1 Lutherans For Life of Michigan November.December.January 2016 Lifelines The mission of LFL is to equip Lutherans to be Gospel-motivated voices For Life. INSIDE THIS ISSUE: 02 – Board Members …’Thank You’ 03 – Youth Purity Gathering – Our Savior Lansing 04 – Life Defenders Boot Camp – West MI HS Grand Rapids 05 – Diaper Shower Update -- 40 Days For Life 06 – What’s Happening… 07 – in Michigan? 08 – What’s Happening in Michigan? cont’d 09 – Heartbeat of Monroe PRC 10 – Legislative Update … Owen’s Mission 11 – Membership … Life–Affirming Resources 12 – Notes & Quotes The Reformation was about more than some medieval abuses within the church. It had at its very heart the question of whether absolute authority rests in the Word of God or in the word and opinions of men. That same question still forms the basis for understanding what is going on in today’s culture as well. The fallible word of humankind has led us to the point where it is now considered “wise” to believe that the earth is millions of years old, that we are simply animals that have evolved by chance from primitive beginnings over eons of time, that there is no God or higher power, and that we are masters of our fate. In this view, there is no absolute authority (unless it’s the State!) and no absolute values of right or wrong. Everyone simply does what is right in his or her own eyes. This has led us to see human life as cheap. It places those in power in a position where they can wield authority over those whom they deem to be not worthy of life. Thus, we have the abominable massacre of our own babies (and even harvesting them for organs!) defended as a “right.” Planned Parenthood covers up its great evil with pious sounding phrases such as “reproductive rights.” But as the recent nightmarish videos have shown, it is impossible to cover up or disguise the horror of what really goes on inside those places of evil. There is no right to murder a defenseless baby. There is no right to wield power over those who are weaker and more vulnerable. If there was, then the Nazi’s had a rationale for their slaughter of Jews and others who were deemed by the political “elite” as “unworthy of life.” But there is no such right. At least, not in what we would call a civilized society. Yet we as a nation tolerate – and excuse – the tyranny of abortion. We are heirs of the Reformation. Blessed with the Holy Spirit in our baptism, we know that there is a Creator God. We know His name, and we call upon that name. We are His own, redeemed by the blood of His Son, Jesus Christ. We believe, teach, and confess the authority of God’s Word, as revealed in Holy Scripture. Therefore, we who stand on the sure Word of the Lord must and will defend the unborn, the weak, the handicapped, the sick, the elderly, and the dying. We stand For Life. The Reformation was about the truth of God’s Word. Will we continue to put God’s Word above man’s word? Will we stand for truth and for the sanctity of human life? Yes, for this is who we are: baptized children of the living God, walking wet, covered in Christ’s righteousness and holiness, forgiven of every sin. Here in Jesus is the hope for all sinners – including the woman who has suffered from the emotional scars of an abortion. Here in Jesus is shelter from the storms of life, and peace for the troubled conscience. Here in Jesus is Life. God help us to be people For Life! Pastor Paul Clark Pastoral Counselor, LFL of Michigan
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Lutherans For Life of Michigan
November.December.January 2016
Lifelines……….
The mission of LFL is to equip Lutherans to be Gospel-motivated voices For Life.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
02 – Board Members …’Thank You’
03 – Youth Purity Gathering – Our Savior Lansing
04 – Life Defenders Boot Camp – West MI HS Grand Rapids
05 – Diaper Shower Update -- 40 Days For Life
06 – What’s Happening…
07 – in Michigan?
08 – What’s Happening in Michigan? cont’d
09 – Heartbeat of Monroe PRC
10 – Legislative Update … Owen’s Mission
11 – Membership … Life–Affirming Resources
12 – Notes & Quotes
The Reformation was about more than some medieval abuses within the church. It had at its very heart the question of whether absolute authority rests in the Word of God or in the word and opinions of men. That same question still forms the basis for understanding what is going on in today’s culture as well.
The fallible word of humankind has led us to the point where it is now considered “wise” to believe that the earth is millions of years old, that we are simply animals that have evolved by chance from primitive beginnings over eons of time, that there is no God or higher power, and that we are masters of our fate. In this view, there is no absolute authority (unless it’s the State!) and no absolute values of right or wrong. Everyone simply does what is right in his or her own eyes.
This has led us to see human life as cheap. It places those in power in a position where they can wield authority over those whom they deem to be not worthy of life. Thus, we have the abominable massacre of our own babies (and even harvesting them for organs!) defended as a “right.” Planned Parenthood covers up its great evil with pious sounding phrases such as “reproductive rights.” But as the recent nightmarish videos have shown, it is impossible to cover up or disguise the horror of what really goes on inside those places of evil.
There is no right to murder a defenseless baby. There is no right to wield power over those who are weaker and more vulnerable. If there was, then the Nazi’s had a rationale for their slaughter of Jews and others who were deemed by the political “elite” as “unworthy of life.” But there is no such right. At least, not in what we would call a civilized society. Yet we as a nation tolerate – and excuse – the tyranny of abortion.
We are heirs of the Reformation. Blessed with the Holy Spirit in our baptism, we know that there is a Creator God. We know His name, and we call upon that name. We are His own, redeemed by the blood of His Son, Jesus Christ. We believe, teach, and confess the authority of God’s Word, as revealed in Holy Scripture.
Therefore, we who stand on the sure Word of the Lord must and will defend the unborn, the weak, the handicapped, the sick, the elderly, and the dying. We stand For Life.
The Reformation was about the truth of God’s Word. Will we continue to put God’s Word above man’s word? Will we stand for truth and for the sanctity of human life? Yes, for this is who we are: baptized children of the living God, walking wet, covered in Christ’s righteousness and holiness, forgiven of every sin. Here in Jesus is the hope for all sinners – including the woman who has suffered from the emotional scars of an abortion. Here in Jesus is shelter from the storms of life, and peace for the troubled conscience. Here in Jesus is Life.
God help us to be people For Life!
Pastor Paul Clark
Pastoral Counselor, LFL of Michigan
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Pastor Timothy & Betty Loewe, Temperance
Marvin & Patricia Warnez, Shelby Twp
Luc E Serriere, Williamsburg [thankoffering in honor of Jim Lamb]
Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Lewiston
Larry & Martha Huber, Frankenmuth [in honor of Art & Elaine Loesel’s 40th wedding anniversary]
Peace Lutheran Church, Warren [offering from special service on 9/12/15 in remembrance of
abortion victims]
Gary & Jean Peters, Bay City
Delphine Mallinson, Rochester [in memory of Dave Perry]
We praise and thank the Lord for you and for your
generous contributions to the ministry of Lutherans
For Life of Michigan. Because of your financial gifts,
we are able to provide life-affirming resource
materials -- such as this Lifelines newsletter,
brochures, pamphlets, etc --free of charge whenever
we host an exhibit.
Thank you… LFL Vision Statement:
Every Lutheran, both individually and in
community, upholding the God-given value of
human life and influencing society to do the same.
LFL-MI BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Spiritual Advisor: Pastor Paul Clark [517] 420-4826
President: Connie Davis [586] 949-9261
Vice President:
Secretary: Lauren Schaidt [586] 228-2348
Treasurer: Earl Iseler [616] 866-8026 Life Ministries Coordinator:
Urban Outreach: Susan Hill [586] 468-7871
Technology Coordinator:
Lutheran Schools Outreach: Chris Schultz [734] 241-1607
Post Abortion Healing Outreach: Laverne Santangelo [586] 945-4949
Legislative Reporter: Pastor Paul Clark [989] 593-2354
Board Members at Large: Dorothy Zink [517] 694-7189 Katrina Brundage [618] 975-8361
Life Issues Project Consultants: Lori Looker [Written Projects] [586] 557-7833 Jeff Davis [Artistic Projects] [586] 913-5993
Life Defenders Boot Camp for High School & College Students:
“Making the Case For Life”
January 30, 2016
West Michigan Lutheran High School
10:00 am – 1:45 pm
Life Defenders is a one-day boot camp designed to equip high school and college students to become effective ambassadors for life. Many people today reject or are indifferent to the LIFE-affirming view, often because they have never heard the FOR LIFE position presented in a compelling manner. Life Defenders Boot Camp will prepare you to confidently communicate the FOR LIFE position to others. Using science and philosophy, students will learn to simplify the abortion debate by focusing on two crucial questions: What are the pre-born? and, What makes humans valuable?
Encourage students to come and learn to speak intelligently and graciously to the most pressing moral issue of our time: abortion. They will leave prepared to confidently persuade others by exposing the logical fallacies of the abortion-choice rhetoric without need for vitriol and angry dialogue. Trainer for the day is Mike Spencer of Life Training Institute. Mike travels extensively throughout the United States equipping life-affirming advocates on high school and university campuses. He is a gifted and much sought-after communicator who brings a compassionate heart to the often emotional and divisive issue of abortion in a way that is both gracious and compelling. The event will be held at:
West Michigan Lutheran High School, 601 - 36th Street SW, Wyoming, MI 49509
It will begin with registration and greetings at 10:00 am on Saturday, January 30, 2016. Snacks, drinks, and lunch will be provided. Re-cap and dismissal will be at 1:45 pm. The camp is open to all men and women in the high school/college student age group. Please encourage your friends to attend with you. Please contact Earl Iseler at [email protected] or 616-866-8026 for additional information and to register. Pre-registration is needed to determine the number that will be attending for materials, snacks, drinks and lunches. There is no charge to attend. A free-will door offering will be taken to help cover the cost of the camp.
The event is being sponsored by the Greater Grand Rapids Chapter of Lutherans For Life.
“Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect…”
History: Heartbeat of Monroe was started in 1973, just months after Roe vs Wade, and has been open continuously
since then. For years, Heartbeat has offered help to women who are in a situation where they consider their pregnancy
a crisis in their lives.
Mission: Our mission statement is “The purpose of Heartbeat of Monroe is to give free and confidential assistance to
anyone who is dealing with a pregnancy or the parenting of infants and toddlers.” There is never a charge for any of our
services.
Services Provided: We provide diapers, formula and baby food on an emergency basis. We offer a Newborn Care
Class once a month for expectant moms who receive a large bag of over 100 items that she will need bringing the baby
home from the hospital. The items range from diapers to baby bottles, outfits to blankets, etc. We also offer a class in
dealing with toddlers. This class is available by appointment only. We also offer parenting classes. Our material goods
area is stocked with many of the items necessary for babies, toddlers and children. We carry clothes from newborn to
size 6x. Last year we had over 900 client visits.
Volunteer Opportunities: We have volunteer opportunities from counting and sorting items for our material goods
area. We need volunteers to work with our clients during the parenting classes. We need someone to work as a
receptionist. We need a bookkeeper.
Material Needs: We need diapers especially newborn, sizes 4, 5, and 6. Gentlease formula is needed. Newborn items
for our layettes are also needed.
Financial Needs: We need help with operational expenses. Monies should be sent to:
Heartbeat of Monroe
PO Box 1624
Monroe, MI 48161
We are very strong in our faith in Jesus Christ. We are a non-denominational agency and have volunteers from
Catholic, Baptist, Lutheran, Nazarene, Evangelical, Methodist and Episcopalian denominations. We want to make a
difference in our community and serve Him well.
[Information provided by Margaret Horvath, Executive Director of Heartbeat of Monroe]
Pregnancy Resource Centers help save lives! Is this PRC near you? Read how you and your church can help.
Heartbeat of Monroe, Inc. 123 West First Street
Monroe, MI 48161
734-243-6550
www.heartbeatofmonroe.org
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Michigan Legislative Update Recently, the House Criminal Justice Committee reported two bills to implement the Coercive Abortion Prevention Act
(House Bills 4787 and 4830). These bills will define coercing a woman to have an abortion as a specific crime. The bills
are now pending on the House floor for a vote by the full chamber.
Also pending on the floor is House Bill 4481 - the Rape Survivor Child Custody Act. This bill will protect the courageous
women who reject abortion after conceiving a child through rape by giving them the ability to keep the rapist from
asserting his parental rights. This legislation was inspired by the real life story of Shauna Prewitt. (If you have not yet
viewed Shauna's story, you can see it at http://www.rtl.org/compassion/ ).
Several legislators are also working on bills that would redirect state and federal funds away from Planned Parenthood,
prohibit the exchange of any money for the transfer of organs or tissues from aborted babies, ban fetal tissue research
in Michigan, and get PP out of our public schools as "sex education" instructors. These bills will come on top of a bill
already introduced in the state House to ban the heinous practice of dismemberment (D & E) abortion.
Please pray for and help support such legislation in the days ahead to further the cause of protecting the lives of babies
here in Michigan!
[submitted by Pastor Paul Clark, LFL-MI Spiritual Counselor and Legislative Reporter]
Owen’s Mission
Owen’s Mission is a very special project of Lutherans For Life. The goal of this project is to honor Jesus by presenting a set of Touch of Life fetal models to every Lutheran elementary and high school in the country. (That’s 1078 schools affecting 139,000 students!) We want students to understand the God-given value of each life from the moment of conception. We want students to be motivated by what God has done as our Creator, Redeemer, and Sanctifier that gives value to life. We want students to value themselves and to value others as persons because of this God-given value. Where did Owen’s Mission come from? From a very small and special baby named Owen. Rev Dr James Lamb, Executive Director of Lutherans For Life, shares his story:
“I held my little grandson, Owen, in the palm of my hand. He died at twenty-one weeks during pre-natal surgery to remove a large tumor. The nurse brought him to our son as we waited in the recovery room for Owen’s mother. I find it difficult to describe what I felt when I was able to hold him. I had held the twenty-week Touch of Life fetal model in my hands hundreds of times in front of students from preschoolers to seminarians. Holding Owen revived in me the reality behind those models. I will never hold them in the same way again.”
As Owen’s grandpa, Dr Lamb wanted to do something special to remember Owen, honor Jesus, and help others
understand the value God gives to even the smallest of lives. With the help of Owen’s family, Owen’s Mission was
born. We are training facilitators to present these fetal model sets along with a DVD message from Dr. Lamb.
This is a mission opportunity for individual, congregational, and/or school offerings. For more information on how you
can obtain a set of these fetal models for your school, contact Chris Schultz at 734-241-1607 or
The “official” Life Sunday is January 17, 2016. However, LFL materials may be used anytime during the year. Click link below for new resources for 2016 including bulletin inserts, Bible study, children’s message, worship service, and sermons.
Our culture says human value comes from looking good, feeling good, and doing good. Our culture bases human value upon what we are able to do or not do. But God bases human value upon what He has done—created, redeemed, called!
www.lutheransforlife.org/store-life-sunday-2016/ife Sunday 2016 Resources • Created • Redeemed • Called
Check out this brochure available through Concordia Publishing House (www.cph.org):
Planned Parenthood: It’s Not What You Think! – Here’s the inside scoop on Planned
Parenthood’s shocking agenda for our children. This brochure exposes the truth using excerpts from the organization’s own material.
Item LFL129T; $0.50 ea. with quantity discounts
available.
WORD OF HOPE …
LFL’s Post Abortion Healing Ministry If you are in a crisis situation, have had an abortion, are
Lutherans For Life of Michigan 23775 – 24 Mile Road
Macomb, MI 48042
NON PROFIT
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
GRAND RAPIDS, MI
PERMIT NO. 321
Notes and Quotes
* “More Americans have died by being aborted than have died
in all the wars we've fought combined. A generation of talent is missing. Where's the outrage over Planned Parenthood's selling of aborted baby body parts while being funded by your taxes? Read this shocking report in USAToday: http://usat.ly/1ROh0qo [Pastor Rick Warren, Facebook page]
* “We’ve distorted things to the point where people believe that anyone who opposes mothers killing their babies is waging a war on women. How can we be so foolish to believe such a thing? One must be able to recognize the depravity to which we have sunk as a society when valuing a baby’s life is frowned upon.” [Ben Carson, http://LiberalLogic101.com]
* “Those murdered in the name of choice are more than human beings. They are human beings created by God’s own hand. They are human beings for whom Jesus stretched out His hands on the cross. They are human beings God wants to call into His kingdom through Holy Baptism so He can hold them by the hand. We are not FOR LIFE because we live in a culture that isn’t, but because we serve a God who is.” [Rev Dr James Lamb, Executive Director of Lutherans For Life]
A Story from Venezuala: Making a Point [shared by a Lutheran missionary]
A reporter [R] was interviewing a Catholic bishop [B] on the
subject of abortion.
R: Well, what would you do in the case of rape?
B: Kill the rapist!
R: We can’t do that! We live in a civilized society where
capital punishment is against the law.
B: That’s curious. We refuse to kill the perpetrator of the
crime (the rapist), but we promote the killing of innocent life
(the child in the womb).
* “The people of God have to do the work of ending abortion