thomas Bernard (Haiti, West Indies) & Rev. Rohwer (Muslims)

LOVED ONES RECENTLY DIED

Kay Smith (husband Jim), Francine Wellington (husband Rick),

Friends & Family of Dean Jaffke & Lela Coats, Pat Kyle (friend).

JULY

BIRTHDAYS

2nd /Susan Morris

7th / Brian Casey

Reed Steiner

10th /Sharon Timms

13th /Rick Goss

14th /Will Rosenbladt

19th/ Leonard Cloer

20th / Tom McCaleb

Rob McCoy

21st / Emma Casey

Jonathan Sunshine

23rd/ Cheryl Cheek

LeAnn Lone

24th/ Austin Kolander

25th / Paul Niehouse

AUGUST

BIRTHDAYS

3rd / Bob Arp

4th / Don Crow

8th /Sandra Smith

12th /Sherman Terry

15th/ Terri Pinto

Jerry Rice

21st / Frank Crow

Andrea Hall

Luke Kolander

Barbara McDermott

24th / Melody Anton

Pat Crow

Hannahlore Tucker

26th / Beverly Leckie

http://www.birthday-clip-art.com/birthday_clipart_images/clip_art_illustratio_of_party_hats_and_party_favors_for_new_years_0515-0812-2214-4718.html

On June 13 – June 15 three of our LWML ladies, Geri Daught-

rey, Pat Eide and Beverly Leckie, attended the LWML District

Convention in San Diego. Our LWML is a part of The Pacific

Southwest District LWML and there were 356 ladies in at-

tendance with 136 who were delegates. Within the Pacific

Southwest District of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod

there are 310 churches and 183 schools. Our LWML is also in

Zone 18 and it was noted that of all the churches in Zone 18,

our LWML collected the largest amount of Mite Box monies-

$2329.40. Thank you First Lutheran for your continued sup-

port of these Mites for Missions. The quilts donated by each

society will be donated to East County Pregnancy Center in El

Cajon, and the 550-600 shoes that were collected were given to

Lutheran Border Concerns Ministry.

Mission Grants $130,000 Approved at the Convention

Approximate figures

Food Finders-Food Distribution Program, Signal Hill, CA

$10,000

Van to Pick up Native Americans, Parker, AZ $10,000

Funding the Future Scholarship Fund of Grace Lutheran,

Lancaster, CA $10,000

Hands of Christ Feeding the Needy, Apple Valley, CA

$10,000

Shepherd’s Canyon Retreat, Wickenburg, AZ $7,500

Kitchen Remodeling at Trinity Lutheran Church, Cedar

City, UT $10,000

Turn Towards Hope Outreach Project, Las Vegas, NV

$10,000

Bridges Parenting Support Program, Montclair, CA

$10,000

Comfort Dog Ministry, Prescott Valley, AZ $10,000

Trinity Community Ministries, San Diego, CA $10,000

Orphan Grain Train Pick-up Truck, Chula Vista, CA

$10,000

Gospel Outreach to Muslim Immigrants, Coronado, CA

$10,000

Trinity Lutheran Child Development Center Kitchen Re-

modeling, Indio, CA $7,500

Compassion in Action, Los Angeles, CA - $5,000

Lutheran Women’s Missionary

League

JULY

ANNIVERSARIES

3rd/ Bob & Yolanda Arp

5th/ William & Lezlee Neebe

Jim & Linda Warner

14th/ John & Candy Detviler

Ralph & Nancy Purcha

23rd/ Paul & Donna Niehouse

30th/ Dave & Debbie Anderson

AUGUST

ANNIVERSARIES

9th/ Maurice & Susan Kaneshiro

11th/ Rob & Joyce McCoy

12th/ Bud & Betty Leonhart

17th/ Kevin & Christina Kolander

18th/ Don & Ruth Detviler

Pat & Kelly Kyle

24th/ Ernie & Sandra Alber

27th/ Jerry & Dana Davidson

30th/ Bob & Janis Fuhr

Jim & Sue Rohrbach

OFFICIAL ACTS

Baptized 6-15-14

Natalie Sunshine

Previous members of FLC who

received a

Christian burial:

Dean Jaffke

Died 2/14

Graveside Service

Perris Valley Cemetery

5/29/14

Lela Mae Coats

Died 2/20/14

Graveside Service

Evan’s Brown Mortuary

Riverside National Cemetery

5/29/14

Marriage

Robert Steiner & Aggie Ng

6/6/2014

Yesterday I tried to “super freeze” a bottle of Coke. After shaking the plastic, pleading

with it to work, and placing it in the freezer, the soda was supposed to magically be-

come frozen slush upon opening and pouring… instead, it exploded and the carbonation

ran flat.

Unlike myself, the bottle “wants” nothing. It “wills” nothing. Take two bottles of

Coke, shake them up, and open the lids. After watching the spectacle, ask the ques-

tion, who won the debate? Silly question, right? What is the idea of an argument and

counter argument between fizzing containers of chemicals, anyways?

In the same way, Christians should also recognize the contradiction implicit in those

who uphold a materialistic worldview: one that views nature as a closed system and all

processes reduced to their chemical components. According to this view, Aristotle’s

triad of “goodness”, “truth” and “beauty” only exist through the fizzing of chemicals in

the brain, having no transcendent meaning. One of the central problems in current

public dialogue is the lack of recognition that ideas of value, ideas of goodness, ideas of

justice, and ideas of belief are real, opting instead can somehow be dissected or ex-

plained out of existence. These ideas, by definition, guide our conversations whether

we recognize them or not. As Dr. Soper explained in Bible class, these concepts deter-

mine our worldview and flow from our foundation.

The Christian may find himself at a disadvantage in a world with shifted and shad-

owed values. While the thoughtful Christian finds rational contradictions problematic,

the unreflective non-Christian sees contradictions as sophisticated or interest-

ing. While the thoughtful Christian finds value in human life, the non-Christian

might easily deny such passé notions, allowing atheists to break normal rules of con-

duct in conversation and debate. Having conversation with such can be frustrat-

ing; how do we maneuver in conversation without getting angry, feeling vindicated, or

developing false pride?

Jesus offers us three insights into His Apologetic that may be helpful in recognizing

and applying foundational defenses in your own conversation and thought.

1. Jesus spoke about truth through his own person and work.

Jesus calls Himself “The Truth” (Jn. 14:6), rooting His teaching in personal terms em-

ploying a firm, yet loving, demeanor. Truth is not just an idea of correspondence to re-

ality; it is foremost a portrait of our Savior. In fact, all “foundations” of nonmaterial

truths are, in reality, attributes of the Godhead who set them in motion (Jn. 1:1-51,

1Peter 1:20).

Remember: The goal is to help someone understand Christ, not to make him feel stu-

pid or inadequate in conversation (even if that is your opponent’s goal) (1 Peter

3:15). Many times, explaining your faith comes by your actions both prior to, and pro-

ceeding your conversation (Matt5:16). The fruits of the Holy Spirit you exhibit in your

life will set you apart from a world full of apathy and hatred (Gal. 5, 1 Peter

2:9). When someone asks about a concept of faith, start your response with “X founda-

tional concept is true because Christ embodies X. I find this meaningful because Y and

apply it to how a treat others”. This strategy might help you keep the focus on Christ,

His saving work, and the power of the Gospel declared in the world (Is. 55:10-11).

Testing the Foundation Modeling a witness through winsome questioning and empathy

Justin Morris

REFRESHMENTS

JULY

6TH

Yolanda Arp

Diane Sandberg

Sharon Timms

13th

Debbie Bergman

Tiffany Casey

Dana Davidson

20th

Shirley Brown

Erla Cloer

Christina Kolander

27th/ POTLUCK

Pat Crow

Ruth Detviler

Bonnie Harlow

AUGUST

3rd

Susie Mericle

Sue Rohrback

Betty Van Patten

Francine Wellington

10th

Pat Eide

Kathy McCaleb

Jamie Wilson

17th

Susan Morris

Hedder Steiner

Karol Steiner

24th

Andrea Hall

Susan Kaneshiro

Joline Terry

31st/ POTLUCK

Kelly Kyle

Ellie Niehouse

Lore Tucker

2. Jesus asks questions, and moves people toward understanding.

While the Pharisees and Saducees had already rationalized their own rejection of biblical righteousness and belief in sal-

vation, Jesus was quick to identify discrepancies through simple questions. Whether defending the weak (Jn 5, Mk 2:13-

18), interpreting the law (Mt. 19), or declaring salvation in Himself (Jn 8:58), Jesus invites an active recognition and con-

sideration of a godly foundation to life’s most important questions.

3. Jesus knows and values his audience.

Jesus anticipated every question asked of Him (Lk. 5:22, Matt. 12:25). He knew the true intentions and desires of those

inquiring after Him, as well as those ridiculing or seeking to contradict Him. When necessary, Jesus patiently pushed peo-

ple towards understanding and true confession (Matt. 15:27), used story or miracle while the Pharisees and Saducees had

already rationalized their own rejection of biblical righteousness and belief in salvation, Jesus was quick to identify dis-

crepancies through simple questions. Whether defending the weak (Jn 5, Mk 2:13-18), interpreting the law (Mt. 19), or de-

claring salvation in Himself (Jn 8:58), Jesus invites an active recognition and consideration of a godly foundation to life’s

most important questions.

Remember: No one is without a worldview (Prov. 10, Lk 6:45). You are not the only one with a burden of proof implicit in

your belief. Asking questions such as “what is your belief about the concept of x?” and “How do you ground the reliability

of x belief?” will help you diagnose where people are in understanding the concepts discussed. Make sure to listen, ask

follow-up questions, ask for clarification, find areas of agreement, and use your conversation partner’s language or exam-

ples to maintain clarity in your own defense. To ground concepts in concrete images (Lk. 15:11-32), or simply silenced his

opponents with a simple rebuttal (Lk. 11:17). He reacted with love and kindness most of the time, yet displayed firmness,

anger, and even indignance over injustice with moderation and appropriateness (Matt. 23:27).

Remember: You are not a pushover in conversation (Eph. 3:16). The world wants us to think that Christianity is a primi-

tive religion that needs to evolve or disappear (Jn. 15:18, Rev. 17:6). The love and patience you show in conversation is

powerful because it flows out of you from the Holy Spirit. One of the greatest strengths you can show is affirming truth

you hear in someone who ridicules your faith (Prov. 25:22). Responding with “I love and agree with the concept of x, hears

how I would describe it as a Christian...” is a good way to find common ground while affirming the biblical worldview (Acts

17:23). Also, when someone says or does something immoral, identifying the behavior and asking direct or scenario-based

questions such as “why is x wrong to do?” or “how would you handle x scenario?” is a strong way to relate the 2nd use of

the law and show love through an uncompromising ethical nature (Rom. 1-3). It may also open up conversation in a sensi-

tive subject without feelings of judgment (such as discussing the nature of justice and sacrifice rather than saying every-

one is going to Hell).

Ultimately, it is liberating as a Christian to know that the work of conversation is the power of God’s election through the

Holy Spirit (John 6:44, Rom. 8:29). Our defenses of the faith as expressions of worship to our Savior in a dark world (2

Cor. 10:5). At the same time, we can help the unbeliever set aside certain obstacles to the faith, and be a major vehicle by

which the Spirit brings light and life into the dead soul of another (2 Tim. 3:16-17).

We cannot know how our words will help someone else (Matt. 13). However, we can learn from each conversation about

faith for our own edification. Listening to people’s objections to Christianity and doing research into a response is a way to

develop spiritual maturity and strength (Prov. 1:5). It is necessary as a Christian to sometimes say, “I don’t know the an-

swer x, I would like to learn more about that.” Keeping a window open for future conversations with people around you

reinforces greater understanding between both sides. At the very least, this ambassadorial relationship allows us to co-

exist peacefully amongst our neighbors (1 Thess. 4:11), helps us to endure persecution where God allows (1 Peter 4:12-15),

and builds up our faith until Christ calls us home (Rev. 21).

Lord, help us to be Ambassadors for Christ (2 Cor. 5:20) in a world that does not know you. Amen.

Cont ….Testing the Foundation

On February 25, 1995, a beautiful daughter was

born to David and Kathleen Neebe. Just one hour

after her birth, she was baptized. She was in the

hospital for a while before her proud parents

brought her home. Katrina grew up in South Or-

ange County, and moved to Temecula about 2010.

She has an older sister, Mallory, who is attending

UCLA.

Katrina is somewhat shy but has a wonderful sense of humor ! She likes

cats and also has a dog at home. Her favorite type of food is Chinese and

her favorite color is while.

Katrina attended Cal Lutheran High School and graduated in 2013. Her

favorite subject in school was Consumer Math. She was active in jour-

nalism and photography. Katrina is also quite talented in drawing and

illustrating. She hopes to pursue a career in illustration or something

with computers.

Katrina has been very blessed to be able to do some traveling. She has

been to Paris, France; Costa Rica (Central America); and London, Eng-

land. She has also traveled to Virginia and Florida. She really enjoyed

Disneyworld! Her favorite character is Scrooge McDuck.

Katrina has several hobbies. She likes to draw, script games, and write

web pages.

God is doing wonderful things in her life, and she has the support and

FLOWER

SCHEDULE

JULY

6th /Yolanda & Bob

Arp Anniversary

13th / Lore Tucker

Birthday blessings

20th / Lore Tucker

Thanksgiving

27th / Andrea Hall

Parents anniversary

AUGUST

3rd / Susie Mericle

10th / Phyllis Werner

Anniversary

17th / Kelly Kyle

Anniversary

24th/ Jamie, Travis,

Austin Wilson

31/Jim & Sue

Rohrbach

Anniversary

CHURCH

CLEANING

SCHEDULE

JULY

Kyle & Crow

AUGUST

Kenagy & Sunshine

ONGOING

MINISTRIES

E-Prayer

Pastor Kolander

H.O.P.E. BASKET

McCaleb’s & Lori

Tucker

NEWSLETTER

Kelly Kyle

PHOTOGRAPHY

Ernie Alber

GREETERS

Brenda Romanek

Meet Katrina Neebe By

Lezlee Neebe

BIBLE STUDIES

AT

FIRST LUTHERAN

Sunday

9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Wednesday

10:30 AM - Noon

Friday

Exegesis Study

6:00 PM - Supper

6:30 PM– Prayers

7:00 PM - Bible Study

July 6 - Noah

July 13th - Will

July 20th - Christian

July 27th - Austin

August 3rd - Luke

August 10th - Jenny

August 17th - Zach

August 24th - Noah

August 31st - Will

600 West Sumner Avenue Lake Elsinore, CA 9250 Phone: (951) 674-2757

Email: [email protected]

All hands on deck! We are creating a leadership team with our station

leaders and are aiming to have our first meeting next Sunday. Lead-

ers are needed for teaching, activities, Bible Challenge and games.

Sign up sheets are now available. Don’t miss the boat! If you would

like to serve or have any other questions, contact Dave or Melody An-

ton [email protected]. Find out how you can be a part of this

year’s VBS!

We’re looking for more folks to make and bring refreshments for after

church on Sundays. Call Kathy McCaleb 304-2302.

mailto:[email protected]

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 2 3 4 5

6 9:00 AM SS/Bible Class 10:30 AM Worship w/Communion Third Sunday after Trinity

7 7:30 PM AA Meeting

8 10:00 AM LWML 7:30 PM AA Meeting

9 7:00 PM Church Council


11

12

13 Elders Mtg. after church 9:00 AM SS/Bible Class 10:30 AM Worship Service

Fourth Sunday after Trinity

14 VBS 9:00-12:00 7:30 PM AA Meeting

15 VBS 9:00-12:00 7:30PM AA Meeting

16 VBS 9:00-12:00

17 VBS 9:00-12:00 7:30 PM AA Meeting

18 VBS 9:00-12:00

19

20 9:00 AM SS/Bible Class 10:30 AM Worship w/Communion

Fifth Sunday after Trinity

21

7:30 PM AA Meeting


23


25

26

27 9:00 AM SS/Bible Class 10:30 AM Worship Service Potluck Sunday

Sixth Sunday after Trinity



30

31 7:30PM AA Meeting

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

August 2014

1 2


Seventh Sunday after Trini-

ty


5 10:00 AM LWML 7:30 PM AA Meeting

6


8

9

10 9:00 AM SS/Bible Class 10:30 AM Worship Service Elders Mtg. after church

Eighth Sunday after Trinity



13 7:00 PM Church Council


15

16


Ninth Sunday after Trinity



20


22

23

24 / 31st 9:00 AM SS/Bible Class 10:30 AM Worship Service Potluck Sunday

Tenth & Eleventh Sundays

after Trinity


26 27 28 29 30

July 2014

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july / august 2014€¦ · 12/07/2010 · kitchen remodeling at trinity lutheran church, cedar...

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