Historic First Lutheran Church, 808 N. Los Robles Ave., announces the celebration of "Mardi Gras" this Sunday at 10:00 a.m. This jazzy celebratory service observing the fast approach of Lent will feature musicians Debbie Clemmer (drums), Mark McCormick (keyboards & MIDI), Karen Murphy (bass) and Sam Moreas (violin). The Reverend Christopher Schaar, Senior Pastor, will preach. A doughnut reception, a European Mardi Gras tradition, will follow the service. Ash Wednesday will be observed on Wednesday 6 February with confessional services at 12 Noon and 7:00 p.m., both including the Imposition of Ashes and The Lord's Supper. For more information contact 626.793.1139 or historicfirstlutheran.org
Leader to Leader
“...It seemed good also to me....”
[Luke 1:3 NIV]
Issue #4: January, 2008
Where are you?
Where are you as a LEADER?
Ten or more years ago I learned a unique definition of “leader.” We, a group of church members, were going somewhere. I think it was a trip to Laguna’s “Pageant of the Masters.” We had rented a 15-passenger van, which I was driving. Bill and Ocilda Files also drove a car full of church members. Ruth Hebor rode with Bill and Ocilda. Somewhere on a freeway in Orange County, Bill lost sight of the van and asked where I was. He was looking around. He was looking behind. Ruth Hebor piped up, as only she could, saying that I was ahead of them. Then, in true Ruth fashion, she continued with some quip like, “Where would you expect Pastor to be? He’s our shepherd!” Ruth put her finger on an important leadership principle. A leader needs to lead. A leader needs to be out in front.
Again I ask you, “Where are you as a LEADER?”
Webster’s New Collegiate Dictionary defines a “leader” as “one that leads as: 1. A guide; conductor. 2. A chief; commander; also, the head of a group, sect, undertaking, etc. 3. A horse placed in advance of others.”
Where are you as a LEADER?
Do you fulfill Webster’s definitions #1 and #2? By your simple election or appointment on Historic First Lutheran’s Board of Directors each of you, I believe, automatically satisfy definitions #1 and #2.
How about definition #3?
Do you lead by being in “advance of others?”
Do you lead others in your spirituality?
Do you lead others in worship attendance?
Do you lead others in personal Bible study and in corporate Bible study?
Do you lead others by being the first to arrive and the last to leave?
Do you lead others by just doing what needs to be done instead of looking for others to do what needs to be done?
Do you lead others in stewardship, the appropriate use of your God-given time, talents and treasures?
Those are all personal questions which only you can answer for yourself after searching your heart.
As your leader, and as the spiritual leader of Historic First Lutheran, I have always tried to fulfill Webster’s definition #3. While I have been largely successful many times, I realize there are times I have failed. That’s part of being human, part of the condition of living in our fallen human world. When I have reflected upon my leadership failures (most times with self-disappointment and shame), I have found myself back before the Cross of our Savior Jesus. There I lay my leadership failures. There I find His forgiveness. There I draw strength from our ultimate leader to set new goals and new self-commitments.
As I mentioned during our Board of Directors’ meeting a couple weeks ago, this is a critical year in re-evaluating, reshaping and remolding our identity as Historic First Lutheran. The members of Historic First Lutheran are looking to me and to each of you to lead them out in advance, to set the direction for us as a congregation “Becoming GREAT in 2008.” If you and I step up and allow the Lord Jesus to make us into the leaders He would have us to be and into the leaders that are so needed right now, Historic First Lutheran will be a different looking place next year. If you and I simply claim our leadership based upon our election or appointment, things at Historic First Lutheran will be pretty much the same place next year and the year after that and the year after that.
My personal style of leadership is not to operate with a harsh hand or with words of rebuke and shame. My personal style of leadership is to operate through encouragement. I hope you see that and sense that in me. I hope we will each grow in our leadership this year and lead others by being out in advance of them, defining the way for them and making their path easier as someone else has already walked that path.
God bless your leadership this month! Thanks for reading!
Pastor Christopher Schaar
Senior / Administrative Pastor
Historic First Lutheran Church, Pasadena, CA
1 Corinthians 1:10-17
Third Sunday after Epiphany
27 January 2008
In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.
“Come! Follow Me! I will make you fishers of men!” [Matthew 4:19]
With those ten words – none longer than 7 letters – Jesus started a revolution that has turned this world upside down. With those ten words, Jesus started a revolution that has endured now for 2,000 years – and instead of declining in intensity even over the past 2,000 years, has indeed only grown stronger. There’s got to be something in those words!
Here we are on the last Sunday of January, 2008. For the first time this year I get to mention from this pulpit our annual motto: “Becoming GREAT in 2008.”
As I have mentioned to many of you individually, as trite as that motto may sound, it should not be taken as trite. Instead, I believe, it is and it is going to be a very challenging motto, a motto that, in one way or another, is going to literally define the future of this congregation. If we rise to the challenge and do the hard work of “becoming” great, the future here is bright and the future here is long. If we simply acknowledge the motto as a cute, trite saying to circle around during 2008, the future here will look like present – which is not necessarily bad, but it may not particularly be what God has in mind for this place and our future.
What would you think if I told you I already had the secret equation to fulfill our motto, to make us truly great? Well, I do have the “secret” equation. Or, I should say, Paul does. And Jesus, in calling His first disciples, did. And Isaiah did. The secret equation is the power of God, the power revealed in Jesus Christ, the power of the Cross.
I don’t have to tell you that we live in a splintered world. Nowhere is that seen anywhere clearer than in the religious community. Here in Pasadena alone, since the 1950's, there have been three Lutheran churches of our own particular denomination, The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. In Pasadena and Altadena together, there are a total of 8 Lutheran churches belonging to The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and the Church of the Lutheran Brethren. We are either the second or third largest congregation, so that gives you an idea of the overall sizes of these 8 congregations. And that’s just starting things. If you stand at the corner of Los Robles and Buckeye, within eyesight, if it were not for all trees and houses, are no fewer than 11 churches. Let me define the scope of that eyesight – it’s from Washington to Orange Grove, from Raymond to El Molino. 11 identifiable churches – and probably even more that we’re not aware of. We are again probably the second or third largest of those 11 congregations in these several square blocks.
We live in a splintered world. Everyone is after their own “market share.” If I were to walk into any of those 8 Lutheran churches in Pasadena or Altadena, or into any of those 11 churches in this neighborhood and start passing out our church newsletter and my business card, you can be sure I wouldn’t be too warmly welcomed. And that’s probably putting it lightly.
The same seems to be true of the first century church. There was the “Church of Paul” and the “Church of Apollos” and the “Church of Cephas” and the “Church of Christ.” Talk about confusing, especially when they were all saying the same thing. They were all preaching the same message. They were all attempting to get the message out about Jesus Christ, the Son of God Who came from Heaven to earth to live, to suffer, to die and to rise again to save the entire world . Through that simple, but powerful message, they were all attempting to empty hell and populate Heaven.
But then the human got in the way. Let’s be honest here – the devil inserted the human ego in the equation, into the life of the church. Toes got stepped on. Feelings got hurt. People left one church for another church and suddenly the “war” was on: the “war” for church members, the “war” for raw numbers, the “war” for the best preacher, the “war” for the best location, the “war” for the most media coverage.
That “war” is today very evident. It’s very evident to those of us in the church. It’s sadly very evident to those outside the church. We’ve come very far from those early days when mission and ministry were simply defined by Jesus with ten words: “Come! Follow Me! I will make you fishers of men!”
Listen to what John the Baptist had to say about all this, even before the “war” started: "A man can receive only what is given him from Heaven. You yourselves can testify that I said, 'I am not the Christ but am sent ahead of Him.' The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom's voice. That joy is mine and it is now complete. He must become greater. I must become less” [John 3:27-30 NIV].
That’s basically also what Paul said: “It’s not about me. It’s not about a building with a sign that says, “The Church of Paul.” It’s not about having a following. It’s not about having a parish register with lots of names on the recently baptized list. It’s not about your name in the bulletin or your picture hanging in the Narthex. It’s about Jesus Christ. It’s His Church. He’s the Bridegroom. The Church is His bride. He must increase. We must decrease.
There is the simple – and yet not so simple – equation for “Becoming GREAT in 2008.” We must decrease. He must increase
Imagine for just a moment what this place would look like if all people saw and all they heard was Jesus Christ. Imagine in the darkness of the noisy world with all the churches screaming their own message and promoting their own church, that there was one sweetly penetrating refrain: “Jesus.” That refrain would become a magnet. I don’t say that. Jesus said it: “Come! Follow Me! I will make you fishers of men!”
Imagine also for just a moment what your own life would look like and feel like if all you were really concerned about was allowing the Lord Jesus to increase in your life and in your relationships.
The revolution started by Jesus some 2000 years ago can indeed impact this place. It can indeed impact each of us. It simply takes the inspiration and power of the Holy Spirit to know that it’s not about us, but it’s about what Jesus on Calvary’s Cross has done for us and for all people.
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 Charlie Freeny in thanksgiving to God for His many blessings and in loving memory of the birthday of her father, Charles Wrenn.
GREEN PARAMENTS The beautiful green paraments adorning our altar, lectern and
pulpit were lovingly donated in memory of Marsenlane Parker.
LUTHERAN WITNESS SUBSCRIPTIONS It’s time to begin or renew your annual subscription to “The Lutheran Witness.” Annual rate is $15.00. Please use the designated envelope in your assigned envelope box or clearly mark your check and envelope for “Lutheran Witness.”
ALTAR GUILD MEETING TODAY All present and prospective members of the Altar Guild are invited to a light luncheon after worship today in the Green Room.
WEARING YOUR WITNESS BRACELET? Are you still wearing your witnessing bracelet? If you need another one, please see Pastor Schaar.
FLOWER DONORS NEEDED! Please note that there are two Sundays in February – and several others throughout the year – in need of flower donations to beautify our altar. The cost has increased to $50.00 this year for two bouquets but, as you’ve hopefully noticed, the arrangements are more bountiful with nicer flowers. This is a perfect way to celebrate a birthday, an anniversary or other special events. Please stop by the Flower Chart in the Narthex today.
2007 CONTRIBUTION STATEMENTS Please note that year-end statements have been mailed. Please review these immediately and report any potential errors to financial secretary, Marilyn Plummer.
MUSIC IN THE CHAMBERS You are all cordially invited to a recital featuring our own Mark McCormick accompanying Jesus Florido on Friday 1 February at 7:00 p.m. at the Culver City Council Chambers. There is free admission, but you must call 310-253-5716 for seat reservations. Seating is limited so advance reservations are a must!
WEAR THOSE BEADS AND FESTIVE CLOTHES NEXT SUNDAY! Next Sunday is Mardi Gras Sunday, the last celebratory service before the start of the somber Season of Lent. Wear those beads! Wear those festive clothes! A doughnut reception will follow the service.
SHARING A SECRET If you receive the Pasadena Star News, you can receive a 50% discount by charging your subscription to a credit card. Call 1-800-788-1200 and talk to a subscription salesperson and ask for this discount!
PLANNING A NEW MINISTRY The Board of Elders, the Board of Evangelism and the Board of Social Ministry are working together to identify members who need transportation to get to church regularly and providing that transportation.
HOORAY! The organ refurbishing project is now officially complete. You will begin to hear Mark experiment with the new electronic components which will supplement and enhance our pipes. A formal dedicatory “blow-out” service is in the planning for sometime this Spring.
A NEW “MINISTRY” We have noticed that there are times when its important to have an emergency contact number for our church members. These contact numbers will be stored in our computer for emergency contact. Please write the name and telephone number of an emergency contact (including their relation to you) on the back of an attendance card.
MICHAEL SCHOEMAN’S TESTIMONY An additional supply of Michael Schoeman’s testimony is available from the Information Rack in the Narthex.
CALLING ALL WOMEN! The 8th Women's Conference titled "Headlines, Headaches, and Head Coverings" (Psalm 23) sponsored by the Pacific Southwest District President's Commission on Women is scheduled for Saturday 23 February 2008 at Christ Lutheran Church in Costa Mesa, CA. The one-day seminar will feature Dr. Jean Garton, who has served on the LCMS Board of Directors, has chaired the LCMS President's Commission on Women, and is a noted speaker and author. The cost is $25 per person or $20 per person if four or more registrations are sent together. Lunch is included in the cost. For information, contact Carol Numrich. Four members of our church attended last year and if you have questions talk to either Carol Numrich, Ocilda Files, Jessica Valentine or Lillian Greenlee.
WE CAN MAKE $1,300.00! That’s right! Thanks to a generous grant from Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, if we can raise $1,300.00 to offset the additional costs of our music and Spanish ministries, they will match that amount dollar for dollar. Please use a designated or pew envelope, clearly marked “Special Fundrasier.” We must raise this money by 4/1/2008.
USHERS TAKE NOTE Next week’s service will involve Usher Team #6 – Rogelio Douglas, Henry Hubert, Yashar Kafi, and Marlene Ochetti.
January 27 – Ezekiel 48
January 28 – Daniel 1
January 29 – Daniel 2
January 30 – Daniel 3
January 31 – Daniel 4
February 1 – Daniel 5
February 2 – Daniel 6
We believe in the healing power of prayer. Therefore we bring the following requests to God’s Throne of Grace:
Sunday 27 January – “Lord, to You eternal praise!”
Monday 28 January – Celebrate the birthdays of friends by praying for them today: Elizabeth Campbell (1/28); Alice Franzen (1/28); Carol Potter (2/1).
Tuesday 29 January – “Thank You, Lord!”
Wednesday 30 January – Please remember the Lord’s work in Macau as you pray that the Lord grants missionaries much needed energy to tirelessly teach classes, spend time with students, carry out administrative duties and complete other ministry tasks. These tasks can be overwhelming. The different language, culture and tiring weather add to the challenges.
Thursday 31 January – Please remember God’s work in East Africa as you pray for the Lutheran Church in Lira, Uganda, as it ministers to many people in nearby camps who are internally displaced due to rebel fighting. Pray that the Church would grow and there would be leaders to assist those who are returning to their villages as peace comes to the region.
Friday 1 February – Thank God for the gift of music and the beauty it brings to our lives.
Saturday 2 February – Read Psalm 150 and add your own prayers of praise and thanksgiving.
ALTAR FLOWERS are given anonymously to the glory of God in memory of and in thanksgiving for The Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and in honor of the preaching ministry of Dr. Stoterau.
GREEN PARAMENTS The beautiful green paraments adorning our altar, lectern and
pulpit were lovingly donated in memory of Marsenlane Parker.
LUTHERAN WITNESS SUBSCRIPTIONS It’s time to begin or renew your annual subscription to “The Lutheran Witness.” Annual rate is $15.00. Please use the designated envelope in your assigned envelope box or clearly mark your check and envelope for “Lutheran Witness.”
ALTAR GUILD MEETING All present and prospective members of the Altar Guild are invited to a light luncheon and meeting next Sunday after worship in the Green Room.
WEARING YOUR WITNESS BRACELET? Are you still wearing your witnessing bracelet? If you need another one, please see Pastor Schaar.
FLOWER DONORS NEEDED! Please note that there are two Sundays in February – and several others throughout the year – in need of flower donations to beautify our altar. The cost has increased to $50.00 this year for two bouquets but, as you’ve hopefully noticed, the arrangements are more bountiful with nicer flowers. This is a perfect way to celebrate a birthday, an anniversary or other special events. Please stop by the Flower Chart in the Narthex today.
2007 CONTRIBUTION STATEMENTS Please note that year-end statements have been mailed. Please review these immediately and report any potential errors to financial secretary, Marilyn Plummer.
MUSIC IN THE CHAMBERS You are all cordially invited to a recital featuring our own Mark McCormick accompanying Jesus Florido on Friday 1 February at 7:00 p.m. at the Culver City Council Chambers. There is free admission, but you must call 310-253-5716 for seat reservations. Seating is limited so advance reservations are a must!
TWO WEEKS FROM TODAY You won’t want to miss our annual celebration of Mardi Gras Sunday, complete with lots of special music.
HOORAY! The organ refurbishing project is now officially complete. You will begin to hear Mark experiment with the new electronic components which will supplement and enhance our pipes. A formal dedicatory “blow-out” service is in the planning for sometime this Spring.
CALLING ALL WOMEN! The 8th Women's Conference titled "Headlines, Headaches, and Head Coverings" (Psalm 23) sponsored by the Pacific Southwest District President's Commission on Women is scheduled for Saturday 23 February 2008 at Christ Lutheran Church in Costa Mesa, CA. The one-day seminar will feature Dr. Jean Garton, who has served on the LCMS Board of Directors, has chaired the LCMS President's Commission on Women, and is a noted speaker and author. The cost is $25 per person or $20 per person if four or more registrations are sent together. Lunch is included in the cost. For information, contact Carol Numrich. Four members of our church attended last year and if you have questions talk to either Carol Numrich, Ocilda Files, Jessica Valentine or Lillian Greenlee.
A NEW “MINISTRY” We have noticed that there are times when its important to have an emergency contact number for our church members. These contact numbers will be stored in our computer for emergency contact. Please write the name and telephone number of an emergency contact (including their relation to you) on the back of an attendance card.
WE CAN MAKE $1,300.00! That’s right! Thanks to a generous grant from Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, if we can raise $1,300.00 to offset the additional costs of our music and Spanish ministries, they will match that amount dollar for dollar. Please use a designated or pew envelope, clearly marked “Special Fundrasier.” We must raise this money by 4/1/2008.
USHERS TAKE NOTE Next week’s service will involve Usher Team #5 – Ocilda Files, Rudy Melinat, Lisa Morita and Scott Vila.
January 20 – Ezekiel 41
January 21 – Ezekiel 42
January 22 – Ezekiel 43
January 23 – Ezekiel 44
January 24 – Ezekiel 45
January 25 – Ezekiel 46
January 26 – Ezekiel 47
Sunday 20 January – Thank God for the preaching ministry of Dr. Stoterau. Ask God to continue to lead him as he leads us.
Monday 21 January – Thank God for the life and ministry of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and for the enduring difference he made in our world.
Tuesday 22 January – Celebrate the birthdays of friends by praying for them today: Arline Pace (20); Nicko Avila (20); Michealene Melus (23).
Wednesday 23 January – Ask God to continue to lead you every day of this year.
Thursday 24 January – Thank God for the ministries of Pastor Schaar and Pastor Gómez in our midst.
Friday 25 January – “Help us, Lord, through our ‘Good Friday’ Youth Outreach to welcome the little children into Your Arms.”
Saturday 26 January – Read Psalm 51 and make it your personal prayer of confession.
The Reverend Dr. Larry Stoterau, Bishop / District President of the Pacific Southwest District of The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod, will make his annual preaching visit to Historic First Lutheran on Sunday 20 January 2008!
With more than 300 congregations under his care, there is no way Dr. Stoterau can possibly visit each congregation every year. His visits to Historic First Lutheran continue a long tradition of annual visits because of Historic First Lutheran’s position as a “Mother Church” of the District and because of our “Cathedral Ministry.”
As a “Cathedral Ministry” of The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod, we regularly host events not just for our own congregation, but also for Lutheran Christians throughout the entire region. Historic First Lutheran is also the home of the Cathedra, known as “The Bishop’s Chair.” The Cathedra is clearly marked in our chancel and lists all the Bishops / District Presidents who have been in our church building since the founding of the District in 1930. (Historic First Lutheran actually predates the District by 38 years.)
Since his election as Bishop / District President in 2000, Dr. Stoterau has annually visited Historic First Lutheran in January, bringing greetings on behalf of the entire District and Synod.
Please plan now to attend worship on Sunday 20 January and express your thanks and greetings to Dr. Stoterau!
Historic First Lutheran Church, 808 N. Los Robles, will celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday this Sunday at 10:00 a.m. by welcoming The Reverend Dr. Larry Stoterau, Bishop / District President of The Pacific Southwest District of The Lutheran Church -- Missouri Synod. Prior to his election as Bishop in 2000, Dr. Stoterau served congregations in Alhambra and in Chandler, AZ. Reverend Christopher Schaar, Senior Pastor of Historic First Lutheran, will lead worship. Through this special service, Historic First Lutheran will celebrate its long history of being an integrated congregation. A luncheon will follow the service. All are invited. For more information, contact 626.793.1139 or historicfirstlutheran.org
Romans 6:1-11
The Baptism of our Lord
13 January 2008
In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.
You probably all remember the 1985 movie by the title, “Back to the Future.” In that movie, Michael J. Fox portrayed 17-year-old Marty McFly. In the movie, Marty connects up with a mad scientist of sorts who has developed this time traveling space machine. It still has a few flaws and the scientist convinces Marty to be his guinea pig and help him further refine space travel. Marty gets into this space machine and finds himself transported back some 30 years to his own home town when his parents were his age. There in the past, he learned some things and messed with some things that would impact the future. Finally he learned that he had to get “Back to the Future” and not continue to dwell in the past.
When you stop to think about it, that’s probably a good theme to ponder at the relative start of yet another new year – “back to the future” and not dwelling in the past. At the starts of new years, it’s often our tendency to look back, to ponder yesterday, to count yesterday’s losses, to regret yesterday’s indiscretions and to get angry at yesterday’s injustices. If that’s where you find yourself today, I declare that it’s time to get back to the future.
How many of you have already broken your New Year’s Resolutions? It’s time to get back to the future.
How many of you have joined the couple of people I heard from this past week in realizing after my sermon last Sunday just how depressing this time of the year can really be with all decorations being taken down and packed away and all the Christmas spending spree bills beginning to arrive? It’s time to get back to the future.
That’s actually a great modern day summary of what St. Paul wrote for us today. First, he takes us back. St. Paul takes us back to the very reason why Jesus Christ had to leave His Home and His Throne and make His habitation among us for 33 years. That reason was our sin. It was our sin that effected the action of God. It was our sin that drove Jesus to the Cross where He suffered and died. It was our sin; it was the devil; it was death itself that was completely conquered by Jesus Christ on the Cross.
It is important to go back to those facts, but not so that we can wallow there, but instead to give us reason to get back to the future.
St. Paul says it like this: “If we have been united with Him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with Him in His Resurrection ... Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with Him” [Romans 6:5, 8]. That’s what you can summarize as “Back to the Future.” We need to look back to see what happened for us in the past. But when we do that, we get the uneasy sinking feeling and sneaking suspicion that that is not where we belong. There is no room for us in the life of sin. There is no room for us in the grave. There is no room for us in the clutches of the devil. The victory of Jesus Christ over sin, death and the devil is a victory for us. The victory of Jesus Christ propels us back into the present and sets our eyes on the future.
Many years ago, a man hired an experienced guide to lead him on a hike into the Swiss Alps. After many hours, they came to a high and remote mountain pass. To the man’s dismay, he saw the path had almost been washed out. To the left was a sheer rock cliff hundreds of feet high. To his right was a precipice that dropped nearly 1000 feet. They couldn’t go up. They couldn’t go down. He didn’t want to go back, so forward they went until he looked down at that drop. Looking down, he felt his head grow faint and his knees begin to buckle. At that moment, his guide shouted, "Do not look down or you are a dead man. Keep your eyes on me and where I put my feet, put yours there as well." The man did as he was instructed and soon he passed from danger to safety.
Jesus says those words to you and to me this morning: “Don’t look down or you’re a dead man in your sin. Keep your eyes on Me and put your feet where mine have gone.” Death and resurrection. Hopelessness and hope. Back to the future.
On New Year’s Day, 1929, Georgia Tech played the University of California in the Rose Bowl. In that game a man named Roy Riegels recovered a fumble for California. Somehow, he became confused and started running 65 yards in the wrong direction. That strange play came in the first half, and everyone who was watching the game was asking the same question: “What will Coach Nibbs Price do with Roy Riegels in the second half?” At half time, Coach Price looked at the team and said simply, “Men, the same team that played the first half will start the second.” The players got up and started out, all but Riegels. The coach looked back and called to him. Still he didn’t move. Coach Price went over to where Riegels sat and said, “Roy, didn’t you hear me? Then Roy looked up, his cheeks wet with a strong man’s tears, and said. “Coach, I couldn’t face that crowd in the stadium to save my life.” Then Coach Price reached out and put his hand on Riegels’ shoulder and said to him: “Roy, get up and go on back. The game is only half over.” So Roy Riegels went back, and those Tech men will tell you that they have never seen a man play football as Roy Riegels played in that second half.
That’s a lesson for you and for me. The Bible teaches us that what is done is done. There is no use in going back and reliving it or redoing it. God has one direction in life for us and that is forward. When King David sinned and displeased the Lord, God punished him for that sin and he grieved over it. Then, recognizing that the grief would not undo what he had undone, David put away his grief and “got back in the game.”
When we go back and see our sin and see the consequences of our sin, it is good to realize that the game is not over, only half over. With repentance and sorrow for our sin, God over and over again sends us back to the future and gives us the opportunity to “face” our sin with the knowledge that there doesn’t need to be a repeat of it in the “second half” of our lives. A better “game” can still be had if only we put off regret and go back to the future and put on the hope that He has created for us.
So where are you today? Has time travel transported you again into the past? Are you counting yesterday’s losses? Are you regretting yesterday’s indiscretions? Are you angry at yesterday’s injustices? If so, it’s time to get back to the future. It’s time to again touch the waters of Holy Baptism, to recall Christ’s death and Resurrection for you, then to claim the life He has planned for you – today, tomorrow and every day.
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 Shelly Daniels in honor of the birthday of her son, Tracy, and for all the blessings given their family.
NEXT SUNDAY Our Bishop/District President, The Reverend Dr. Larry Stoterau, will make his annual preaching visit to Historic First Lutheran. Please invite family and friends. A luncheon will follow the service.
THANK YOU! Pastor Schaar extends thanks to everyone who remembered him at Christmas with cards and gifts. He greatly appreciates your thoughtfulness and generosity.
LUTHERAN WITNESS SUBSCRIPTIONS It’s time to begin or renew your annual subscription to “The Lutheran Witness.” Annual rate is $15.00. Please use the designated envelope in your assigned envelope box or clearly mark your check and envelope for “Lutheran Witness.”
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.
MULTICULTURAL CHOIR FESTIVAL Dr. Terrence Roberts serves as the Master of Ceremonies on Sunday 27 January at 5:00 p.m. at All Saints Church, 132 N. Euclid. Participating choirs include the Pasadena City College Gospel Choir and the Yong Nak Presbyterian Church. Suggested donation is $10.00. (626) 583-2752
PRAY! At the start of this New Year, please don’t forget our weekly Prayer Service every Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. to 12 Noon in the church. Join with your sisters and brothers in Christ in raising your cares and concerns to our loving God.
CALLING ALL WOMEN! The 8th Women's Conference titled "Headlines, Headaches, and Head Coverings" (Psalm 23) sponsored by the Pacific Southwest District President's Commission on Women is scheduled for Saturday 23 February 2008 at Christ Lutheran Church in Costa Mesa, CA. The one-day seminar will feature Dr. Jean Garton, who has served on the LCMS Board of Directors, has chaired the LCMS President's Commission on Women, and is a noted speaker and author. The cost is $25 per person or $20 per person if four or more registrations are sent together. Lunch is included in the cost. For information, contact Carol Numrich. Four members of our church attended last year and if you have questions talk to either Carol Numrich, Ocilda Files, Jessica Valentine or Lillian Greenlee.
ALTAR GUILD MEETING All present and prospective members of the Altar Guild are invited to a light luncheon and meeting on Sunday 27 January after worship in the Green Room.
WEARING YOUR WITNESS BRACELET? Are you still wearing your witnessing bracelet? If you need another one, please see Pastor Schaar.
A NEW “MINISTRY” We have noticed that there are times when its important to have an emergency contact number for our church members. These contact numbers will be stored in our computer for emergency contact. Please write the name and telephone number of an emergency contact (including their relation to you) on the back of an attendance card.
FOUR CONFIRMATIONS THIS AFTERNOON! This afternoon at 1:00 p.m., as part of our Spanish-Language worship service, Pastor Schaar, in his role as our Senior Pastor, will confirm four young people into the Christian faith. A luncheon will follow the service. All are invited and encouraged to attend.
WE CAN MAKE $1,300.00! That’s right! Thanks to a generous grant from Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, if we can raise $1,300.00 to offset the additional costs of our music and Spanish ministries, they will match that amount dollar for dollar. Please use a designated or pew envelope, clearly marked “Special Fundrasier.” We must raise this money by 4/1/2008.
USHERS TAKE NOTE Next week’s service will involve Usher Team #4 – Doris Barnes, Taina Feher, Rudy Melinat and Paul Nagle.
January 13 – Ezekiel 34
January 14 – Ezekiel 35
January 15 – Ezekiel 36
January 16 – Ezekiel 37
January 17 – Ezekiel 38
January 18 – Ezekiel 39
January 19 – Ezekiel 40
We believe in the healing power of prayer. Therefore we bring the following requests to God’s Throne of Grace:
Sunday 13 January – Ask God to pour out His abundant blessings upon Jonathan Acosta, Juan Acosta, Sergio Diaz and Silvia Romero as they are today confirmed.
Monday 14 January – Celebrate the birthdays of friends by praying for them today: Jeff Potter (14); Bill Files (18).
Tuesday 15 January – “O God, our Help in ages past, continue to be our strong Defense in days ahead.”
Wednesday 16 January – Pray today for all in authority over us.
Thursday 17 January – Pray by name for our shut-in members: Cleora Bryan, Jill Fenske, Elizabeth Larson, Gloria Melinat, Lucile Moore, Charles Newhouse, Clara Newhouse, Arline Pace, Claudia Proctor, Estelle Thaxton and Ethel Watkins.
Friday 18 January – Thank God for this new day of your life.
Saturday 19 January – Ask God to pour out His Spirit upon Dr. Larry Stoterau as he prepares to share God’s Word with us tomorrow.
ALTAR FLOWERS are given to the glory of God by the Barnes family in thanksgiving to God for another year, in loving memory of R.L.’s birthday, and seeking God’s grace and mercy during the year ahead.
WHITE PARAMENTS The beautiful white paraments adorning our altar, lectern and pulpit were lovingly donated in memory of Paul Daniels.
TWO WEEKS FROM TODAY On Sunday 20 January 2008, our Bishop/District President, The Reverend Dr. Larry Stoterau, will make his annual preaching visit to Historic First Lutheran. Begin now to invite family and friends.
THANK YOU! Pastor Schaar extends thanks to everyone who remembered him at Christmas with cards and gifts. He greatly appreciates your thoughtfulness and generosity.
LUTHERAN WITNESS SUBSCRIPTIONS It’s time to begin or renew your annual subscription to “The Lutheran Witness.” Annual rate is $15.00. Please use the designated envelope in your assigned envelope box or clearly mark your check and envelope for “Lutheran Witness.”
MULTICULTURAL CHOIR FESTIVAL Dr. Terrence Roberts serves as the Master of Ceremonies on Sunday 27 January at 5:00 p.m. at All Saints Church, 132 N. Euclid. Participating choirs include the Pasadena City College Gospel Choir and the Yong Nak Presbyterian Church. Suggested donation is $10.00. (626) 583-2752
BOARD OF DIRECTORS! Please note that advance packets for next Sunday’s meeting will be mailed to you by Wednesday this week.
PRAY! At the start of this New Year, please don’t forget our weekly Prayer Service every Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. to 12 Noon in the church. Join with your sisters and brothers in Christ in raising your cares and concerns to our loving God.
“GOOD FRIDAY” RESUMES! Our weekly outreach to the children of our neighborhood and community resumes this Friday at 6:30 p.m. in the gym.
CONGRATULATIONS! Our congregational president, Gerald Freeny, served as Head of Security for the Tournament of Roses this year. Special thanks and congratulations to Gerald and his committee for keeping us and our community safe!
MANY SPECIAL THANKS! Last Sunday’s wonderful Italian luncheon was prepared for us by Michealene Melus and Carol Schlichting. We all completely enjoyed their culinary talents. Thanks, Mikey and Carol!
USHERS TAKE NOTE Next week’s service will involve Usher Team #3 – Chris Baker, Asunta Barnes, Michael Dickens and Rudy Melinat.
January 6 – Ezekiel 27
January 7 – Ezekiel 28
January 8 – Ezekiel 29
January 9 – Ezekiel 30
January 10 – Ezekiel 31
January 11 – Ezekiel 32
January 12 – Ezekiel 33
We believe in the healing power of prayer. Therefore we bring the following requests to God’s Throne of Grace:
Sunday 6 January – Ask God to reveal to you one person who needs to see the Light of Jesus Christ shining in your life.
Monday 7 January – Celebrate the birthdays of friends by praying for them today: Harriet Dickens (11).
Tuesday 8 January – Ask God to show you any sin or darkness in your life which prevents you from shining His Light to the world around you.
Wednesday 9 January – Ask God to help you make prayer a priority in your life during 2008.
Thursday 10 January – Ask God to bless the ministry of our Omega Handbell Choir and Sanctuary Choir as they resume rehearsals tonight.
Friday 11 January – Ask God to bless the children and parents we minister to weekly through our “Good Friday” Youth Outreach.
Saturday 12 January – “I want to walk as a child of the Light. Shine in my heart, Lord Jesus!”