Encouragement for the Embattled Chris“Live your lives as strangers here in reverent fear.”

The Parish Messenger September 2015 volume 80/issue 9

1 Peter 1:17b

How would your life change if it was suddenly illegal to be a Christian? If the very fact of your faith was cause for arrest, imprisonment, beating and even death, how would you respond? These are questions that we do not often yet face in our country, but they are questions that Christians from all times and from many places have and still do face. The world hates Christ and those who follow him. To follow Christ is to pick up the cross after him. While we may not face the horrible persecution that many other Christians are facing, we do confront a growing hostility to our faith in or culture. It is difficult at times to hold to what we believe in a world that grows more and more ungodly. We are tempted at such times to hide away our faith or to compromise our beliefs to avoid the difficulties that come with following Jesus. How important it is for us, then, to be encouraged to confront these temptations with God’s comforting reassurance that he is watching over us at all times. It is he who will rescue us from danger. It is he who will strengthen us to stand firm in all circumstances. It is he who will bring final judgment to this world and all who are in it. In our Bible Study this fall, we will examine the letter of 1 Peter to receive such encouragement. In this letter, Peter addresses Christians who are embattled by the forces of evil in this world. They are discouraged, afraid, wavering. Peter provides them and us with a message of hope and victory in the midst of such suffering. He focuses his readers on what is in store for us through Christ. He reminds his readers that they are to live in love for God and each other no matter what they must endure. There is a lot packed into the 5 chapters of this letter. I was privileged to spend two weeks this summer at our Seminary in a study of this important book of Scripture. It is my prayer that we will all grow in our knowledge and in or faith as we study these words. Join us each Sunday morning as we dig into these encouraging words to embattled Christians. Bible study begins on September 20th. We meet from 9:30-10:15 in the church basement. All are welcome and encouraged to join us for study and for fellowship. In Christ, Pastor Wayne D. Schoch

Pastor Wayne D. Schoch office: 732-5421 home: 732-4089 cell 421-7924 e-mail: Pastorws@ christlutheranzumbrota.com Vicar Larry Neitzel office: 732-5421 cell: 262-377-6362 Principal Daniel Kell office: 732-5367 cell: 202-3309 e-mail: [email protected] Kids of Christ Learning Center Preschool and Child Care stacy.kidsofchrist @gmail.com Church & School Website christlutheranzumbrota.com church & school fax: 507-732-7641

Church Council Kevin Smith, President Jeff Perra, Secretary Dan Torgrimson, Treasurer Dan Hinrichs Muril Niebuhr Armin Schrimpf John Mann Adult Discipleship Board Dan Hinrichs Dean Tiedemann Doug Agenten Youth Discipleship Board Michael Scharpen Todd Schumacher Greg Sperber Outreach Board Armin Schrimpf Michael Walerak Josh Rasmussen Property and Finance Board John Mann Bob Quast Allan Schumacher

THE PARISH MESSENGER

Christ Lutheran School News For the thirty-ninth time, Christ Lutheran School will begin a new school year with the primary goal of focusing students, staff, and families on God’s Word as the only source of genuine and lasting wisdom. This has been—and continues to be—what makes CLS unique in our community. Our synod’s system of Bible-based, Christfocused education at both primary and secondary levels is the envy of most other church bodies—a distinct blessing that yields a rich and diverse harvest of even greater blessings for our congregations and God’s Kingdom. The 2015-2016 school year begins on Tuesday, September 8th. Doors will open at 7:30 a.m., with classes to begin at 7:50. CLS families and friends are invited and encouraged to attend our opening service in church at 10:00 a.m. With the culmination of this summer’s planning, projects, and technology upgrades, the staff of Christ Lutheran School and Kids of Christ Learning Center are mindful of the number of new children and families being served. As God has provided our congregation with this amazing ministry opportunity, so we invite you to join us in praying for faithfulness to the task He’s placed before us, as well as to rejoice over His continued and countless blessings to us! Another opportunity to assist these ministries exists in the form of tuition assistance. Both CLS and KOC operate non-budgetary tuition assistance funds, and gifts large or small are always gratefully received! Kindly contact CLS principal Dan Kell or KOC director Stacy Lindhart for information. And remember, for all the latest events and schedule updates be sure to check out the monthly school calendar at: www.christlutheranzumbrota.com

Kids of Christ Learning Center Happy September from the Kids of Christ! We welcome new families from the church and community to our school family this month! Many had the opportunity to gather at our Open House on August 25th. Families posed for pictures, walked through the classroom and met staff. The children met one on one for assessments with Mrs. Lindhart during the week. It's going to be a wonderful school year! Preschool sessions will begin on September 14. Daily morning sessions will be held from 8-11 a.m. Afternoon sessions will be held on Monday, Wednesday ,and Friday from noon to 3 p.m. Enrollment is currently at 29 preschool students. We welcome McKenzie Johnson to our childcare staff. She joins us to work with the children each Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. We are still in need of after school staff for our school age students. Hours needed are 3 to 5 p.m., Monday-Friday. Our school age enrollment is at 11. Thank you for supporting our early childhood ministry with your prayers and donations. We are grateful. Wish List  Tuition assistance  Chair footies (about $100)

THE PARISH MESSENGER

Worship Attendance Aug. 2 Aug. 3 Aug. 9

227 38 186 117 communed Aug. 10 36 21 communed Aug. 16 140 Aug. 17 49 Aug. 23 176 113 communed Aug. 24 27 22 communed Aug. 30 172 Aug. 31 28

Memorial Money Received Mabel Holst School fund: $20.00

OWLS Date: Tue. Sept. 22 Time: 5:00 p.m. Place: Resurrection, Rochester Speaker: Daryl Schultz on Truth In Love Ministry. Daryl is a member of Resurrection and has made multiple trips to Utah witnessing to Mormans. Refreshments: potluck provided by OWLS members Everyone is invited to attend. An RSVP is not required.

Treasurers Report July income: $46,184.73 July expenses: $44,848.39 July Synod offerings: Missions: $3,001.09 CEF: $10.00 WELS Relief: $20.00 WLCFS: $10.00. We currently have a bank loan of $38,193.33.

Hospitalized in August Holly Semlow & baby boy Jodi Coady Doris Miller

Rev. Reich Anniversary Pastor Daniel Reich will celebrate 25 years in the ministry on Sunday, September 6, at Trinity Lutheran ChurchLincoln. A meal served by Lincoln members will follow the 10 a.m. service.

It’s Time for Power Hour! Christ Lutheran School is the place for families with young children! The next session of Power Hour will begin Wednesday October 14th from 6:00-7:30 PM and continue each Wednesday through November 18th. Looking for the opportunity to connect your 0-4 year old with others through play, music, age-appropriate hands-on activities and crafts (as well as network with other parents)? Then Power Hour is for you! Questions?

Contact Dan

Bible in 3 Years Sept. 1 Sept. 2 Sept. 3 Sept. 4 Sept. 5 Sept. 6 Sept. 7 Sept. 8 Sept. 9 Sept. 10 Sept. 11 Sept. 12 Sept. 13 Sept. 14 Sept. 15 Sept. 16 Sept. 17 Sept. 18 Sept. 19 Sept. 20 Sept. 21 Sept. 22 Sept. 23 Sept. 24 Sept. 25 Sept. 26 Sept. 27 Sept. 28

James 1:19-27 James 2:1-13 James 2:14-26 James 3 James 4 James 5 1 Chronicles 1-9 1 Chronicles 10,11 1 Chronicles 12 1 Chronicles 13, 14 1 Chron. 15:1-16:6 1 Chron. 16:7-43 1 Chronicles 17 1 Chronicles 18-20 1 Chron. 21:1-22:1 1 Chron. 22:2-19 1 Chronicles 23, 24 1 Chronicles 25-27 1 Chronicles 28 1 Chronicles 29 Psalm 107:1-32 Psalm 107:33-43 Psalm 108 Psalm 109 Psalm 110 Psalm 111, 112 Psalm 113, 114 Psalm 115

THE PARISH MESSENGER

September Birthdays Sept. 1

Sept. 2

Doug Sommer John Schumann Hazel Luhmann Phyllis Heise Albin Timm, Jr.

Sept. 10 Dan Hinrichs Paul Luhmann Sept. 11 Julie Schrimpf Shelly Schader Sept. 12 Zachary Finnesgard Isabella Mitchell

Sept. 3

Bryant Grover

Sept. 4

Brittney Tiedemann Sept. 13 Tanya Rasmussen Sept. 14 Tyron Friese Sept. 15 Crystal Olson Sabrina Siple Sept. 16 Dale Olson

Sept. 5

Sept. 6 Sept. 7

Jesse Jonsgaard Kim Erickson

Sept. 8

Dale Plank Cole Wedde

Sept. 9

Virginia Albertz Glen Roberson Brad Prigge

Carol Borgschatz Chloe Floan Diana Muetzel Nikky Scheffler Tom Henderson Alivia Sperber

Sept. 17 Teddi Forsman Charles Stiller Jasper Lohmann Sept. 21 Barb Eberhart Brenda Hovel Todd Walstad Teri Scharpen Shannon Brogan

Sept. 22 Emilee Sperber Sept. 23 Jake Jeanson Shelby Hart Easton Miller Sept. 24 Amber Jensen Michael Lindhart Sophia Belcher Sept. 25 Margaret Hinz Sept. 27 Wes Scheffler Mark Johnson Sept. 28 Paul Klankowski Madeline Lindhart Timothy Nicholson Katelyn Flaaen Easton Rasmussen Eva Storey Sept. 30 Gary Stiller Tim Bredehoft Emmett Wempner

Baptism

“Men of His Word” Seminar

Madilynn May Finnesgard, daughter of Joshua & Lindsay (Schliep) Finnesgard was baptized Sunday, August 16. Witnesses for the baptism were Todd Rodgers, Ella DeFrang, Lynn Gerads, & Molly Holm. Madilynn was born June 22, 2015 in Rochester.

In just six years the “Men of His Word” seminar in Oshkosh, WI has grown to become an event that draws over 600 men! In just two months the first “Men of His Word” seminar will be held in Rochester, MN. The day holds great promise. Our keynote speaker will talk about our “shelter from the storm”. Speakers will talk about Christian parenting, strengthening your marriage, battling the temptation of pornography, Christian leadership, and many more topics . A special track for teens will challenge and inspire our young men. If you want more details, please go to www.menofhisword.org.

THE PARISH MESSENGER

Wedding Anniversaries September 1 Ralph & Barb Miller September 4 Michael & Joni Walerak September 8 Don & Deb Schliep Dan & Kae Klankowski September 9 Bob & Gerry Thumann September 10 Dan & Linda Hinrichs September 11 Jim & Deb Zemke September 13 Jesse & Stephanie Barton

September 14 Ardell & Adeline Schumann Matt & Dawn Hennig Josh & Jenni Baack

September 22 Rick & Barb Johnson Phil & Annette Kehren Andy & Megan Betcher

September 16 Dan & Gretchen Torgrimson

September 23 Todd & Angie Schumacher

September 17 Kent & Cindy Billman

September 24 Albin & Kim Timm III

September 19 Garry & Mary Ring

September 25 Roger & Nikky Scheffler

September 20 Larry & Sue Holst Lowell & Katie Tangen David & Kathy Buck Brandon & Alydia Zemke

September 29 John & Lisa Miller Jerome & Trisha Miller

Vacation Bible School – July 27-31, 2015 “Bird Tales” The students of this summer’s Vacation Bible School learned Bible truths from the Bible and the example of birds. We had special visitors this year, Sara Swarthout and her 6 cockatiels. The students enjoyed learning about Sara’s birds, and they especially enjoyed watching the birds up close. Thank you, thank you to the many who donated so much of their time before and during our VBS week! Such a capable group of volunteers made the week run very smoothly. Thank you, also, to those who donated food, craft supplies, and money. The donations, along with a gift from Thrivent, covered most of our expenses. 109 students registered for our VBS, while daily attendance averaged 94 students. Approximately 185 students, staff, and guests enjoyed fellowship and food after Friday’s closing service. Registration information indicated that Christ Lutheran was the church home of 79 students, 23 had other church homes, and 7 students had no church home. We thank the students for their offering of $223.71 which was sent to the Food Shelf in Zumbrota.

THE PARISH MESSENGER

Thank You

Luther League

Dear and Beloved Members of Christ Lutheran,

Thank you!

“I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

We made it through another year at the Goodhue County Fair thanks to the many hands that volunteered to help! A sign up sheet is available in the church entryway for those that worked. Please write down the number of hours you worked and where you would like your portion of the proceeds to go within the church or school.

This prayer of Paul’s from Philippians came to mind as Cheryl and I were graciously welcomed by you on that first day of my becoming your vicar. Your kind words of support and encouragement then and in your cards and letters warmed and lifted our hearts. The wonderful quilted comforter will keep us warm through the winter and the cook book will probably not let us lose any weight, yet keep us fit. Your generous gifts will be put to good use in support of the ministry here at Christ Church. I can think of no other way to say thank you than with these verses for they so much apply to the members of Christ Lutheran Church as they did to the church in Philippi that supported the gospel of Christ through Paul, Timothy, Titus and other brothers. From our hearts, Cheryl and I thank you for your generous gifts and trust in the continuation of our education and experience through this year with you in Zumbrota at Christ Church and School – our new home. Yours in Christ Jesus our Lord and Savior, Larry and Cheryl PS – I thought the Turtle Wild Rice Soup sounded good, but Cheryl put her foot down on that one. Maybe if I substituted the elephant for the turtle? Ahh – no.

Happy New Year! A new school year has started, and the teens will be busy with their studies, sports, part time jobs and other extra curricular activities. Starting on Sunday September 20th, Teen Bible Class will resume, starting at 9:30am each Sunday. Vicar Neitzel will lead the study of "By Grace Alone". We will look at God's plan for salvation in Christ Jesus, the Ten Commandments and Christian conduct in the family, stewardship and evangelism. All teens are welcome and invited to join us each Sunday!

Lutheran Chapel of the Air Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27

Pastor Valleau Pastor Blauert Pastor Berg Pastor Reich

Services are Sundays at 9:00 a.m. on KCUE 1250 AM Red Wing and 9:30 a.m. Sunday on KOLM 1520 AM Rochester. Donations to help cover the cost of airing services can be sent to Mr. Nick Moucha, PO Box 6965, Rochester, MN 55903.

THE PARISH MESSENGER

Christ Lutheran Church & School 223 East Fifth Street Zumbrota, Minnesota 55992

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 41 ZUMBROTA, MINNESOTA

Address Service Requested

School opens September 8 — Sunday School begins September 13 Let children hear the mighty deeds Which God performed of old, Which in our younger years we saw, And which our fathers told. Make unto them his glories known, His works of pow’r and grace, And we’ll convey his wonders down Through ev’ry rising race. Our lips shall tell them to our sons And they again to theirs That generations yet unborn May teach them to their heirs. Oh, teach them with all diligence The truths of God’s own Word, To place in him their confidence, To fear and trust their Lord, To learn that in our God alone Their hope securely stands, That they may ne’er forget his works, But walk in his commands.

Hymn #512

THE PARISH MESSENGER