It is with a very heavy heart that I announce the death of one of my great mentors here on earth, Reverend David V. Koch.
Pastor Koch graduated from our St. Louis Seminary in 1966. He served as pastor of Hope Lutheran Church in Milwaukee (also campus pastor of Concordia College Milwaukee), then of St. John Lutheran Church in Denver. He then accepted the position as Senior Editior at our Concordia Publishing House, from 1990-1994. He then served as Senior Pastor at St. Luke Lutheran Church in Ann Arbor, Michigan prior to his retirement.
In retirement, he and his wife, Ruth, relocated back to Denver, where they were surrounded by a daughter and son-in-law and their three granddaughters. During these retirement years, Pastor Koch, despite a diagnosis of cancer, served in ministry at vacant congregations.
Despite our human, earthly loss of a brilliant man and a true servant of the Lord Jesus, we celebrate along with Pastor Koch on his attaining his eternal crown awarded him by his Savior, Jesus.
May God comfort all of us who mourn Pastor Koch's death.
Pastor Christopher Schaar
Luke 16:1-15
Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost
23 September 2007
In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.
I saw many of you tense up just a few minutes ago as I read the Gospel. You often do that and I often do that when the topics of money and finances are raised. I invite you to unbristle for a second because as has been my practice here over the past 13 years, I am not going to preach on money. I am not going to tell you that our offering income has been a little low lately and we need all of you to be better managers of your money. I am not going to preach on that over-used stewardship text that you cannot serve both God and money. I am not going to mention that when you donate to the church you are building something for all time and all eternity. Instead of preaching about any of that, we’re going to set aside the topic of money, but just because we’re doing that, don’t think you’re off the hook.
Instead of the topic of money, I hope you will permit me the freedom to swap in another topic. It will well fit that parable just as Jesus taught it.
Let’s make sense of this parable that Jesus taught. Let’s start by identifying the characters. You and I are that shrewd manager spoken of by Jesus in that parable this morning. We have been entrusted much by our big boss, our Creator-God, Who has turned over to us the management of His entire world [Genesis 2:15]. One day He will call each of us before Him to account for our management of all He has given to us [Romans 14:11-12]. Between that time when that trust was places in us and until that time when we shall give an accounting, He entrusts to us much more than simply money to manage. As one song that we sing regularly states, our God has given us “all that we are and all that we have and all that we hope to be.”
So like the shrewd manager in the parable, we together put those things entrusted to us to work. We invest in the lives of people. We don’t just invest money. We invest so much more. We as a congregation have invested much time over the past 115 years in building people up, providing people of all ages a Christian education. We don’t do that lightly. Whenever we baptize a baby or welcome a new member into our congregation, we do ask them to make a commitment.
In the liturgy of baptism we ask parents to recognize and affirm that their job isn’t over in baptism, that their job as Christian parents is really just beginning in baptism, that part of their job is to make sure that their child is raised as a child of God, that the Bible is placed into their child’s hands and that the truths of the Bible are unwrapped and taught them. We as members of this church covenant to help those parents do all that. That, you could say, is the book where we keep track of how we have invested what God has entrusted to us. But, honestly, my friends, when we start feeling a little bit of pressure from our big boss, our Creator God, Who has placed us into this place to be His managers of His sweet Gospel message, we often figuratively sit down with those parents and say to them, “Here. Go ahead and change what you owe. You don’t want to bring your kids to Sunday School? That’s okay. Just change what you rightfully owe God. Change what you have promised to do. I’ll let you get away with it and God will never be the wiser.”
In the liturgy of new membership, basically the same commitment is made. Whether they have stood before us as a young confirmand, whether they have stood before us as an adult confirmand, or whether they have simply received a letter from me recognizing that their membership transfer has been received from another congregation, every new adult member of this congregation has made a commitment to be active in worship, to be active in Bible class, to keep this congregation and its leaders and members in daily prayer and to financially support the work of this congregation (I promise that will be the only time I mention money). That, you could say, is the book where we keep track of how we have invested what God has entrusted to us. But, honestly, my friends, when we start feeling a little bit of pressure from our big boss, our Creator God, Who has placed us into this place to be His managers of His sweet Gospel message, we often figuratively sit down with those congregation members and say to them, “Here. Go ahead and change what you owe. You don’t want to attend worship or Bible class? That’s okay. Just change what you rightfully owe God. Change what you have promised to do. I’ll let you get away with it and God will never be the wiser.”
What we see in our congregation today is exactly the result of that happening over and over and over again. Look through our membership directory and see how many names you don’t recognize. See how many people you haven’t seen in worship for many weeks, many months and even many years. Whether or not we like to admit it, the books are out of balance. What God has entrusted to us as His people in this place to invest, we have invested in people. I do believe we’ve been good managers to that degree. We are a missional congregation. We do, as our mission statement reads, reach out and welcome “ALL PEOPLE” into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, through the power of the Word and prayer.”
But, while we’ve been good investors, we haven’t always followed through as good managers. We haven’t always been as committed to the last phrase in our mission statement – “followed by action of faith.” We haven’t always been faithful in reminding people – and even reminding ourselves – that they have been the recipients of some incredible grace and mercy from God. We haven’t been always dutiful in reminding members of this congregation of their obligation to God that “all that they have and all that they are and all that they hope to be” belongs to Him, to Him Who gave His all for them, to Him Who laid down His life into death so that they could enjoy life, so that they could be the recipients of God’s good gifts.
For the good of this congregation, that needs to be an action of re-commitment today. Like the manager in the parable, we as a congregation, we as God’s managers, shouldn’t just be looking out for ourselves and make the books balance to our benefit – and we could do that very easily by simply removing all those who haven’t been active. We could present to God a set of membership books that show that 100% of our membership is active in worship. God could commend us for our shrewdness, but we’d know the truth, wouldn’t we? And, whether or not we like it, God would know the truth.
So today needs to be a fresh start – and it can be. Today can be a fresh start at the Table of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ as He again invests in us His Body and Blood. Today can be a fresh start as we forget our past managerial failures and our past personal recipient failures and allow God’s Holy Spirit to improve us to be better managers and to be better recipients, to plant deeply into our hearts a commitment to follow our own commitments and a commitment as God’s manager toward the care and concern for those we haven’t seen in worship, to reach out to them in love, to hold them responsible, reminding them of what God has done for them and their rightful duty and commitment in return.
When we do that, the books will balance. When we do that, God will be pleased. When we do that, God will indeed say to us, “Well done, good and faithful servants.”
In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.
Pastor Christopher Schaar
Historic First Lutheran Church of Pasadena
ALTAR FLOWERS are given to the glory of God by Betty Barnett with special thanksgiving to God for the many blessings He has bestowed on her and her family.
CELEBRATING GOD’S LOVE The additional arrangement of roses on the altar are from some of the more than 140 roses on the campus of Historic First Lutheran. They are a reminder of God’s continuing love for us.
DID YOU KNOW? There’s probably much about Historic First Lutheran that many of us do not know. So, watch weekly bulletins for “I DIDN’T KNOW,” a weekly historical or interesting tidbit of information about Historic First Lutheran.
I DIDN’T KNOW! Perhaps you didn’t know that the State of Illinois holds the title as the home state of the greatest number of our pastors. Both Pastor Schaar and Pastor Hansen hail from the great state of Illinois. Pastor Theiss has been our only native Californian, born in Oakland. We’ve had three foreign-born pastors: Pastor Gerken (Canada), Pastor Aldana (Guatemala) and Pastor Gómez (Mexico). Pastor Fisher was born in Nebraska. Pastor Lampitt was born in New York. Pastor Faga was born in Iowa.
NEXT SUNDAY Will be our third “Evangelism Awareness Sunday.” Guest Bible class teacher and worship preacher is Reverend Mike Ruhl, Executive Director of the Center for United States Missions. A luncheon will follow the service. Invite family and friends.
PRAYER SERVICE EVERY WEDNESDAY Historic First Lutheran sponsors a Prayer Service in the church every Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. to 12 noon. Specific prayer requests to be included should be handed to Pastor Schaar.
CALLING ALL SINGERS! Our voice choir rehearses every Thursday at 7:30 p.m. Everyone is invited to join in singing praises to God!
LEADER TO LEADER AVAILABLE The second issue of “Leader to Leader” is available from the Information Rack in the Narthex. These monthly letters are written by Pastor Schaar to the elected leadership of Historic First Lutheran. The second issue delves into the topic of “Leadership Development,” with applications from our recent electrical upgrades project.
THE REAL STORY OF CREATION A brand new beautiful book has been released by Concordia Publishing House, written by Dr. Paul L. Maier, Second Vice President of The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. You may purchase a copy at the discounted rate of $12.00 from Pastor Schaar. Cash or checks payable to Historic First Lutheran are required in advance.
PASTOR SCHAAR’S CONVENTION REPORT IS AVAILABLE! To save on printing and postage costs, copies of Pastor Schaar’s Synodical Convention report are available from the Information Rack in the Narthex.
LUTHERAN WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP Save Saturday, October 6 for the first meeting of the fall. Come for a salad luncheon and dessert at 11:30 AM in the Green Room. Freewill offering. Hear Gloria Killian talk about children and mothers incarcerated and programs to help them adjust to this situation. She was falsely imprisoned for 16 years and has a wonderful story to tell. We are collecting small sizes of toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, combs, brushes, among other items. RSVP to Carol Numrich.
HYMNS FOR HER Please don’t forget about the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League Rally at First Lutheran, Temple City, on Saturday 13 October. All women are encouraged to attend.
PORTALS OF PRAYER The October-December issue of “Portals of Prayer” are available free of charge from the Information Rack in the Narthex. Regular print and large print versions are available.
TODAY AFTER WORSHIP The Branches will have a short meeting today following the worship service.
CONGRATULATIONS Shelly Daniels won third place for her quilt at this year’s Los Angeles County Fair. Shelly also won third place for her monkey bread recipe at last year’s Los Angeles County Fair. Congratulations, Shelly!
PLEASE NOTE As noted on every monthly calendar in the newsletter, office hours are Tuesday - Thursday 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. and Friday 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
USHERS: TAKE NOTE Next week’s service will involve Usher Team # 4: Doris Barnes, Taina Feher, Rudy Melinat and Paul Nagle.
September 23 – Isaiah 45
September 24 – Isaiah 46
September 25 – Isaiah 47
September 26 – Isaiah 48
September 27 – Isaiah 49
September 28 – Isaiah 50
September 29 – Isaiah 51
Sunday 23 September – Ask God to lead you to one person this week who needs to see the love of God in you.
Monday 24 September – Celebrate the birthdays and anniversaries of friends by praying for them today: Joyce & Charles Ricks (23); Joyce Plueger (27); Narciso Rodriguez (29).
Tuesday 25 September – God’s mission is right here – in your own home and right next door. Ask God to empower you to be His witness in your daily life.
Wednesday 26 September – Thank God for the gift and power of prayer.
Thursday 27 September – God is good, all the time. Thank Him for that precious fact!
Friday 28 September – Campus ministry in the LCMS has existed since 1920, when Calvary Lutheran Chapel in Madison, Wisconsin, began sharing Christ at the University of Wisconsin. Thank the Lord for more than 87 years of faithful proclamation of Christ on campus and ask Him to continue to bless all LCMS campus mission ministries in the future.
Saturday 29 September – Pray today for Pastor Mike Ruhl as he prepares to teach Bible class and preach tomorrow. Pray for an open heart to receive his message.
1 Timothy 1:12-17
Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost
16 September 2007
In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.
Perhaps you’ve heard the saying that goes like this, “If you’ve ever wondered if God has a sense of humor, look in the mirror.” I usually like to add to that statement and say, “And if you still have any doubt, take off your clothes and look again.”
What we’re really here to ponder this morning is a question very similar: “How do you know that God loves you?”
There are a whole bunch of people in this world who very firmly and very adamantly believe that if there even is a “God” out there somewhere, He doesn’t appear to be a God of love, certainly not a lover of the individual person. Their reasoning for this line of thinking are the twin challenges of pain and problems. You have most likely heard the question asked, “How could a loving God permit that?” You can fill in the blank as to what the “that” is, but here are some examples: “How could a loving God permit a drive-by shooting?” ; “How could a loving God permit two sons from one family to die in Iraq?” ; “How could a loving God permit cancer to ravage one body after another?” You’ve really got to hand it to the devil. The twin challenges of pain and problems keep many people from faith in God and from faith in a loving God.
So, why are you here this morning? I believe you’re here because you’ve seen through the clever scheme of the devil, or, at least, you’re wrestling and struggling with it. You’re here because there is too much beauty and too much love and too much goodness in this world to simply have happened by itself, without the purposeful plan of “someone” or “something.”
That thought is probably why most people come to faith, in at least a rational way. But there’s got to be something more. There’s got to be something that answers that question, “How do you know that God loves you?”
If you’ve ever asked that question, if you’ve ever wrestled with that question, if you’re maybe even now asking that question or wrestling with it, I would encourage you to follow the advice of St. Paul and look in the mirror. “How do you know that God loves you?” Look in the mirror!
There may be much that all of us do not know, but there is indeed at least one thing that each of us is an expert about: ourselves. I may know each of you to some degree, but I am not an expert in any of you. And all of you may know me to some degree, but none of you is an expert in me.
Look in the mirror. What do you see? And be honest!
I can tell you what St. Paul saw. I can tell you this not because I am an expert in St. Paul, but because he took the time to honestly share what he saw when he looked in the mirror. When St. Paul looked in the mirror, he saw “The Chief of all Sinners.” And, impressive as it sounds, that’s a title that carries no bragging rights.
St. Paul, when he took off his rose-colored glasses and honestly stared deeply into his own soul, saw something despicable even to his own admission. Many of us might be despicable to others, but rarely are we despicable to ourselves. We can usually find some redeeming value in ourselves.
Many psychiatrists would probably say that St. Paul needed some serious counseling, but Paul would argue with that. When St Paul looked into the mirror, he.found himself despicable and unforgivable. When St. Paul looked into the mirror, he saw a blasphemer, not just someone taking God’s holy Name in vain, but someone who, by his own actions, elevated himself to be God. In the mirror St. Paul saw a persecutor, someone not willing to leave others alone. In the mirror St. Paul saw a violent man, one who purposely tracked down and witnessed the death of many people. A respected leader in First Century Judaism, St. Paul found himself despicable, someone about whom people might say, “I don’t know how he sleeps at night.” And here’s the truth: when St. Paul honestly looked in the mirror, he couldn’t sleep at night.
Our current justice system would call St. Paul a “three-time offender” and even a serious repeat offender, the worst of the worst and the baddest of the bad. Certainly that’s how God viewed St. Paul, a gross violator of God’s good and perfect will. And to be viewed in that way by God, let’s just say that’s not a good thing. You don’t want the One Who said, “Vengeance is mine” [Deuteronomy 32:41] to have you on His most wanted list.
When St. Paul came face-to-face with his own inner self and saw himself as he truly was, he absolutely shuttered in sheer fright. What would be the chances of someone like him, “The Chief of all Sinners,” to ever be able to make up his offenses to a righteous, perfect and holy God, particularly One Who was not pleased with St. Paul’s life? The chances were slim. In fact, let’s go even one step further. There was absolutely no chance.
What absolutely amazed St. Paul was what happened next in his life. He was expecting severe punishment. In fact, he was hoping to get off with “severe punishment.” But that’s not what he found in God. No, instead, St. Paul found grace and mercy and forgiveness. He found a God of love Who had sent His own Son into the world to carry every sin of St. Paul, Who allowed every sin of St. Paul to be one of those nails that pierced His hands and feet, Who allowed every blasphemeable, persecuting and violent action of St. Paul to be part of that painful spear thrust into His side, Who allowed every sin of St. Paul to be the heavy stone rolled in front of Jesus’s tomb.
If you were to ask St. Paul how he knew that God loved him and how you could know that God loved you, he would first of all take you to Calvary’s Cross, where he would show off the truly unimaginable, undescribable torture endured by Jesus Christ to pay the penalty for his sins and for each of our sins. With that horrific scene etched deeply on your mind, St. Paul would then lead you to a mirror. He’d ask you what you see there. And if you yourself didn’t answer in this way, St. Paul would tell you that you were seeing proof positive that God loves you, the simple fact that you’re still here, as “The Chief of all Sinners”and not only that you’re still here as the recipient of God’s unearned, unbridled love, but that you’ve got the promise of the God of love to spend all time in His presence.
No wonder, after looking deeply into his own soul and seeing nothing there but the unearned, undeserved grace and mercy of Jesus Christ written all over his life, that St. Paul would say, “Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever, Amen.”
In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.
Pastor Christopher Schaar
Historic First Lutheran Church of Pasadena
ALTAR FLOWERS are given to the glory of God by Carol and Jeff Potter in celebration of the twenty-first birthday of their daughter, Megan, and in celebration of their son Matthew’s graduation from The Art Center College of Design in Pasadena.
CELEBRATING GOD’S LOVE The additional arrangement of roses on the altar are from some of the more than 140 roses on the campus of Historic First Lutheran. They are a reminder of God’s continuing love for us.
DID YOU KNOW? There’s probably much about Historic First Lutheran that many of us do not know. So, watch weekly bulletins for “I DIDN’T KNOW,” a weekly historical or interesting tidbit of information about Historic First Lutheran.
I DIDN’T KNOW! Perhaps you didn’t know that, as young as was Pastor Schaar when he became our pastor, he is not the youngest pastor in the history of Historic First Lutheran. While Pastor Schaar was installed as our pastor on his 26th birthday, Pastor August Hansen was only 25 years 4 months old when he was installed as our pastor on 3 July 1905. Pastor Hansen served us for 25 years, until 1930.
TWO WEEKS FROM TODAY Our third “Evangelism Awareness Sunday” is on 30 September. Guest Bible class teacher and worship preacher is Reverend Mike Ruhl, Executive Director of the Center for United States Missions. A luncheon will follow the service. Begin now to invite family and friends.
PLEASE EXCUSE OUR MESS The light fixtures in the Narthex have been removed for rewiring. In addition a third reproduction light fixture is being made for the Buckeye Street entrance. In addition, new glass for the church fixtures is being made.
PRAYER SERVICE EVERY WEDNESDAY Historic First Lutheran sponsors a Prayer Service in the church every Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. to 12 noon. Specific prayer requests to be included should be handed to Pastor Schaar.
LEADER TO LEADER AVAILABLE The second issue of “Leader to Leader” is available from the Information Rack in the Narthex. These monthly letters are written by Pastor Schaar to the elected leadership of Historic First Lutheran. The second issue delves into the topic of “Leadership Development,” with applications from our recent electrical upgrades project.
CALLING ALL SINGERS! Our voice choir rehearses every Thursday at 7:30 p.m. Everyone is invited to join in singing praises to God!
THE REAL STORY OF CREATION A brand new beautiful book has been released by Concordia Publishing House, written by Dr. Paul L. Maier, Second Vice President of The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. You may purchase a copy at the discounted rate of $12.00 from Pastor Schaar. Cash or checks payable to Historic First Lutheran are required in advance.
PASTOR SCHAAR’S CONVENTION REPORT IS AVAILABLE! To save on printing and postage costs, copies of Pastor Schaar’s Synodical Convention report are available from the Information Rack in the Narthex.
LUTHERAN WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP – Save Saturday, October 6 for the first meeting of the fall. Come for a salad luncheon and dessert at 11:30 AM in the Green Room. Freewill offering. Hear Gloria Killian, talk about children and mothers incarcerated and programs to help them adjust to this situation. She was falsely imprisoned for 16 years and has a wonderful story to tell. We are collecting small sizes of toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, combs, brushes, among other items. Watch for informational mailing.
HYMNS FOR HER Please don’t forget about the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League Rally at First Lutheran, Temple City, on Saturday 13 October. All women are encouraged to attend.
PORTALS OF PRAYER The October-December issue of “Portals of Prayer” are available free of charge from the Information Rack in the Narthex. Regular print and large print versions are available.
USHERS: TAKE NOTE Next week’s service will involve Usher Team # 3: Chris Baker, Asunta Barnes, Michael Dickens and Rudy Melinat.
September 16 – Isaiah 38
September 17 – Isaiah 39
September 18 – Isaiah 40
September 19 – Isaiah 41
September 20 – Isaiah 42
September 21 – Isaiah 43
September 22 – Isaiah 44
Sunday 16 September – Praise God for your time of worship today.
Monday 17 September – Celebrate the birthdays of friends by praying for them today: David Schilling (16); Rev. Robert Faga (18); Megan Potter (19); Jason Chan (20); Brian Twomey (20).
Tuesday 18 September – Unburden the cares of your soul by giving them all over to God in prayer.
Wednesday 19 September – Lutheran Hour Ministries works in partnership with “Christ for All the Nations” in Argentina, using different media techniques to communicate the Gospel message. Pray for God’s continued blessings and guidance on its projects and contacts with unbelievers.
Thursday 20 September – Thank God for the gift of Jesus Christ.
Friday 21 September – As our “Good Friday” Youth Outreach resumes tonight, ask God to bless this mission effort.
Saturday 22 September – Pray by name for our shut-in members: Cleora Bryan, Jill Fenske, Gloria Melinat, Charles Newhouse, Clara Newhouse, Arline Pace, Claudia Proctor, Ruth Richards, Estelle Thaxton and Ethel Watkins.
Luke 14:25-35
Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Rally Day
9 September 2007
In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.
Four-year-old Benji was wise beyond his years, much wiser than many Christian adults, in fact. Benji had been born to a Christian mother, who, when he turned four, suddenly became very concerned about his soul. When he turned four, she decided that it was time to ask him “the” question: “Benji, would you like to have Jesus in your heart?” Benji thought for a few minutes and then, rolling his big blue eyes, answered, “No thanks, Mom. I don’t think I want the responsibility.”
All joking and laughter aside, Benji realized what many adult Christians have still not figured out – that while salvation is indeed a full and free gift given to each and every person on this earth because “Jesus loves me” and hung on the Cross for me, it comes with some strings attached. That message about Jesus dying on the Cross for me is not a message to simply receive at the time of baptism and then carefully squirrel away into some dark corner of our body until that moment when Jesus comes to take our hand and walk us through the pearly gates of Heaven. That’s sadly what many adults do. Many adults put a premium on baptism – and there’s nothing wrong with that – but even four-year-old Benji knew that there was a responsibility that came with having Jesus in your heart.
That responsibility was spoken of very clearly by Jesus using two beautiful true-to-life stories but also using some very direct words.
One beautiful story is this. Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Does he simply just start building.? Oh, no. There’s measuring to do. There are plans to draw. There are permits to pull. There are bank loans to apply for and receive. There’s a plan for repaying that loan that needs to be acceptable. Only when he properly prepares should someone build a tower. Otherwise, he’s the laughing stock of the neighborhood with his half-finished, unpaid for, crooked tower that has a big red “STOP” order taped to it by the local building inspector.
The second beautiful story is about a king set to go to war. He doesn’t send his soldiers off to war if he even remotely believes there’s even a chance for defeat. No, kings carefully measure the king against whom they’re going to war. Certain defeat as a result is not a wise battle to enter. Certain defeat is a much better retreat.
Jesus started telling these two beautiful true-to-life stories with some very direct words: “Whoever wants to follow me must pick up and carry his cross.” That’s the responsibility that even four-year-old Benji knew. That responsibility was further summarized by Jesus with the words, “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters – yes, even his own life – he cannot be My disciple.”
Those are some very direct words. Those are some very harsh words. They’re words we’d rather not hear. They’re words we believe Jesus must not have really meant. After all, God is a God of love. What kind of God of love commands people to hate? We’re even commanded to love our enemies [Matthew 5:43-44]! And, our families? Hate them? They’re some of our greatest gifts from God. Why would God given us precious gifts and then command us to hate those gifts? It all makes absolutely no sense, so we just usually skip over these words of Jesus and hope we’re just not understanding them properly or that they’ll just go away.
For two thousand years now, those words have not gone away. Those words were the words that sent St. Paul to prison [Philemon 1-21] where even the cold steel bars that restrained the body of the world’s greatest evangelist could not restrain his heart that had been touched and changed by Jesus. Those words were the words that, 1900 years later, would send German Lutheran pastor, Dietrich Bonhoeffer to prison during World War 2 because he would not stop preaching the Gospel about Jesus Christ. There, in prison, Pastor Bonhoeffer would die, just days before the end of the war, but not before writing his classic book, The Cost of Discipleship.
Today, on this Rally Day, I call upon each of us to ponder those words of Jesus, to count the cost, to decide – as four-year-old Benji so aptly put it – if we want the responsibility of having Jesus in our heart.
For the parents out there, I know it’s a chore to get children out of bed on Sunday mornings, to get them dressed and fed, to get them to Sunday School and church. It’s so much easier – mainly for us adults – to just let them sleep in and personally be able to sit down and relax and watch the morning news with a cup of coffee in hand. But I do know, as I look around here Sunday after Sunday, that getting kids to Sunday School and church is not an impossible dream, as I see parents who do it week after week and not just coming from a block away. Some of those parents come a couple miles away, five miles, twenty miles, and even as much as 35 miles each way. Why do they do it? Because they’ve counted the cost and they want to give their children something that this world cannot otherwise give them. Nothing is too great a sacrifice for their children.
And adults? Don’t think you’re off the hook simply because you don’t have or no longer have children at home. There’s also adult Bible study every Sunday morning. There’s Bible / Prayer breakfast the fourth Saturday every month. There’s Wednesday prayer services every week at 11:30 a.m. Sure, it takes time to get church. Even with gas prices having dropped to about $2.60 a gallon, it takes money to get to church. It might mean we have to get up an hour earlier on Sunday morning. It might mean we miss part of our soap opera or game show once a week. It’s part of picking up our cross and following Jesus because of His great love for us.
The question this morning is, “What comes first in my life?” Whatever that is, everything else must be loved less – or “hated” using the wording chosen by Jesus. His use of that word is a relative “hate” – meaning “love less than.” Now those words make more sense: “Whoever wants to be My disciple must love his family less than he loves Me. Whoever wants to be My disciple must even love his own life less than he loves Me” That understanding has compelled people for 2,000 years to face prison bars, to face the jaws of lions, to face economic hardships just to show that Jesus Christ is number one in their lives. And that’s the responsibility Benji didn’t feel he was yet ready to assume.
So, I ask you, are you ready? Does your life witness each day to the power of the risen Christ? Does your faith in Christ affect the quality of your daily life so that there’s a nobility and moral strength? Is there anything in your life that reminds people of the Master to Whom you have pledged allegiance? Is there a discernable difference in your life when compared and contrasted with those who have never acknowledged Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior? Do you manifest in the midst of this fevered generation a serenity of spirit that reveals the peace of Christ dwelling in your heart?
Knowing that Jesus loves us is a great blessing and benefit. It makes us warm and fuzzy inside. Showing that we love Jesus and that we’ve counted the cost and are willing to pay the price is all that’s needed for Jesus to come to our rescue and give us the ability to follow through on the responsibility we’ve taken on.
Join me in prayer: “Lord Jesus, today is a new day. Our errors and mistakes of yesterday are forgiven and forgotten. Hear my heart, O Lord. You know I want to follow You. You know I want to be Your disciple. You know Your love for me compels me to respond, but sometimes I feel so weak. Sometimes I let things distract me. Sometimes I put other things first. Help me, by the power of Your Holy Spirit, to accept the responsibility of being Your follower and give me the will and desire to make a difference in my world. In Your Name, Amen.”
In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.
Pastor Christopher Schaar
Historic First Lutheran Church of Pasadena
ALTAR FLOWERS are given to the glory of God by Michael and Harriet Dickens in thankfulness to God for another year of marriage (9/13) and continued good health and happiness.
CELEBRATING GOD’S LOVE The additional arrangement of roses on the altar are from some of the more than 140 roses on the campus of Historic First Lutheran. They are a reminder of God’s continuing love for us.
A SPECIAL WELCOME! A very warm welcome to all the children and parents who participated in our festival procession today. We ask God’s rich blessings upon you during this upcoming year of Christian Education.
DID YOU KNOW? There’s probably much about Historic First Lutheran that many of us do not know. So, watch weekly bulletins for “I DIDN’T KNOW,” a weekly historical or interesting tidbit of information about Historic First Lutheran.
I DIDN’T KNOW! Perhaps you didn’t know that Historic First Lutheran has a long rich history in Christian Education. Historic First Lutheran’s first Christian day school was founded in September, 1910, closing 5 years later during World War I. A Christian day school was re-opened in September, 1944, meeting in the Green Room and stage. The first school building, today known as Koch Hall, was dedicated in 1948. In 1953, in partnership with Mount Olive Lutheran Church, the school was renaned “Pasadena Lutheran.” Sadly, due to changing demographics in the community and a decline in member attendance, the school closed in June 1977.
PLEASE EXCUSE OUR MESS The light fixtures in the Narthex have been removed for rewiring. In addition a third reproduction light fixture is being made for the Buckeye Street entrance. In addition, new glass for the church fixtures is being made.
PRAYER SERVICE EVERY WEDNESDAY Historic First Lutheran sponsors a Prayer Service in the church every Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. to 12 noon. Specific prayer requests to be included should be handed to Pastor Schaar.
LEADER TO LEADER AVAILABLE The inaugural issue of “Leader to Leader” is available from the Information Rack in the Narthex. These monthly letters are written by Pastor Schaar to the elected leadership of Historic First Lutheran. The first issue explains the general reason for these letters, using the words of St. Luke – “It seemed good also to me.” [Luke 1:3].
LUTHERAN PRAYER BOOK Free copies of the “Lutheran Prayer Book” are available from the Information Rack in the Church Narthex. These little books are perfect for your own private devotions as well as for giving to those in hospitals or nursing homes.
CALLING ALL SINGERS! Our voice choir rehearses every Thursday at 7:30 p.m. Everyone is invited to join in singing praises to God!
NEXT SUNDAY Bring your “Mighty Mite Boxes” filled with coins and bills for missions. You may pick up a “Mite Box” today from the table in the Narthex. Return it next Sunday filled with change.
THE REAL STORY OF CREATION A brand new beautiful book has been released by Concordia Publishing House, written by Dr. Paul L. Maier, Second Vice President of The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. You may purchase a copy at the discounted rate of $12.00 from Pastor Schaar. Cash or checks payable to Historic First Lutheran are required in advance.
LUTHERAN WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP – Save Saturday, October 6 for the first meeting of the fall. Come for a salad luncheon and dessert at 11:30 AM in the Green Room. Freewill offering. Hear Gloria Killian, talk about children and mothers incarcerated and programs to help them adjust to this situation. She was falsely imprisoned for 16 years and has a wonderful story to tell. We are collecting small sizes of toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, combs, brushes, among other items. Watch for informational mailing.
USHERS: TAKE NOTE Next week’s service will involve Usher Team # 2: Rudy Melinat, Zora Oglesby, Chad Schmutzer and Julie Schmutzer.
September 9 – Isaiah 31
September 10 – Isaiah 32
September 11 – Isaiah 33
September 12 – Isaiah 34
September 13 – Isaiah 35
September 14 – Isaiah 36
September 15 – Isaiah 37
Sunday 9 September – Thank God for the gift of children and for the honor and responsibility we have to raise them in the knowledge of God.
Monday 10 September – Celebrate the birthdays and anniversaries of friends by praying for them today: Corine Motley (10); Gina & Pat Harding (10); Shirley & Mike Widdoss (10); Allison Harris (12); Harriet & Michael Dickens (13).
Tuesday 11 September – As today marks the 6th Anniversary of the tragic events in New York, Pennsylvania and Virginia, pray for the families who continue to suffer grief and loss.
Wednesday 12 September – Pray by name for those you know who are in need of prayer.
Thursday 13 September – Pray for all who volunteer to be a part of our music ministry here at Historic First Lutheran. Thank God for their dedication.
Friday 14 September – “CRAVE” is Christ in the City Lutheran Church’s coffee house ministry to St. Louis University. “Brother Martin’s Coffee Haus” is a ministry of several Lubbock-area congregations that serves Texas Tech University. Ask the Lord to bless these unique campus missions.
Saturday 15 September – Many LCMS campus ministries are struggling financially and need to develop new, and expand existing, sources of support. Ask the Lord to lead many people to see the importance of sharing Christ’s love on campus and to support LCMS campus missions generously with their prayers, service and donations.