The Lutheran Spokesman (January 1997)
Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
Mark 16:15
In this issue:
Jesus Makes A Powerful Impression!
People Of God -- Diverse, Yet United
Man Is No Match For The Devil
"Oh, How I Suffer!"
Smorgasbord
If We Resemble Apes, Does That Mean We Evolved From Apes?
Worthy Through Christ
Country School Day
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Articles
They say that a good product will sell itself. You can tell by the way
people talk. If they like a new product, they not only use it for
themselves. They tell their friends. They recommend the product to
others. Likewise, when people are satisfied with their doctor or their
mechanic or their barber, they spread the word, especially when the
subject comes up in conversation.
We could say that Jesus Christ has the same effect on His believers.
He truly makes a powerful impression. Through the revelation of
Scirpture, the Christian knows the power that Jesus has. The Christian
has experienced the blessings of having Christ as his all-sufficient
Savior from sin. The believer (namely you and me ) knows that his sins
are forgiven through the blood atonement of his Lord. On that solid
basis he is confident of his place in heaven.. To borrow a commercial
expression of our day -- the Christian is "sold" on Jesus. He
understands what Christ has done for hime and is willing to share his
"recommendation" with the people in his life.
On The First Disciples
Let's take the disciples as a prime example. These men spent three
years in the company of our Savior. They saw the Lord in action. The
witnessed the powerful miracles that Jesus did. They saw Him die an
undeserved death on the cross. And with their own two eyes, they
beheld the conquering Savior risen from the grave!
Do you really think that they could keep these events to themselves?
The Lord had made a powerful impression. They could not remain
silent. In obedience to the Master's command and by the powerful
influence of the Spirit, they shared the story of Christ with all
types of people. They talked up the Savior, even though it brought
trouble into their lives. The threat of persecution and death did not
stop them from spreading the Gospel all over the Roman Empire.
You can hear the conviction of the apostle John when he writes:
"That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we
have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands
have handled, concerning the Word of Life . . . we declare to you"
(1 Jn. 1:1,3).
It's quite amazing when you realize how cowardly the disciples used
to be. On the night before the Lord's death, Peter denied even
knowing Jesus. A few days later the disciples were too afraid to
step into public. Under the mistaken assumption that their Master
was gone, these men were lost. But the fear and the cowardice was
swept away at last. Jesus changed their attitude by proving that He
was alive. Why else would Peter and the others be so willing to
face death for the sake of Christ? The lasting impression was too
strong. They knew that Christ was alive. They knew that He would
reign forever as the all-powerful Lord of heaven and earth.
On You And Me
Christ makes the same impression on His disciples today. Even
though we have not seen Him face to face, we are still convinced of
His reality. We know with certainty that Christ is true God and
true man, victorious over sin, risen from the dead, ruling on high,
and fully qualified to save us from our own guilt and the prison of
hell. God has impressed us with His Word. Through the power of the
Gospel God gives us the inner conviction not only to trust in
Christ, but also to confess His name before the world.
Don't be surprised to see that Christianity has spread all over the
earth. Don't be surprised to find that the Bible is the most
published book of all time. The name of Jesus and the message of
His Word have echoed in the hearts and mouths of Christians down
through the ages. It's all part of the Master's plan. He continues
to make a powerful impression on all who are His own.
-- Pastor Steven Sippert
Another devotion (condensed) from last summer's convention,
under the theme: "Who Are We?"
People Of God -- Diverse, Yet United
What if every one of us were just like everyone else? What if we were
all cut from the same heavenly cookie cutter? We would look alike,
dress alike, and think the same. At this point we might say, "Great!
Everyone would see things my way. We would be one homogenous mass of
Christianity.'
But obviously that is not who we are. Instead, we are a diverse group.
The Lord has blessed us with a wide variety of natural talents and
abilities. Some have the physical coordination to drive a golf ball
300 yards straight down the fairway. Some have an analytical mind
which can easily solve complex business matters, while still others
have hands that can fix anything or that have the skill to grow a
bumper crop of hay, corn, or soybeans. We are a diverse people.
That is also true in the realm of spiritual gifts. Paul wrote the
Corinthians: "There are different kinds of gifts, but the same
Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There
are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in
all men" (1 Cor. 12:4-6). The Spirit certainly has not been stingy
with His gifts to us. Some have exceptional insights into the mean of
Holy Scripture. Some are gifted teachers. By the Spirit's power others
have taken courageous stands on the Gosple truth even when it meant
seapration from family and former fellowship. Still others have the
ability to bring just the right word of Scripture to bear on a
particular situation.
But how does diversity stack up in comparison with cookie cutter
sameness? It is far superior! The apostle compares it to the diversity
within the human body. "Now the body is not made up of one part but of
many." Each individual part of the body is important. All the diverse
spiritual gifts from the Holy Spirit are just as vital to the Church.
Each of us has one or more of them.
Joined To Jesus By Faith
We are a diverse people, yet we are also united. We are all one in the
body of Christ, the Holy Christian Church. We all share the same
relationship with the Lord Jesus. We are joined to Him by our common
faith in Him as the only Savior from sin and death. His love unites us
to Himself and to one another.
That makes for a common purpose as well. Paul says: "Now to each one
the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good" (1 Cor.
12:7). It's like the body. The heart doesn't beat just for its own
sake. It serves the good of the whole body. When the legs are running
and crying out for more oxygen-rich blood, the heart responds by
beating faster. In the same way the Spirit wants His gifts used for
the good of the whole. In love for the Lord we want to serve Him and
one another with every gift and ability we have.
When every part of the body is in synch with every other part, we can
think clearly and act decisively. For our congregations and synod to
be effective witnesses to the love of Christ, there must be a
coordinated effort of every member and the use of all our Spirit-given
gifts. It can't be done with just the pastor or just the teacher. The
body is a unit made up of many diverse parts.
Instead of dreaming of a world in which we are all the same, imagine
what could happen if each of us by the Spirit's power used our diverse
gifts to the fullest extent possible in love for the Lord and His
kingdom.
Lord, let it happen among us! Amen.
-- Pastor Michael Eichstadt
The Devil #3
Man Is No Match For The Devil
The devil was very real to Martin Luther. He recognized the devil as a
formidable enemy and taught us to sing:
The old, evil Foe now means deadly woe;
Deep guile and great might
Are his dread arms in fight
On earth is not his equal.
(TLH 262)
That estimation of the peril posed by the devil is thoroughly
scriptural. Many passages reveal the malicious might which the devil
directs against mankind's physcial and spiritual life.
We cannot hope to outwit him. Consider how easily he was able to
deceive Eve. He led her to disobey a direct command of God. It is for
good reason that Paul counsels: "Put on the whole armor of God, that
you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil" (Eph. 6:11).
Yet, for all his craftiness the devil does foolish things. Certainly
he knew the meaning of God's curse spoken upon him after he tricked
Eve: "He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel" (Gen.
3:15). Certainly he knew the words of Isaiah 53 which clearly speak of
the redemption of mankind through Christ's death. In spite of this he
promoted the death of Jesus which caused his overthrow.
While we may marvel at such folly, the devil remains (the devil is) a
fearsome and powerful enemy of mankind -- particularly of Christians.
Luther points out that, in contending with the devil,
With might of ours can naught be done,
Soon were our loss effected.
See the proof in Scripture. The devil can harm men's bodies, Luke
13:15; he can take possession of men's bodies, Luke 8:26ff; he has
complete control over the will, mind, and soul of unbelievers, Eph.
2:1-3; he can do amazing things which appear to the ungodly to be
works of God, 2 Thess. 2:9-10; he can destroy men's possessions as
with Job; he can cause trouble in the state as in leading David to
number Israel, 1 Chron. 21:1ff; he can cause trouble in marriage and
in the home, 1 Tim. 4:1-3, 1 Cor. 7:5.
It is in the area of spiritual matters that Satan is most dangerous.
We pray the Sixth Petition, "Lead us not into temptation," so that the
devil "may not deceive us nor lead us into misbelief, despair, and
other shameful sin and vice."
Sometimes the devil comes as a roaring lion and attacks the
individual's heart, mind, and will directly. One very effective
strategy is to lead people to doubt God's Word and to turn away from
it. The low esteem in which the Bible is held by many self-styled
Christians today is a direct result.
The devil also effectively employs indirect means of attack by using
others to do his dirty work. Sometimes his agents are people who are
close to us. He led Peter to tempt Jesus, Matt. 16:23. He has flooded
the world with false teachers both inside and outside of the visible
church. They seek to lead people away from their one infallible
defense against the devil--Jesus Christ.
Luther refers to Jesus:
But for us fights the Valiant One,
Whom God Himself elected.
Trusting in Jesus we have hope in our warfare against Satan:
This world's prince may still,
Scowl fierce as he will,He can harm us none,
He's judged; the deed is done;
One little word can fell him.
That "word" is the good news that Jesus has defeated the devil. By
giving His life, Jesus paid for the sins of all people. Those who are
led to trust in this are free from the tyranny of Satan. Though the
devil may persecute them in this life, believers in Christ hold the
eternal victory.
May our prayer be that of another hymnwriter:
Oh, keep us in Thy Word we pray!
The guile and rage of Satan stay!
O may Thy mercy never cease!
Give concord, patience, courage, peace.
(TLH 292:4)
--Pastor em. Keith Olmanson
(2 Cor. 5:17)
Studies in Second Corinthians
Chapter 12
"OH, HOW I SUFFER!"
The title is imprinted on a barbecue apron, given as a Christmas
present along with considerable "tongue-in-cheek." The strange thing
is that what makes the title so funny really isn't funny for very long.
That is because all of us have surely met someone who cannot seem to
move off the subject of personal troubles and woes. There are those who
constantly complain that life has dealt them a bad hand, unfairly
targeting them with grief far beyond what they deserve. The cure, of
course, is to face what we all really deserve according to
Lamentations 3:22, namely, to be "consumed" in punishment for
unpaid sin. Thanks be to Jesus Christ who Himself covered what we
deserve.
All the more striking that the one man who could lay claim to
terrible suffering for Christ's sake would be the last one to claim
the apron. Or have any of us indeed been whipped and beaten at all,
let alone for the sake of the Gospel, or subjected to life-threatening
danger by both man and the elements, or bobbed in the sea for a day
and a half, or imprisoned, not just inadequately clothed but not
clothed, escaped down a wall by being lowred in a basket? But do we
read any complaint? Not a one. In fact we hear what remains for many
of an almost impossible boast.
God Gave His All
"I take pleasure in infirmities . . . for Christ's sake," says Paul
(v. 10). Nor is this "pleasure" that bogus suffering of the sick
operatic comedian's spoof: "I am so happy when I am miserable." Paul's
pleasure is based on the knowledge that Christ Jesus has taken on the
complete control of his life, even to the point of permitting Satan to
torment him with a grievous "thorn in the flesh." We are not told what
the thorn was; some suggest a stuttering, seizures, or a chronic
stomach pain. Whatever the thorn was, it served up the constant
message that God was in control, doing what was best for Paul.
So don't zero in on poor me and all I go through. Concentrate on
eternally fortunate me that God in His love and mercy sent a Savior.
When self-pity and complaints threaten to take over, let us remember
that we are far, far from "giving our all." When God gave He did "give
His all" (John 3:15). He gave with no reservation; there were no
back-up Sons to send later. He has only one Son, and yet He willingly
gave Him up so that the eternal suffering we so richly deserve is
nothing in comparison.
The hymnist caught Paul's point in the Christmas couplet:
"Rejoice that a Savior from sin you can boast,
And join in the song of the heavenly host."
When a God-sent thorn threatens to get you down, remember that you're
strongest when you have to rely on Him the most (v. 9).
"Oh, how I suffer!" Now if we can just change the complaint into a
God-pleasing boast?
--Pastor Bertram Nauman
* BLACK AND WHITE AND GRAY
"Black and white is comfortable, but gray may be more honest." This is
the commentary headline of an article in the ecumenical newspaper,
Metro Lutheran. If you want to know what is wrong in the church, and
within liberal Lutheranism, there you have it. It is clear that th4e
article is not speaking of matters neither commanded or forbidden in
Scripture. In such areas to which Scripture does not speak a yea or a
nay, the Christian is free to exercise Christian freedom. Such areas
are not matters of conscience. And in purely secular matters -- e.g.,
What time shall we hold service? -- there can be compromise.
The writer is speaking of matters of faith. She says, "No one Synod
can have all the right answers." We will allow her that for the sake
of the argument! But Scripture has the right answers to matters of
faith. When an assembly of believers (Church), or a synod consisting
of such, is gathered around the Word of God and holds fast to the
inspired and inerrant Word of God, it is in possession of the right
answers. Churches and synods can err. Yet when they speak the Word of
God without mixture of human opinion, they DO HAVE the right answer to
matters of faith.
It is not fashionable today to claim that one has the Truth, the whole
Truth. We are not ashamed to say, "We have it!" We may not always act
on it, and that is sin. But we have it! To claim to believe the Bible
as the Word of God and yet deny any part of it makes God a liar, as
well as oneself. To say that one cannot have the whole Truth denies
that the Bible is the Word of God. To say that everyone has a little
bit of the Truth and that no one has it all is unbelief.
Of course, the tact of the article is that there may be more than one
right answer to difficult questions. She happens to be a member of the
LC-MS. She wondered how she can be certain of the "set of answers"
provided by her church. "I wonder how one can be certain if they are
the 'right' answers as opposed to the 'wrong' answers." The answer to
her question is simple. Be a Berean. They "searched the Scriptures
daily to see whether these things were so" (Acts 17:11). Scripture has
all the answers to matters of faith. And they who believe the
Scripture and who teach it can know that they believe and speak Truth,
because: "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God...." (2 Tim.
3:16). And, God is Truth!
The problem does not lie in being unable to find the right answer, or
in being unable to distinguish between the right and the wrong. It
lies in human reason which will not accept the answer.
Her solution? It's not new, but it lies at the root of the confusion
she feels, and the undermining of faith. "We also must pray, study
God's Word, and most importantly, remember to keep our eyes on the big
issue on which we all agree--that Jesus Christ is our true salvation."
We are thankful for that last line. But how does one know that to be
the absolute Truth if one thinks the rest of the book, the Bible from
which that conclusion is drawn, is or may be flawed and subject to
individual interpretation?
When it comes to matters of faith and the doctrines of Scripture,
black and white is comfortable. Jesus said: "If you continue in My
Word . . . you shall know the Truth, and the Truth shall make you
free" (Jn. 8:32). Gray is dishonest.
We invite people to study the Bible with us, and therefrom know the
Truth. There is found the truth about ourselves. We are siners. There
is found the truth about our salvation. It is in Christ alone, and is
appropriated through faith in Him. Further, "It is profitable for
doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in
righteousnerss, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly
equipped for every good work (2 Tim. 3:16).
The truth is that the Bible is Truth, and they who believe it have the
truth -- absolutely.
--From the bulletin of Grace, Fridley; Daniel Fleischer is pastor.
* A PRINCIPAL'S ANNUAL REPORT --
"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I
will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My
righteous right hand" (Isaiah 41:10).
Several years ago as I watched the last car of students head for home,
I felt drained and discouraged. The day had been long, the week seemed
to be lost, and the month was way too long (it was only the 8th day).
As I returned to my desk, I reached for the Bible and quietly prayed,
"Lord -- help me!" While paging through the Bible, my eyes were led to
the words quoted above, and once again the Lord in all His wisdom
answered my prayer.
As we look back over the past year and begin the planning for the next
one, my thoughts go back more than a year. Recently, one of the
members stated to me: " . . . If someone would have told us (the
congregation) five years ago that by 1996 we would have had a school
up and running for three years, a second teacher on the way, a new
building in which to house the school, and church services full almost
every Sunday, we would have looked at him in disbelief! . . ." If we
would not have lived through the past three years of blessings that
the Lord has given us, we too might wonder 'Can this all come
true?'."
During the convention several individuals mentioned: " . . . Oh, you
are from that miracle church in Milwaukee . . . ." Such a statement
makes you stop and think and agree that the Lord has been blessing us
richly. It truly has been a miracle. Thank you, Lord!
As I think back over the years and the rough waters that this
congregation has traveled, the words of the verse speak loud and
clear: "Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed . . . ." Looking
back I will never forget the tears of joy that I saw flow during the
first opening service here at Messiah Lutheran School. Now a
congregation that had waited on the Lord for a school for so long
could rejoice in assisting parents in the education of the young lambs
of the congregation. The building came into being and the Lord led us
to the calling of a second teacher. " . . . For I am your God. I will
strengthen you . . . ."
Our third year of education here at Messiah has come and gone like the
wind which brings the comforting, cool evening breeze. The Lord was
there every moment of every day, with parents, students, teacher, and
staff members as He promised. The largest enrollment to date passed
through our doors; 28 students finished the year with four going on
to high school in the fall (three to Immanuel Lutheran High School in
Eau Claire).
We were again blessed with the many talents of members of the
congregation who shared countless hours of their time with our student
body. ". . . I will strengthen you . . ." the Lord states, and He
did through these individuals.
May their services continue to be used to the glory of the Lord and to
the well-being of each and every lamb who comes to Messiah Lutheran
School.
(Note: This annual report to the congregation at Messiah, Hales
Corners, Wis. by Principal Theodore Quade was submitted to the
Spokesman by a member of the congregation.)
Anyone who has ever watched the monkeys and apes at the zoo couldn't
help but notice their resemblance to humans. By comparison, the bears
in the zoo are not nearly as similar to human as are the apes.
Still, bears are warm-blooded mammals and
thus are more similar to human that are cold-blooded reptiles like the
alligators. Alligators, however, do have legs and true lungs and thus
are more siimilar to humans than are the fish. But even fish have
bony vertebrae and thus are more simiilar to humans than are the
insects. And even insects are made up of many specialized cells and
thus are more similar to humans that are the bacteria. Finally, all
living things, including bacteria, have basically the same type of
molecules that appear to be essential for life itself and share a
common genetic code mechanism for their reproduction.
Clearly there is an underlying common theme to all of life.
Inquisitive people will naturally wonder why this is so. Until the
time of Darwin, over 230 years ago, most scientists considered the
underlying commonality of all living animals to be evidence of the
handiwork of their common Creator. It seemed quite reasonable to these
great pioneers who established the foundations of nearly every branch
of science, that God would use the same underlying principles to
design and create the various kinds of animals. After all, even human
designers, builders and artists, tend to manifest their distinctive
approach in everything they create and build.
There are several possible reasons why certain animals are more
similar to one another than they are to others, permitting them to be
arranged into groups. Animals that live in a similar environment and
eat similar food would be expected to have structural and even
chemical similarities. Animals that live and move on land, for
example, have a certain class of similarities based on the
restrictions imposed by the natural terrain of our earth. Animals that
live and swim in water have certain similarities necessary for aquatic
locomotion and feeding. Animals that fly in the air have still other
similarities dictated by the severe demands of flight. In the same
manner, man-made machines designed to serve a common type of purpose
share common features, despite their many differences. Consider the
various modes of transportation designed by man. Most vehicles that
run on land, from roller skates to freight trains, share a class of
similarities based on wheels. Vehicles that move on water, from a
canoe to a battle ship share basic similarities based on floatation.
Vehicles that fly in the air, from hang gliders to the space shuttle,
have similarities that are essential to flight.
Today, evolutionists insist that the underlying similarity of all
animals, including man, and our ability to arrange and classify them
into groups, is compelling evidence for their progressive evolution
from a common ancestor. They insist that there is simply no other
thinkable explanation for their similarities. Evolutionists argue
further that the degree of similarity between any two animals attests
to their degree of evolutionary "relatedness," and thus how recently
they separated from a common ancestor. They are quite certain, for
example, that the similarities between apes and humans prove they
evolved from a common ape-like ancestor "only" 2 or 3 million years
ago. By comparison, evolutionists say we are far more distantly
"related" to our insect "relatives." The Living World Exhibit at the
St. Louis Zoo has a sign by a dish of fruit flies that confidently
declares: "humans and flies had a common ancestor 630 million years
ago." This hypothetical "common ancestor" is not identified because no
one has the slightest evidence of what it looked like or even if it
existed at all!
This belief that similarities between aniimals can only be understood
in terms of an evolutionary relationship is the most fundmental axiom
of evolution -- almost all arguments for evolution depend upon it.
Evolutionists do not feel compelled to prove their claim that
similarity necessarily means common evolutionary ancestry -- they
assume it. Indeed, evolutionists never question or investigate whether
evolution is true or not, rather they ask which animal evolved into
which, and their answer is generally based on similarity! No scientist
would ever succeed in getting funding from major frederal or private
sources to investigate if evolution has really occured or not. The
evolutionist Richard Leaky approached the national Geographic Society
to get funding to look for the ape ancestors of man, not to investigate
if man evolved from apes. It is interesting to note that when the
Society gave Leaky his funds, he was warned; "If you find nothing you
are never to come begging at our door again." With this motivation,
Leaky soon found 40- specimens of the "human ancestor,"
Australopithecus, whose very name, by the way, means "southern APE!"
Most evolutionists are dead certain that this very ape-like ape
evolved into man because of certain arguable similarities to man in
its teeth and pelvic bones. Perhaps you heard the story of the
evolutionst who dug up a fossilized fragment of an apes' jaw and
prompty delcared it to be an ancestor of man -- he was so excited
about the find, he said, "I wouldn't have seen it if I hadn't
believed it."
One of the problems with the similarity = evolutionary ancestry axiom
is that evolutionists ignore it whenever it doesn't fit their
evolutionary scenarios. There are many instances of remarkable
similarities between animals that evolutionists consider to be only
distantly related. The eye of the squid, for example, is strikingly
similar to the human eye. Sometimes almost the whole body and even the
behavior of animals are obviously similar and still evolutonists argue
they are not closely related! For example, many of the Australian
marsupials have strikingly similar counterparts to certain North
American placental mammals. There are both marsupial and placental
mammal versions of mice, moles, rabbits, wolves, and badgers. There is
even evidence that there once were both marsupial and placental
saber-toothed tigers! Yet evolutionists consider marsupials and
placental mammals to be only distantly related because their mechanism
of reproduction is so different. Evolutionists believe that the
primitive ancestors of marsupial and placental mammals split off 120
millions years ago, long before there were mice, moles, rabbits,
wolves, and badgers, and have been evolving separately ever since. How
then did both these separate lines manage to come up with such smiliar
animals?
Incredibly, evolutionists explain away amazing similarities between
animals they consider to be only distantly related by simply invoking
"convergent evolution." Convergent evolution is the unobserved and
unexplained process whereby two very different animals independently
evolve into two very similar animals by an incredible run of countless
lucky mutational conincidences extending over tens of millions of
years! It seems that folks will believe almost anything, as long as it
doesn't appear in the Bible.
--Dr. David N. Menton
CLC Teachers' Conference --
Worthy Through Christ
Valentine, Nebraska was the site of the CLC Teachers' Conference in
late October 1996. The warm greetings and the overall hospitality of
the host congregation, Grace, were greatly appreciated by all in
attendance.
The devotional leader, David Bernthal, gave us "A Look At Ourselves"
using three questions: Are you prepared to lead? Are you worthy? Are
you content? The answer to each question is "no" in ourselves. However
in Christ Jesus and what He has done for us we are prepared and worthy
and can be content.
Wednesday
After the opening we were treated to a book review. Seth Schaller gave
a short review of the Bible, especially picking out passages to which
we might turn for comfort, guidance, strength, and perseverance. The
booklet aptly named "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life" turned out
to be a resource for teachers loaded with scripture, devotions, and
quotations. This short presentation was followed by "A Devotional
Study of John 15:1-9" in which Seth reminded us that we never need to
accept failure on our own part, reminding us that we can do all things
through Christ, Who strengthens us.
Great cooking, wonderful service, and Valentine beef is all that need
be said about the meals served at this conference. We were all
satisfied and thankful for the bountiful gifts of our God given
through Grace congregation.
After lunch Ted Quade presented a paper comparing and contrasting the
"humanism" in the secular textbooks and the "decision theology" found
in the A Beka texts. How should we go, which shall we choose, when we
need to have a text to help impart the facts of history and science,
and to teach reading? From the author's struggles over textbooks,
three conclusions were reached: 1) If textbooks are doing the teaching
and not the teacher, then there is a major reason for all of us to be
concerned; 2) It is a powerful warning to each and every educator to
search and review all educational material thoroughly. 3) Keep Christ
the center of every subject you prepare and teach. Keep Christ in
front of yourself and your students every moment.
A short discussion of "how a Teachers' Conference Should Be Run" was
carried on with no conclusions reached.
Barbara Hulke and Deb Johannes led a discussion of the D'Nealian and
Zaner Bloser handwriting methods. A lively discussion of handwriting
problems and possible solutions followed.
The evening communion service was an inspiring service highlighted by
the address of Pastor Steven Sippert based on John 21:15-17. Those
present heard that God wants us to feed His lambs. The choir sang:
"Glory to Thee, My God This Night."
Thursday
Doug Libby presented ways and means of self-evaluation for our
schools. This was based on methods used by various organizations and
schools. Lively discussion ensued. Jim Lau presented a three-part
paper on our attitude over against public schools. He considered why
and how we might cooperate with these schools and concluded with a
section on why we most certainly need Christian Day Schools.
Stewardship in connection with government aid and label saving was
also discussed in connection with this paper.
Two interesting field trips -- you could have your pick -- took up
most of the afternoon. One group went to a working ranch, and also
visited a mud hut to hear an extremely interesting discussion of the
area and its history. The other group visited the reservation and
St. Francis church which was the mission church of the reservation.
The evening brought a wild and entertaining night of volleyball in a
local gymnasium. Those who brought their shoes had a great time
playing, and the rest of us had maybe a better time watching.
Before we said our good-byes at noon on Friday we heard Lane Fischer
speak on the advantages of arts in the curriculum. Data seemed to
point to the fact that students involved in the arts seem to score
higher on the average on their ACT tests in both verbal and math. A
spirited discussion was held.
Sprinkled throughout was the presentation of what the conference
calls Title 5's. This year they were presented by Alvin Sieg (math),
Carrie Gerbitz (English), Leif Olmanson (history), and Marion
Fitschen (newspaper). We are still wondering they are called "Title
5's".
The conference as usual was uplifting and edifying. I am certain
that each and everyone present left Valentine filled with a greater
resolve to feed His lambs. We were strengthened and uplifted by the
fellowship and especially by His Word. We thank our God for these
opportunitits for mutual strengthening.
-- Prof. Ronald Roehl
A little red country school house near the Fischer farm in Hanska,
Minnesota was the site of Country School Day for Immanuel-Mankato
students in grades 1-4. The school is owned, in part, by Mr. &
Mrs. Larry (Marlene) Fischer, members of Grace Lutheran Church in
Sleepy Eye. They graciously offered and prepared the school house
for Immanuel's use.
On September 20, 1996 students and teachers alike dressed in period
clothing and spent the day re-enacting a typical school day of one
hundred years ago. The day began with a walk along the gravel road
leading to the school, and included sample lessons and activities that
were once part of the one-room school routine.
(Immanuel teachers involved in this special outing were Carolyn
Gerbitz, grades 1-2, and Lane Fischer, grades 3-4. -- Ed.)
Mission Efforts Relocated
Colorado Springs -- St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Colorado Springs is
now meeting at the Lehmberg Chapel, located on the northwest corner of
Nevada Avenue and Boulder. Services are held every Sunday at 3:30 p.m.
For further information contact Pastor Delwyn Maas at (303) 278-7216
or Mr. "Chuck" Seelye at (719) 685-5848.
SE Denver -- CLC worship services are now being held in the SE Denver
area, serving the cities of Aurora, Denver, Littleton, Parker, and
Castle Rock. Services are held in the community building at Lone Tree
and Sweetwater, located about 1 mile south of C-470, just off of
Yosemite. For now, the services are held every other Sunday at 8:00
a.m. The next service will be on December 29, January 12, etc. For
more information please call Pastor Delwyn Maas at (303) 278-7216 or
Mr. Edwin Trapp at (303) 805-0300.
Nominations
The Board of Regents of Immanuel Lutheran College announces the
following nominations to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of
Professor John Lau.
Norman Greve John Schierenbeck
Stephen Kurtzahn Gene Schreyer
Douglas Libby Steven Sippert
Justin Olmanson Quinn Sprengeler
Craig Owings Paul Sullivan
David Povolny John Ude
Daniel Schierenbeck
Teaching responsibilities of this position will be in the area of
English grammar and literature, Foreign languages and Religion
(Foreign languages include German and another modern language,
preferably Spanish). Instruction is to be given in both the High
School and College department. All comments from the members of the
CLC congregations should be in the hands of the undersigned no later
than January 10, 1997: ILC Regents, Mr. Thomas Beekman, Sec. 8410
Rambil Rd. Eau Claire, WI 54703.
Installations
In accord with our usage and order, Terrel L. Kesterson, who was
called by Trinity Ev. Lutheran Church of Spokane, Washington to be its
pastor was installed on November 10, 1996.
--Pastor Robert S. List
In accord with our usage and order, Peggy Kesterson, who was called by
Gethsemane Ev. Lutheran Church & School of Spokane, Washington to
teach grades 1-4 in our Christian day Shcool was installed on November
24, 1996.
--Pastor Robert S. List