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6/18/2018 July and August 2018St. Paul’s Evangelical-Lutheran Church
109 S. Elm, Kewanee, Illinois 61443 Newsletter Volume 30 July - August 2018 No. 7-8 The Church As every good Lutheran should know, there is only one Christian church on earth, as we confess in the Apostles’ Creed: “I believe in the Holy Christian Church.” Jesus said, “I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (St. Matthew 16). What became problematic early on, in the church’s history, was the rise of false confessions, false teachers, and the need to confess that the church’s faith does not correspond to these. Hence the question arose: How can I know whether I am in the true Christian Church? For ever since the first century, there has been falsehood contending with the truth, as even the hymnist puts it: “Though there be those that hate her, false sons within her pale; Against both foe and traitor She ever shall prevail.” Many have thought, and still think, that the true church can only be known by succession of the apostolic line. Tracing the popes through the centuries beginning with St. Peter, the church of Rome claims this apostolic succession; the Orthodox church does as well, by tracing its line through Constantinople. The Lutheran confessors, and Luther himself, easily poked holes in this idea by showing how councils and popes can and do err. There is no guarantee that any successor to the apostles is a guarantor of infallibly; no such promise from our Lord can be found. What can be found from our Lord, however, is a prayer that his Father would keep his apostles themselves in the truth: “I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world” (St. John 17:14-18). Thus we have as our only touchstone the apostolic Scriptures: the Bible. All of the church’s teachings must come from it and be judged by it. And by this token, however, we learn to know whether or not we have found the church. It is where the word of God is taught in its truth and purity. It is where the truth of Christ is proclaimed, and nowhere else. The sheep know the Shepherd by his voice. If the truth is mingled with some falsehood, as is often the case, we may see the church there dimly, as it were, and this is where we distinguish Christian denominations from religious bodies that are not Christian at all. What every Christian should seek, however, is purity of doctrine, the Gospel in its sublime beauty. Here we have a little parish in Kewanee where, by no strength of man, but by grace alone, the word of God does sound forth purely. This gift ought never be taken lightly. Pray for the church in this place; pray for me, that I may be a faithful steward of the gifts of God. For we do not exist as the church in this place except by his gift of the word and its attendant Sacraments. + Pastor Eckardt June 24 Annual Church Picnic to be at Kraklows’ The annual church picnic is to be held, God willing, at the home of Allan and Barb Kraklow south of Toulon this year. The date is our traditional last Sunday in June, which this year will be June 24th, as soon after church as you can arrive. As usual, it’s a potluck, and bring your own table service. Jazz on the Side at Wiley Park in Galva, June 24th, late afternoon The Levitt AMP Galva Music Series will transform Wiley Park’s large underused lawn into a dynamic community hub for friends, families and neighbors to come together to enjoy a wide range of music genres, positioning Wiley Park to be a point of local pride that invigorates the local community and its surrounding areas. The headliners are the Sones de Mexico Ensemble at 7 pm, but among the local artists performing earlier will be Kewanee’s own Jazz on the Side, beginning at 4:30. Pastor is at the keyboard for the band. NOTICE: Elders and Altar Guild moved to June 26th The first Tuesday of July is the day before Independence Day, which may be problematic for some, so there is a change in schedule, since the regular June meeting was cancelled. ELDERS AND ALTAR GUILD IS NOW SCHEDULED FOR TUESDAY, JUNE 26TH. No meeting in July. Altar Guild at 6 p.m., Vespers at 6:45; Elders at 7:15. Ephesians on Tuesdays: suspended during July Our Tuesday Ephesians class is on the schedule for the remainder of June, but due to the checkerboard calendar of July, it is being suspended for the entire month of July. We will resume on August 7th. July Ushers: Grant Andresen, Larry Campbell, Jim HornbackAugust Ushers: Otis Anderson, John Ricknell, Bill Thompson (Jim Hornback in reserve) Catechesis to Resume in August Saturday catechesis is set to resume the second Saturday in August, which is August 11th, at 9 a.m. Altar Guild News Wednesday masses cancelled July 4th, 11th, and 25th. The only Wednesday mass in July is on the 18th. Wednesday masses scheduled throughout August. Color is white for August 1th (Dormition B.V.M.) and red for August 29th (Martyrdom of St. John the Baptist). Color is Green throughout all Sundays in July and August. July, August Anniversaries July: 7/1/1951 John and Emilie Ricknell August: 8/1/2009 Chris and Trista Dooley July and August Birthdays July: 7/2 Dana McReynolds 7/4 Sarah Kraklow 7/5 Sandra Verplaetse 7/7 Stephen Harris 7/9 Michelle Armstrong 7/10 Otis Anderson 7/10 Dale Baker 7/13 Gayle Beauprez 7/14 Pastor Eckardt August: 8/2 Joyce Long 8/9 Donald Kegebein 8/11 Sam Fisher 8/11 Judy Thompson 8/13 Donald Murphy 8/16 Trista Dooley 8/17 Steven Peart 8/21 John Sovanski 8/24 Becky Russell Shut ins Mary Hamilton at home; Emmy Wear at Williamsfield Home in Williamsfield; Emilie Ricknell at home; Dick Melchin at Hammond-Henry extended care in Geneseo; Joyce Long briefly at her daughter Linda Jacobs’ house, then hoping to return home soon. Vacationing We have plans to take our summer vacation in Northern Wisconsin again this July, from the 21st to the 28th. As usual when I am away, there will be no mass on Wednesday the 25th. Pastor Mike Bahr from Springfield will again be here to fill in on July 22nd. + Pastor In Our Prayers Our list of prayer intentions at mass includes the names on the lists below. To update the lists please inform pastor. in our parish: Emilie Ricknell, John Ricknell, Linda Rowe, Mary Hamilton, Emmy Wear, Sue Murphy, Don Murphy, Joyce Long, Bea Harris, Dick Melchin, DeAnne Anderson, Svetlana Meaker and also: Anna Rutowicz [granddaughter of Harrises] Jodi Rutowicz [daughter of Harrises] Julie Ross [Svetlana Meaker’s daughter] Jill Matchett [at request of Diana Shreck] Annie Eastman [at request of Svetlana Meaker] Steve Draminski [friend of Jim Watson] Kathy Nussear [Joyce Long’s daughter, cancer] Bud Harfst [Sue Murphy’s brother] Harold Woods [Sue Murphy’s brother-in-law] Pam Helmkamp Dick Heiden [Carol Eckardt’s father] Pastor Kenneth Wegener Elizabeth Godke [Sharon Field’s mother] Kathy Hopkins Jesse Armstrong Michael Nelson Brandt and Oneda Hendrickson [Ricknells’ relatives] Bob Laskey [friend of Monroe Kemerling] Linda Anderson Teresa Robertson [Carol Eckardt’s niece] Everly Stoner [relative of Murphys] Sarah Corzine in the military, especially: John Eckardt Donny Appleman [at request of the Ricknells] Thomas Kim [at request of the Shrecks] Michael Creech [at request of the Murphys] Katherine Creech [at request of the Murphys] Richard Heiden [at request of the Eckardts] Carter Wills [grandson of the Thompsons] Luke Van Landigan [grandson of Dick Melchin] Jaclyn Alvarez [daughter of Kris Harden] Traven Wetzel [at request of Kris Harden] Shawn Wetzel Eric Verplaetse [Sandra’s grandson] Jake Mahaffey in trouble: especially any unborn children in danger of abortion those suffering from unrest, persecution, and imprisonment in Pakistan, Egypt, Iraq, Syria, Sudan, North Korea, and elsewhere. CID Convention The 59th Convention of the Central Illinois District of the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod will be held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Springfield, Illinois, on July 8-10, 2018. Your lay delegate is Steve Harris, who will attend, if able, with Pastor. The convention registrations are from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm on Sunday, July 8th, and the convention ssessions begin at 7:00 am on Monday, July 9th and conclude on Wednesday at midday. Some details about the prayer list · The homosexual prime minister of Ireland has stated that all Catholic hospitals must perform abortions. Doctors, nurses, attendants must have the courage and faith to say no, whatever the consequences. Lord, have mercy. · North Korea has reportedly begun opening its borders to Christians. Thanks be to God. St. Paul’s Ev. Lutheran Church 109 S. Elm Street Kewanee, IL 61443 5/24/2018 June 2018St. Paul’s Evangelical-Lutheran Church
109 S. Elm, Kewanee, Illinois 61443 Newsletter Volume 29 June 2018 No. 6 The Holy Trinity What the Doctrine of the Catholic Faith is Concerning the Trinity. "All those catholic expounders of the divine Scriptures, both Old and New, whom I have been able to read, who have written before me concerning the Trinity, who is God, have purposed to teach, according to the Scriptures, this doctrine, that the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit intimate a divine unity of one and the same substance in an indivisible equality; and therefore that they are not three Gods, but one God: although the Father has begotten the Son, and so He who is the Father is not the Son; and the Son is begotten by the Father, and so He who is the Son is not the Father; and the Holy Spirit is neither the Father nor the Son, but only the Spirit of the Father and of the Son, Himself also co-equal with the Father and the Son, and pertaining to the unity of the Trinity. "Yet not that this Trinity was born of the Virgin Mary, and crucified under Pontius Pilate, and buried, and rose again the third day, and ascended into heaven, but only the Son. "Nor, again, that this Trinity descended in the form of a dove upon Jesus when He was baptized; nor that, on the day of Pentecost, after the ascension of the Lord, when there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, the same Trinity sat upon each of them with cloven tongues like as of fire, but only the Holy Spirit. "Nor yet that this Trinity said from heaven, Thou art my Son, whether when He was baptized by John, or when the three disciples were with Him in the mount, or when the voice sounded, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again; but that it was a word of the Father only, spoken to the Son. "Yet the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, as they are indivisible, so work indivisibly. This is also my faith, since it is the catholic faith." -- St. Augustine (ad 354-430), On the Trinity, Chapter 4 Note: St. Augustine here, and customarily, refers to the faith of the Christian Church as the catholic faith. This is because, as the word itself means, it is the faith of the whole Christian Church. It is for this same reason that we declare in saying the Athanasian Creed (on Trinity Sunday) that what we are confessing is “the catholic faith, which, except a man believe faithfully and firmly, he cannot be saved.” + Pastor Eckardt Renovation News: Assembly Votes to Remove Canopy; Plans for Chancel Proceeding On May 6th the voters elected to remove the canopy over the altar. We are planning to set up scaffolding to do this and to proceed with plaster repair and painting very soon. The Church Council on May 16th discussed a proposal for our chancel from Andrew Hattermann We have also heard from Andrew Hatterman, of Murals by Jericho in Peoria, who had a proposal for us. All agreed that although it was quite beautiful, including a new altar and altarpiece, as well as canvas artwork and design for the walls, the cost is prohibitive. We are in no position to spend tens of thousands of dollars, so the matter of whether or not to do something like this seems to have been decided for us. Therefore, there is no need for additional voters’ action at this time because the Council is not recommending the proposal. At present we are looking instead to finish the work we began without making any changes to our current altar or cross. The funds we have can be used to pay Bob Harrison for plaster and painting, and possibly to install new chancel flooring and nave carpeting. We are in the process of considering paint colors and shades that would best work to complement the rest of the church as well as to highlight the importance of the altar and chancel. We also hope to restore the two capitals that were removed in the 1960s in the chancel. The capitals are the ornamented basses of the ceiling ribs that may also be seen throughout the nave. We may even build in columns at the two angled corners against the front wall, provided it is not too difficult. If things go as planned, we would temporarily move the altar forward so as to put up scaffolding behind it. We would remain in the church for worship, but the appearance of the chancel wall would be a work in progress. Pastor Completes New Book: Leave It Alone. You’ll Break It. Liturgical Observations. For months I have been chipping away, little by little, at a project that has finally come to completion, a collection of Liturgical Observer columns I have written for Gottesdienst over the past 21 years, now under a single cover, entitled Leave It Alone. You’ll Break It. Liturgical Observations. This is another Gottesdienst book, retailing for $33.98, but it may be discount ordered at the printing house (www.lulu.com) for a 25% discount, bringing the price down to $25.49. But for an even lower cost, you can purchase one at St. Paul’s for just $20.00. All the proceeds will go to Gottesdienst, which is the liturgical quarterly owned by this congregation and having subscribers all across the country (and even abroad). Some of the things I noted years ago are just as worth noting again today, some ten or twenty years later. So here they are, observations from across the years, all of which have aimed, however inadequately, at supporting the Church and her historic liturgy. The book is available for purchase, and a display is set up in the gym. + Pastor Eckardt Picnic to be Last Sunday in June, Place TBA The annual church picnic is to be held, God willing, on Sunday, June 24th, our traditional last Sunday in June, but the place has yet to be determined. Time will be as soon after church and Bible Class as you can arrive. As usual, it’s a potluck, and bring your own table service. June Birthdays: 6/5 Linda Rowe 6/15 Jill Powers 6/16 Berniece Harris 6/29 Jim Watson June Ushers: Allan Kraklow, Steve Kraklow, Tom Wells. June Anniversaries: 6/17/1967 Robert and Mary Beth Jones 6/18/1960 Sandra and John Verplaetse 6/18/1977 Fr. Burnell and Carol Eckardt 6/18/1966 Don and Sue Murphy 6/19/1977 Dana and Carol McReynolds 6/19/1966 William and Judy Thompson 6/27/1981 Steve and Gail Peart Pastor’s Travel Plans in June Pastor and Carol have planned a number of short trips in June. First, Pastor and Carol will be leaving town on Tuesday, June 5th to visit Carol’s father in Florida, returning Saturday, June 9th. Therefore, per our usual custom there will be no mass on Wednesday night. Second is a brief trip to Galena to see the hot-air balloon festival, June 15th-16th. Former members Jude and Scott Clapper will be joining us there. No worship schedule is affected. Third is the annual Concordia Catechetical Academy symposium in the Milwaukee area from June 20th to the 22nd. This is always a worthwhile event for pastors and laity. If you are interested, see the note on page 4. On Wednesday the 20th there will be no midweek activities. Tuesday Afternoon at St. Paul’s Usually on a Tuesday at 5 p.m. a group of us meet in Pastor’s office to study Scripture. We have been studying Ephesians. Join us for a lively conversation. Always Remember Saturdays Every Saturday the church needs a crew of volunteers to help with cleaning, yard work, mowing, etc. If we get a nice group, we even like to enjoy a coffee break and lunch together sometimes. Join us if you can; the help is always welcome, and the more, the merrier. We are always thankful for the volunteer spirit of our members, who put in so much of their time and treasure to help maintain the vibrancy of this little congregation. Altar Guild Notes
In Our Prayers Our list of prayer intentions at mass includes the names on the lists below. To update the lists please inform pastor. in our parish: Emilie Ricknell, John Ricknell, Linda Rowe, Mary Hamilton, Emmy Wear, Sue Murphy, Don Murphy, Joyce Long, Steve Peart, Bea Harris, Dick Melchin, DeAnne Anderson, Svetlana Meaker and also: Anna Rutowicz [granddaughter of Harrises] Jodi Rutowicz [daughter of Harrises] Julie Ross [Svetlana Meaker’s daughter] Jill Matchett [at request of Diana Shreck] Annie Eastman [at request of Svetlana Meaker] Steve Draminski [friend of Jim Watson] Kathy Nussear [Joyce Long’s daughter, cancer] Bud Harfst [Sue Murphy’s brother] Harold Woods [Sue Murphy’s brother-in-law] Pam Helmkamp Dick Heiden [Carol Eckardt’s father] Pastor Kenneth Wegener Elizabeth Godke [Sharon Field’s mother] Kathy Hopkins Jesse Armstrong Michael Nelson Brandt & Oneda Hendrickson [Ricknell relatives] Bob Laskey [friend of Monroe Kemerling] in the military, especially: John Eckardt Donny Appleman [at request of the Ricknells] Thomas Kim [at request of the Shrecks] Michael Creech [at request of the Murphys] Katherine Creech [at request of the Murphys] Richard Heiden [at request of the Eckardts] Carter Wills [grandson of the Thompsons] Luke Van Landigan [grandson of Dick Melchin] Jaclyn Alvarez [daughter of Kris Harden] Traven Wetzel [at request of Kris Harden] Shawn Wetzel Eric Verplaetse [Sandra’s grandson] Jake Mahaffey in trouble: especially any unborn children in danger of abortion those suffering from unrest, persecution, and imprisonment in Pakistan, Egypt, Iraq, Syria, Sudan, North Korea, and elsewhere Altar Guild, Elders 2nd Tuesday The usual first Tuesday meetings for June are moved to the second Tuesday this month: June 12th. Thanks Be to God for Sacrificial Giving and Volunteering The members of this parish have always responded to the needs of the parish with dedicated, sacrificial giving of contributions and volunteering time, for which we are bound to give thanks to Almighty God. Our special spring cleaning day was no exception. Answering the call for special volunteer help on May 19th (and earlier that week) we had some 18 volunteers who worked feverishly to accomplish many needed items:
The weather cooperated and enabled us to go to the Eckardts’ backyard garden for a hot dog roast Carol had set up. The dedication of our membership is a testimony to the grace of God that has given his people thankful hearts and a willingness to keep this church in good order. CCA’s 25th Symposium Features Pastor The annual Concordia Catechetical Academy Symposium will be meeting in Waukesha, Wisconsin, from June 20-22. Its theme is The Gift of Creation and Her Redemption in Christ. This year’s symposium is particularly intended “for parents, pastors, teachers, and homeschoolers: An exploration of Lutheran Catechesis materials for catechizing on God’s gift of creation and her redemption in Christ,” but is always a worthwhile event for anyone else. Pastor Eckardt is one of the speakers this year. Details are posted in the hallway Shut ins Mary Hamilton at home Joyce Long at home Emilie Ricknell at home Dick Melchin at Hammond-Henry extended care in Geneseo. Emmy Wear at Williamsfield retirement home Welcome Home, Mary After a convalescence of several months at her son’s home in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Mary Hamilton has returned home again. Welcome back! Recruiting for Catechesis Catechesis concluded on March 17th; we now look forward toward the recruitment of new members. Do you know someone? A family member or co-worker, perhaps? The schedule is flexible for any adult who has interest. The best way to pick up new members is by personal invitation coming from you! That is, our members are our best resources when it comes to bringing new members in. Be sure to pick up a tract or two from the rack in the hallway to have available. Church Council Moved to 2nd Wednesday The Council meeting is moved to the 2nd Wednesday this month (June 13th), due to Pastor’s travel plans. Illinois Family Institute I recommend the Illinois Family Institute our members. It provides educational materials and is a strong advocate promoting the family, marriage, and pro-life causes in the State of Illinois. I will be making their occasional newsletter available in the narthex. You can check out their web site at www.illinoisfamily.org. -Pastor The Lighter Side An Alternative Medical Dictionary
St. Paul’s Ev. Lutheran Church 109 S. Elm Street Kewanee, IL 61443 |
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