Dear Fellow Workers in Christ’s Kingdom:
An old illustration depicts a needy traveler, weary from journey, standing at the base of a castle. From the walls above someone drops before his feet below all the supplies needed for the continued journey. It is reasonable to suppose, then, that the traveler takes time to look upward to see who brought this needed relief. In a similar way, we pause as a nation during this month to acknowledge an abundance of relief supplies – and then some! We look above to our heavenly Father who showers his blessings upon us. And the greatest blessing is the faith in our Savior that God works in our hearts through his Word. James speaks to this: “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created” (1:18). Have a grateful and blessed Thanksgiving, everyone!
Blessings in Christ,
John A. Moldstad
Anniversary Celebration
On October 4, Hartland Lutheran Church in Hartland, Minnesota, celebrated her 125th anniversary and Manchester Lutheran Church in Manchester, Minnesota, her 100th anniversary. Pastor Shawn Stafford and the Rev. John Smith (former pastor) led the services of thanksgiving for the Lord’s many blessings.
Dedication at Port St. Lucie, Florida
On Saturday, October 10, 2015, the members of Christ Lutheran dedicated its new school building. President Moldstad preached for the occasion and brought greetings from the synod. Pictured above with Pres. Moldstad are teachers and pastors at Christ Lutheran School: (from left) Marlene Faugstad, the Rev. Mark Faugstad, the Rev. Michael Dale, Marcy Lowry, and the Rev. Chris Dale. The Lutheran classical education school (pre-K through 8) has an enrollment of 57.
Installation in OhioRev. Richard Tragasz was installed as pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Weston, Ohio, on October 4. May the Lord bless the Grace parish and its new pastor and family.
World Outreach Update: Czech Republic- Approximately 200 members
- 2 Czech pastors serve the church bi-vocationally
- Over 200 enrolled in Martin Luther School in Plzen
- Fifth successful VBS was conducted this summer
- The mission focus is congregational development
Peace Lutheran, Kissimmee, Florida
Some of the members who attend regularly the Hispanic worship service at Peace Lutheran in Kissimmee, Florida, gathered for a picture on October 11. The Rev. Herb Huhnerkoch holds the services at noon each week. He reports that attendance has been growing. The Rev. Matthew Moldstad serves as the pastor of Peace Lutheran Church and School.
Reformation
Many of you have already celebrated the Reformation. Still others will do so this week. As we reflect back on 498 years since that day, we are reminded of the significant milestone of the 500th year anniversary of the Reformation just two years from now (2017). Only one year later we celebrate the 100th anniversary of our synod (2018). Our Anniversary Offering and Centennial Committees have been working hard to prepare to help you and your congregation join in the celebration. May we with thankfulness remember those who have gone before to preserve God’s Word for us today. May we remain faithful and committed to this work as we support it with our gifts. If you would like to learn more about the plans for the centennial celebration or how you can help carry it forward by participating in the Anniversary Offering, contact your synod office at 507-344-7354 or call the Dan Basel at the Estate Planning Office at 507-344-7311.
Women’s Mission Rally, October 17, 2015, at Abiding Shepherd Lutheran, Cottage Grove, Wisconsin
Upcoming Events: http://www.els.org/about/calendar/
November 1 – 10th anniversary of our church in Seoul, South Korea
November 3 – Board of Trustees
November 4 – Synod Review Committee
November 5-6 – Board for Home Outreach
November 13 – meeting of ELS and WELS with the CLC in Waukesha, Wisconsin
November 14 – Women’s Mission Society Rally in Port St. Lucie, Florida
November 16-17 – Board of Regents
November 17-18 – Board for World Outreach
November 20 – Centennial Committee
December 7-8 – Doctrine Committee
December 16 – Synod Review Committee
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