From the Pastor October + In the Year of Our Lord + 2011

T H E G O O D S H E P H E R D L U T H E R A N C H U R C H

THE NEWSLETTER

Another question for the Pastor

Question: “Pastor, I have heard you say that this is ‘God’s House’ and we should respect it.” What does that mean?”

Answer: This is a two-part answer. The first has to do with the physical aspect of the building, the second on the spir-

itual.

Physical – Three years ago this congregation celebrated the 50th anniversary of the dedication of the building we cur-

rently use as our “house of worship.” What a wonderful edifice it is. Having only been here a little over a year, I can

only imagine the impact the construction of this building had on the surrounding neighborhood and the genuine awe

as the walls were poured and then the soaring tower stretched to the heavens. To put this building in perspective, it

was built just 8 years after the reconstruction of the grandstand of the Hollywood Park Race Track and 9 years prior to

the construction of the Forum. At the time of its construction, it was a landmark in the city of Inglewood.

Times have changed. They still race at Hollywood Park, but plans have already been approved to replace this landmark

with a housing development. The Lakers and the Kings, along with most of the concerts, have moved on to other ven-

ues. But The Good Shepherd Lutheran Church is still here and is still proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The num-

bers filling the pews may have changed, but the message remains the same, “For God so loved the world, that He gave

his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16 KJV

As we look around at our physical plant, it is easy to take it for granted. Every week when you arrive for worship, the

floors are clean, the restrooms neat, the carpet swept, the exterior landscape is neat and trimmed, and most of the

trash picked up. Because of the good fortune to lease the former Good Shepherd school building, some much-needed

maintenance has been done on the building. The outside was painted, new rain gutters in-

stalled, the organ repaired, and numerous “small” things which go unnoticed have been refur-

bished or replaced. During the past year the former counting/quilting/braille room was con-

verted into an assembly room used for meetings and weekly Bible classes.

Recently, a group appointed by our congregational president, the “future needs committee,”

completed its task of surveying our church, inside and out, and coming up with an approximate-

ly four page list of items that need to be “cleaned, repaired or replaced” in this place we call

“church.” This list has been passed on to members of the Church Council so they may prioritize

and present to the congregation plans to move forward on various projects. This will take place

at the Voter’s Assembly meeting to be held in November. In addition, job descriptions and

work plans have been created for our janitor and landscape maintenance persons.

So, what is your responsibility, as a member of the congregation, in regard to the physical up-keep of “God’s house”?

First, attend the aforementioned VA meeting and let your voice be heard in what you feel needs to be the priority(s) in regard to maintaining our church building. Alsol keep your eyes open. If you see an area that you believe needs attention – (cont’d on p 4)

Inside this issue:

PERICOPES AND HYMNS

2

NEW WED. NIGHT CLASS

3

LWML NEWS 3

UPCOMING MTG 5

BIRTHDAYS/HOMEBOUND

6

CALENDAR 7

WEEKLY OPPORTUNITIES

8

Page 2

This Month’s Pericopes and Hymns

Please use the following readings and hymns during the week

to prepare yourself for worship

October 2—Proper 22

Isaiah 5:1-7

Philippians 3:4b-14

Matthew 21:33-46

813—Rejoice, O Pilgrim Throng

544—O love how deep, how broad, how high

566—By grace I’m saved, grace free and boundless

October 9—Proper 23

Isaiah 25:6-9

Philippians 4:4-13

Matthew 22:1-14

772—In holy conversation

510—A multitude comes from the east and the west

733—O God our help in ages past

October 16—Proper 24

Isaiah 45:1-7

1 Thessalonians 1:1-10

Matthew 22:15-22

782—Gracious God, You send great blessings

940—Holy God, we praise Thy name

732—All depends on our possessing

October 2011

October 23—Proper 25

Leviticus 19:1-2, 15-18

1 Thessalonians 2:1-13

Matthew 22:34-46

872—Come Thou Bright

579—The Law of God is good and wise

821—Alleluia! Sing to Jesus

October 30—Proper 26

Micah 3:5-12

1 Thessalonians 4:1-12

Matthew 23:1-12

584—Faith and truth and life bestowing

682—God of the prophets, bless the prophets’ sons

623—Lord Jesus Christ, we humbly pray

Rembrandt, St. Paul in Prison, 1627

Breugel, Peasant Wedding Feast,

ca. 1567-8

Rubens, The Tribute Money, ca. 16-12

Tissot, The Pharisees Question Jesus,

1886-94

Tissot, Woe unto You, Scribes and

Pharisees, 1886-94

Wednesday night Bible class On October 5, we will begin an eight-week study, “Revelation: A Testament of Hope,” featuring

Dr. Mark Brighton, associate professor of Biblical Languages at Concordia, Irvine. Members of TGSLC as well

as members of other LCMS congregations in our area have requested a study of this book.

In this eight session DVD series, Dr. Brighton helps viewers see that the primary purpose of this book is to

reveal Christ. It is a Gospel message of hope that Christ controls all things for His good and gracious purpose.

Dr. Brighton starts with chapter one to show the viewers how the content of Revelation applies to their lives.

Sessions include:

1. How to Read and Understand Revelation (Chapter 1)

2. Christ's Letters to the Church and the Inaugural Vision (Chapters 2-5)

3. The Seals: Christ's People Preserved (Chapters 6-8:1)

4. The Trumpets: Christ's People Witness (Chapters 8-11)

5. The Book Interlude: Christ's People Victorious Over Evil (Chapters 12-14)

6. The Bowls and Last Judgments: The Cosmic Exodus (Chapters 15-19)

7. The Kingdom of Christ and Satan's Doom (Chapter 20)

8. The New Heaven and Earth (Chapters 21-22)

Invite a friend!

LWML News LWML Sunday, October 2—In honor of its 69th year, the Lutheran

Women’s Missionary League celebrates LWML Sunday. The LWML has

over 250,000 members nationwide with a 2011-2013 mission goal of

$1,825,000. Look for our LWML members in their purple, and enjoy

some refreshments furnished by them after the service.

Fall Meeting and Oktoberfest, October 16—It’s that time of year again for German sausage,

potato salad and sauerkraut. We will view the Peoria Convention highlight video, too. Please

let Gayle Tarr or Royce Morton know what kind of German dish or dessert you would like to

bring and we will furnish the sausages. Danke!

Zone Rally, October 22 - The Good Shepherd will host the LWML Zone Rally this year. Our

program speaker will be Rev. Craig Molitoris, pastor at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church, Rancho Pa-

los Verdes, who will speak about his missionary years In China. Rev. Molitoris is presently our

Zone Pastoral Counselor. Registration and brunch will begin at 9:00 across the street at Cen-

tury Community Charter School in the gymnasium. Plan to attend to welcome our guests and

enjoy a morning of inspiration and camaraderie.

October 2011

October 2011

(cont’d from p 1) voice your concern to one of our trustees, Mr. Jim Weishaar or Mr. Leon Tarr, or call the church office.

Second, know that just as your giving contributes to the well-being of the physical church, it also contributes to the message of the Church – the Gospel of Jesus Christ. When we have visitors to our church, just like when you have a visitor to your home, first impressions mean a lot. If they see an environment that is warm and inviting, neat and clean, their focus can be on the content of the Word and not distracted by physical deficiencies.

Third, open your minds to change. I’m sure most of you are not cooking with the same appliances, using the same washer and dryer, or sitting on the same couch you were 50 years ago. There are things that can be done to modernize our narthex, office, and even the sanctuary - things that will not “change” who The Good Shepherd is or what she believes, teaches, and confesses. Although sameness is good and comfortable, it can also be-come blasé and boring. If you have ideas on items such as décor or furnishings that might need changing, voice them to your Council members.

Now let’s take a look at the spiritual upkeep and respect of “God’s house.” Spiritual – Whenever a Lutheran church building is erected a dedication ceremony takes place. Some of you may have been present when the doors of this building were officially opened. I’m sure that somewhere in the archives is a copy of the dedication service that proclaimed this place to be God’s House. In the current agenda of the Lutheran Service Book when a new building is dedicated to the service of the Lord, the presiding minister faces the congregation and says: “Beloved in the Lord, Christ Jesus is present wherever His holy Word is taught purely and the holy Sacraments are administered according to His institution. As the Lord said through Moses, ‘In every place where I cause My name to be remembered I will come to you and bless you’” (Exodus 20:24b). One of the Scripture readings appointed for a dedication service is Psalm 122 which begins, “I was glad when they said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord!’” Perhaps that’s a good place to start. When we enter into the house of the Lord we should be glad. When we enter the main doors of The Good Shepherd we are entering into the Narthex. This is an area that dates back to the days of the early church. It is the point of entry where all believers enter the church. This is where we are greeted in the name of the Lord, where visitors are welcomed, and often, where we gather after the service for a time of socializing. The Sanctuary is the main part of the church. It includes both the nave (like a boat) where the people sit, and the chan-cel area. This is where the altar is located along with the pulpit and the lectern. This is indeed “God’s house.” This is where God has promised He will be present with His people serving them in Word and Sacrament. We enter into His house through the washing of the water and the Word in Holy Baptism. We listen to His Word in the protected, dedicated holy place. We approach His altar where we are served by Christ and partake of His very body and blood in the Holy Supper. Since this is God’s house, we owe him respect, dignity and awe. That the Creator would come to serve the creature is indeed a mighty wonder and miraculous blessing. So, what is your responsibility, as a member of God’s family, residing in His house, being served by Him, in regard to respect?

There will be a Voters Assembly meeting

directly after the Divine Service on Sunday,

November 20.

There will be two important items in discus-

sion: The approval of the 2012 budget and

the election of a lay delegate to the 2012

district convention.

November 20

October 2011

First, recognize that you are in the presence of God. Know that you are here because the Holy Spirit has called you by the Gospel, enlightened you with His gifts, sanctifies and keeps you in the true faith. This is all God’s doing – be humble and be thankful.

Second, be respectful. The Narthex is a gathering place before and after worship. This is a place to visit with

friends, exchange pleasantries, and get to know visitors to the church. The Sanctuary is where God comes to serve us. Upon entering the Sanctuary, it is meet, right, and proper to abstain from conversation. Prior to the beginning of worship one should prepare themselves. Prayers for the preparation of worship, the partaking of Holy Communion, etc., are located in the front of the hymnal. Also, this is a good and proper time to meditate upon the Psalms. There is usually music called the Prelude prior to the start of the service. This is either sung or played softly on the organ or harpsichord. The hymns sung and/or the music played is specifically chosen to accompany the theme of the Sunday. Talking should be avoided while the prelude is being played or sung. Once again, this is the time of preparation for the Service of Word and Sacrament and those around you are wont to be in quiet meditation.

Third, show proper reverence. You may have noticed that the pastor, the elders, the ushers, the readers, and oth-ers all bow before the altar. There are no rules about bowing and/or genuflecting. Each person is guided by their conscience. However, I would urge everyone, upon entering into the sanctuary, to gaze upon the altar before you take your seat. Look at the cross and the figure of Jesus hanging there – dying your death for the forgiveness of sins. Bowing isn’t done to impress or because it makes one more holy – it is done out of re-spect, reverence and thanksgiving.

It is my hope and my prayer that this information about your church – The Good Shepherd Lutheran Church – and God’s house bring all to a better understanding of what a blessing we have from our very gracious Father. In Jesus name. Amen. In His service,

Pastor von Hindenburg

Page 6

A birthday prayer when you remem-

ber your fellow congregants: Watch

over your child, ___, O Lord, as

his/her days increase; bless and

guide him/her, wherevers/he may

be. Strengthen him/her when s/he

stands; comfort him/her when dis-

couraged or sorrowful; raise

him/her up if s/he falls. Lead

him/her always to the Cross, where

forgiveness may be found, and the

peace which passes all understand-

ing abide all the days of his/her

life. Through Jesus Christ our Lord,

Amen.

October 2011

Birthdays

5 Adena Yeates

9 Marie Knox

19 Jeanette Hedrick

28 Beverly Sarafolean

Art Dawson - 949-493-5385

Mickey Dwyer— 310-671-5517

Marjorie Haener— 310-891-3348

Jeanette Hedrick— 310-675-5198

Ken Lange— 310-324-2160

Jean Peterson— 310-670-2859

Evelyn Sibbing— 310-973-7590

Adena Yeates—310-643-6546

Those at Home

Remember in Prayer

For the homebound: Gracious Father, You

have assured us that we shall receive

strength for every day of our lives. Grant

Your servant ____, who is homebound,

both the desire and will to spend his/her

days as an obedient child, trusting in your

goodness and remembering with thankful-

ness Your mercies, which are new every

morning; though Jesus Christ, our Lord,

Amen.

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644

902 S Maple St.

Inglewood, CA 90301

310-671-7644

Royce Morton, Administrative

Assistant

Jay Rogers, Organist

thegoodshepherdinglewood.org

+ Join Us for Liturgical Worship +

Reverend Bruce J. von Hindenburg, Pastor

Sunday morning Adult Bible Class—8:30 a.m.

Sunday Divine Service—10:00 a.m.

Tuesday morning Bible class—10:00 a.m.

Wednesday Bible Class/Midweek Service—7:00 p.m.

Private Confession and Absolution—By Appointment

+ + +

Preaching God’s Word to Inglewood and beyond since 1935

T H E G O O D S H E P H E R D L U T H E R A N C H U R C H

President—Norm Morton

Vice President—Franklin Tilley

Secretary—Mary Flett

Treasurer—Clinton Galloway

Financial Secretary—Dick Huhn

Board of Elders—Leon Tarr, Chair; Franklin Tilley; Jim Weishaar

Board of Trustees—Jim Weishaar, Chair; Leon Tarr

Board of Evangelism—Karina Lindsey, Chair; Royce Morton

+

Altar Guild—Gayle Tarr, Chair

LWML—Royce Morton, Gayle Tarr, Co-Presidents

Ushers—Norm Morton, Chair

Future Needs—Susie Fritts, Royce Morton, Gayle Tarr

Special Services—Mary Flett, Karina Lind-sey

Council and Committee Members