The Christ Courier0l.b5z.net/i/u/6079280/f/October_2017.pdf · time there were many problems. Not only was life hard but only about 5% of the people could actually read. Because of

The Christ Courier Christ Lutheran Church, Mustang, OK October 2017

Reformation then; Reformation now! On October 31, 2017 the Protestant Reformation will be 500 years old. When we look back at that time there were many problems. Not only was life hard but only about 5% of the people could actually read. Because of that one fact the Roman church had twisted God’s Word with human traditions that kept the people under their thumb. To add to this problem only the very wealthy had copies of God’s Word to read. The groundwork for the reformation was laid by God through men like Jan Huss and John Wickliffe but with the invention of the printing press and the Turks attacking Vienne, God moved in with a man named Martin Luther. Luther read God’s Word and after much struggle had his eyes opened by the Holy Spirit. He saw the abuses and he saw the needs. He wrote 95 of the problems (theses) down and posted them to the church door at Wittenberg and the Reformation was on. In Luther’s day the Bible was not available and people could not read. The reformation began schools to teach people to read in their own language and the printing press printed Bibles, leaflets, and speeches for all to read. The people were hungry to read God’s word and see what God wished for them to do. That was then. Today I believe we need another reformation; not of the church so much as of the people. Today there is at least one Bible in every home but sadly the hunger to read it has been appeased. People today believe they know the Scriptures but sadly they haven’t read it. Many have ideas about what God wants of them but sadly those ideas are their own, not those that come from Scripture. People love to talk about God’s grace and faith even though they abuse God’s grace, and faith has been turned into a mere belief that doesn’t move anyone to follow, serve or live for God. Martin Luther’s most famous three solas have been reduced to I’m saved so I can live how I choose. We learn of God’s grace through God’s Word; we come to faith by means of the Holy Spirit and God’s Word (Romans 10); but God’s Word may be available but it sits on a shelf, a coffee table, a night stand, or in a closet. God’s Word won’t do any of us any good on a shelf; it must be found in our hearts. It guides us on how to live with each other and how much love God has for us. 500 years after Luther stood up to the Holy Roman Emperor and the Pope, he would be shocked that few stand up for God and His Word and even fewer stand on God’s Word. We can blame it on the culture, or the government; but truthfully the blame falls on each of us. When we turn on the television instead of having devotions- we choose poorly; when we choose to go to sporting events instead of come to God’s house-we choose poorly; when we leave God’s Word unopened –we choose poorly. Our poor choices show that we are following the world and not the God who created it. We need to pray that the Holy Spirit moves within our hearts and sets them on fire for God. That the hunger people had for God’s Word back then will be found in us again in this generation and that we will cherish His Word and keep it always in our hearts. Our hearts need to be turned; we need to repent and realize what a great God we have and strive to learn more of Him in His Word.

(Grace alone; Faith alone & Scripture alone)

(Sola gratia; Sola fide; Sola scriptura)

Pastor Dave Owens

Greetings, Christ Courier Readers:

Ugh! I can’t believe I ate the whole thing! The state fair is wonderful, isn’t it? So many sights, so many rides, so many foods! Wonderful times! Then, it’s plop, plop, fizz, fizz, again. Ugh!

It’s October 2017 and we’re celebrating a 500th birthday! This month we celebrate the birth of the Reformation. How strange a concept, this reforming, until you learn its history. We give thanks to God that He led men and women to help us understand the Gospel. He gave the leaders of the reformation wisdom and courage to stand up against persecution, just like the apostles in the early Christian years. We know our Savior paid for our salvation through His life, death, and resurrection. Those apostles and those reformers worked hard to teach others, me included, how much God loves all of us. We learn that 500 years ago a lot of people had little or no hope of salvation because they thought they had to be either perfect or powerful and wealthy enough to earn a place in heaven. Since few could read the apostles’ teachings, the reformers worked diligently to give us God’s Word in our language. Thanks be to God! We now learn about His Grace and Mercy, His Power on the Cross, His Love for us made known to us through Jesus the Christ, the Son of the Most High.

Another way people teach us is through Gospel music. I heard Matthew West singing “Broken Things.” I pictured myself when I heard it, but when hearing more about the Reformation, I pictured the people 500 years ago who either had a false hope or no hope at all, broken with their sin and their inability to fix it. Mr. West sings, “If grace is a kingdom, I’ve stopped at the gate, thinking I don’t deserve to pass through after all of the mistakes I’ve made.” The Reformers taught that God loved them as they were, and He had already paid their way through eternity. Mr. West continues, “It’s the rebels and the prodigals; it’s the humble and the weak. The misfit heroes You chose tell me there’s hope for sinners like me. Now I’m just a beggar in the presence of a King. I wish I could bring You so much more. But if it’s true You use broken things, then here I am Lord, I’m all Yours.”

These men and women were performing the Great Commission given by Jesus before He ascended to heaven. “And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’” Matthew 28:18-20. If you believe the Word of God, you too were given this Great Commission. Who has God placed in your life that you are to make a disciple, to baptize and to teach to observe all His commands? During my studies this month I came across the Great Commission and also Paul’s second letter to the Thessalonians about “walking in idleness.” “For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies. Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living. As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good. If anyone does not obey what we say in this letter, take note of that person, and have nothing to do with him, that he may be ashamed. Do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother.” 2 Thessalonians 3:11-15 I’ve pondered over this a lot lately, but I will have to speak with a more learned individual to understand it fully. First of all, I read that we shouldn’t be busybodies but do our work quietly. Verse 10 even states, “If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat.” That sounds pretty simple, or am I being too simple? Secondly, since this was in a Bible study with the Great Commission, does it have something to do with our commission or everything to do with it? Please read through this in your Bible and if anyone is willing, let them have a study on it that I might overhear. My family and friends have been unable to help me and, well, if I approached one of you, well, let’s just say I’m not going there. I know that God will provide the answers. Could this be part of my brokenness, my fear of man, or a woman with a broom?EEK!

Before things get too messy, I’m gonna close this letter with two things. Matthew West’s last stanza and with Paul’s benediction which followed his words on “idleness” in Thessalonians, letter two. Matthew West sings to the broken, “Grace is a kingdom with gates open wide. There’s a seat at the table just waiting for you, so come on inside.” Paul writes to us who feel broken too, “Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all.” God bless!

Respectfully submitted- C.M.

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Daily Bible Readings

Oct 1: Matt 1-4 Oct 2: Matt 5-6 Oct 3: Matt 7-8 Oct 4: Matt 9-10 Oct 5: Matt 11-12 Oct 6: Matt 13-14 Oct 7: Matt 15-17 Oct 8: Matt 18-19 Oct 9: Matt 20-21 Oct 10: Matt 22-23 Oct 11: Matt 24-25 Oct 12: Matt 26 Oct 13: Matt 27-28 Oct 14: Mark 1-3 Oct 15: Mark 4-5 Oct 16: Mark 6-7 Sep 16: Dan 7-9

Oct 17: Mark 8-9 Oct 18: Mark 10-11 Oct 19: Mark 12-13 Oct 20: Mark 14 Oct 21: Mark 15-16 Oct 22: Luke 1 Oct 23: Luke 2-3 Oct 24: Luke 4-5 Oct 25: Luke 6-7 Oct 26: Luke 8-9 Oct 27: Luke 10-11 Oct 28: Luke 12-13 Oct 29: Luke 14-16 Oct 30: Luke 17-18 Oct 31: Luke 19-20

Happy Anniversary

Greg & Marilyn Barta 10/5 Robert & Barbara Brewster 10/25

Happy Birthday Marillyn Wyant 10/1 Marian Baker 10/5 Martin Castaneda 10/5 Bettye Haller 10/6 David Owens 10/9 Abigail Israel 10/11 Brian Winter 10/15 Brayden Epple 10/16 Richard Madsen 10/16 John McCage 10/18 Bonita Gamble 10/21 Bobby Smith 10/21 Leona Kortemeier 10/23 Teresa Mahan 10/25 Jim Hoerth 10/29 Jason Doepel 10/30 Mabel Mailand 10/31

Christ Lutheran Church 501 N Clear Springs Rd Mustang, OK 73064 Phone 405-376-3116 www.christlutheranmustang.com

Pastor: David Owens Secretary: Melissa Moss cell: 625-5992 church phone: 376-3116 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

Sunday School for all ages: 9:15am Wednesday: Meal Served – 5:30pm Sunday Worship Services: 8:00am & 10:30am Classes: Confirmation/Youth/Adult – 6pm Publication Deadline: 25th of each month Choir Practice - 7:00pm ELDERS: Danny Brown – 203.8839 Darryl Poole (Chairman) – 376.6492 Alan Winter – 206.0076 Martin Castaneda – 308.8145 Leonard Mahan – 787.1729 Stan Witt – 826.9286

Mowing Schedule Oct 7 – Bobby Smith

Oct 14 – Alan Danielson Oct 21 – Danny Brown

Oct 28 – Martin Castaneda Nov 1 – Don Tidholm

Thank You………

My Family in Christ, Thank you for the thoughtful gift card for my classes at school. Be assured it will be put to good use. Thanks Again - Your Sister in Christ- Nancy Matheson

http://www.biblestudytools.com/search/?t=esv&q=matt+1-4http://www.biblestudytools.com/search/?t=esv&q=matt+5-6http://www.biblestudytools.com/search/?t=esv&q=matt+7-8http://www.biblestudytools.com/search/?t=esv&q=matt+9-10http://www.biblestudytools.com/search/?t=esv&q=matt+11-12http://www.biblestudytools.com/search/?t=esv&q=matt+13-14http://www.biblestudytools.com/search/?t=esv&q=matt+15-17http://www.biblestudytools.com/search/?t=esv&q=matt+18-19http://www.biblestudytools.com/search/?t=esv&q=matt+20-21http://www.biblestudytools.com/search/?t=esv&q=matt+22-23http://www.biblestudytools.com/search/?t=esv&q=matt+24-25http://www.biblestudytools.com/search/?t=esv&q=matt+26http://www.biblestudytools.com/search/?t=esv&q=matt+27-28http://www.biblestudytools.com/search/?t=esv&q=mark+1-3http://www.biblestudytools.com/search/?t=esv&q=mark+4-5http://www.biblestudytools.com/search/?t=esv&q=mark+6-7http://www.biblestudytools.com/search/?t=esv&q=dan+7-9http://www.biblestudytools.com/search/?t=esv&q=mark+8-9http://www.biblestudytools.com/search/?t=esv&q=mark+10-11http://www.biblestudytools.com/search/?t=esv&q=mark+12-13http://www.biblestudytools.com/search/?t=esv&q=mark+14http://www.biblestudytools.com/search/?t=esv&q=mark+15-16http://www.biblestudytools.com/search/?t=esv&q=luke+1http://www.biblestudytools.com/search/?t=esv&q=luke+2-3http://www.biblestudytools.com/search/?t=esv&q=luke+4-5http://www.biblestudytools.com/search/?t=esv&q=luke+6-7http://www.biblestudytools.com/search/?t=esv&q=luke+8-9http://www.biblestudytools.com/search/?t=esv&q=luke+10-11http://www.biblestudytools.com/search/?t=esv&q=luke+12-13http://www.biblestudytools.com/search/?t=esv&q=luke+14-16http://www.biblestudytools.com/search/?t=esv&q=luke+17-18http://www.biblestudytools.com/search/?t=esv&q=luke+19-20mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]

October 8, 2017

Sunday

BAKE SALE following late service

Fellowship Opportunities

in October…..

Midweek Activities Wednesday 6pm Classes for Children & Adults

Choir Practice @ 7:00pm

Bible Studies: Men’s – October 7 @ 9am

Women’s – October 21 @ 10am

Dartball – October 1 & 15 @ 3pm

Crafters Group -Oct 15 & 29 @ 1pm

Friends Luncheon Thursday, Oct. 19

October 20 & 21 LWML Oklahoma District Fall Retreat

LWML Meeting Oct. 23, 6:30pm

October 29, 4:00pm 500th Anniversary Reformation

Festival Worship Service @ Messiah

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 8:00am Divine Service

w/ Lord’s Supper

9:15 Bible Class

10:30am Divine Service 3pm- Dartball

2

3

7:00pm Elders

Meeting

4 Preschool Fire Dept Visit

6pm-Classes -Adult & Youth

7:00pm- Choir

5

6 Pastor’s Day Off

7

9:00am Men’s

Bible Breakfast

8 LWML Sunday 8amDivine Service

9:15 Bible Class

10:30 am Divine Service

w/ Lord’s Supper

LWML BAKE SALE after church

9

10

11

6pm-Classes -Adult & Youth

7:00pm- Choir

12

13 Pastor’s Day Off

14 1pm -Crafters

15 *Guest Speaker Pastor Dave Horn

8am-Divine Service w/ Lord’s Supper 9:15 Bible Class

10:30am Divine Service 3pm- Dartball

16

17 18

6pm-Classes -Adult & Youth

7:00pm- Choir

19

Noon Friendship Luncheon

20 Pastor’S Day Off

21 10:00am Women’s

Bible Study

22 8:00 am

Divine Service

9:15 Bible Class

10:30 am Divine Service

w/ Lord’s Supper

23

6:30pm LWML

Meeting

24

25 Preschool

Pumpkin Patch Field Trip

6pm-Classes

-Adult & Youth

7:00pm- Choir

26

27 Pastor’s Day Off

28 1pm -Crafters

29 8:00 am Old Hymn Sing

9:15 Bible Class

10:30 am Contemporary Service

Time:: Reformation

Festival @ Messiah

30

31 6-8:00pm

Trunk or Treat

Don’t Forget: There is a sign-up sheet on the bulletin board for you to choose a time for your families’ sitting with the Lifetouch Photographer October 26,27,28 for our new church directory.

26-28 Lifetouch Photographer Here

Melissa on Vacation October 17-19 20-21 LWML District Fall Fest

16 & 17 Pastor @ Church Workers Conference

SCHEDULE OF THOSE WHO SERVE GOD AND YOU October 1, 2017 October 8, 2017 Elder Elder Martin Castaneda (E&L) Stan Witt (E&L) Ushers Ushers Kenny Kautz George Danielson Johnny Phipps Herb Danielson Lector Lector Kenny Kautz Bill Allen Counters Counters Gail Kautz Dorothy Prophet Jene Machinski Diana Ritter Nursery Nursery Sue Wright Linda Danielson Greeters Greeter Wood Family Basinger Family Organist Organist Barbara Brewster (E) Barbara Brewster (E) Ivy Douglas (L) Mabel Mailand (L) October 15, 2017 October 22, 2017 October 29, 2017 Elder Elder Elder Alan Winter (E&L) Darryl Poole (E&L) Leonard Mahan (E&L) Ushers Ushers Usher s Greg Barta Alan Danielson Johnny Phipps Bobby Smith Don Tidholm Kenny Kautz Lector Lector Lector Johnny Phipps Glenda Berry Mati Wood Counters Counters Counters Sandie Keig Shannon Brown Debbie Tidholm Shirley Clark Shirley Jackson Alane Jordan Nursery Nursery Nursery Sandie Keig Pam Owens Cassie Danielson Greeters Greeters Greeter Phipps Family Brown Family Sandie Keig Organist Organist Organist Special Service Barbara Brewster (E) Barbara Brewster (E) Pastor Dave Horn Mabel Mailand (L) Ivy Douglas (L)

Altar Guild for October – Diana Ritter & Abigail