from our senior pastor tt iissuessue · happenings is to challenge one truly to ^ elieve it or not....

12
Believe It or Not! Believe it or not! Did you know that one of the first “reality” shows on television was created by Robert Ripley of “Ripley’s Believe It or Not” fame? Based loosely on his successful radio show format, Ripley displayed some of his artifacts, drew cartoons on camera, and re-enacted fantastic unbelievable stories, followed by interviews with the actual “stars” of the stories. The show was growing quickly in popularity until on show #13 on May 27, 1949, Ripley had a heart attack and died while on stage discussing the military funeral hymn “Taps.” Despite Ripley’s death, the “Believe It or Not” shows and museums have remained in the public mainstream, sharing unbelievable stories and oddities from around the globe. The premise behind presenting these many unusual and peculiar events and happenings is to challenge one truly to “Believe It or Not.” Similarly, the presentation of the facts of Jesus’ resurrection also leads one to either “believe it or not.” Such was the case on the day of His resurrection and remains the case today. In Luke 24:10-11, it is recorded: “Now it was Mary Magdalene and Joanna and Mary the mother of James and the other women with them who told these things to the apostles, but these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them.” At this time the responses were divided. The women believed the angel’s word that Jesus had risen; the apostles thought it was an idle tale and did not believe. Of course, later we know in the presence of the resurrected Lord their minds were changed. Upon reflection, is not the message of Jesus’ resurrection still received the same today in our society? Believe it or not! Some believe it. Some do not. To some it still seems like an idle tale. To others, His resurrection is the foundation of a faith built and established in Christ as Savior and Lord. However, the manner in which one receives the facts of Christ’s resurrection makes a huge difference in one’s eternal future. “Believe it” to eternal life, or “not” to eternal punishment. Of course, the resurrection of Christ varies widely from the amusements of a Ripley’s story. It is not a museum display from which one can walk away amused, soon to be quickly forgotten. It is the hinge factor of one’s eternal destiny. It is the story of our merciful God coming to earth to redeem His people. It is a story that cries out for belief in the living Son of God, that by believing we may have life in His name. (Ref. John 20:30-31) For the Christian, the “or not” drops away. We believe it. We celebrate it at Easter and beyond. We live it as those who know that our Redeemer lives. Thanks be to God that this story is not unbelievable, for by believing we have life in His Name. All glory be to God as we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! Love God and love your neighbor, Pastor Krueger April 2017 Edion TOPIC Page Pastor Krueger Article 1 Holy Week Schedule Pancake Breakfast Church Office Elections 5th Sun. Potluck 2 Pastor Albers Article Kids Easter Mini-Cantata Circuit Forum 3 Prayer Guide 4 Classes for All Ages 5 Senior Adults Worship April Acolyte Schedule 6 Texas CEF Rates Offering/Attendance Official Acts 7 DCS Krahn Article LWML Mite Box 8 Local Church Anniversaries Fredericksburg Bus Trip 9 Music Notes Bellmead Resource Fiesta 10 Children & Youth Activities 11 Calendar/Servants Insert Easter Weekend Schedule Back Cover I NSIDE NSIDE T HIS HIS I SSUE SSUE Sunday Worship 8am & 10:30am Bible Class/Sunday School 9:15am From Our Senior Pastor From Our Senior Pastor Rev. Larry Krueger [email protected]

Upload: others

Post on 08-Oct-2020

0 views

Category:

Documents


0 download

TRANSCRIPT

Page 1: From Our Senior Pastor TT IISSUESSUE · happenings is to challenge one truly to ^ elieve It or Not. _ Similarly, the presentation of the facts of Jesus [ resurrection also leads one

Believe It or Not! Believe it or not! Did you know that one of the first “reality” shows on television was created by Robert Ripley of “Ripley’s Believe It or Not” fame? Based loosely on his successful radio show format, Ripley displayed some of his artifacts, drew cartoons on camera, and re-enacted fantastic unbelievable stories, followed by interviews with the actual “stars” of the stories. The show was growing quickly in popularity until on show #13 on May 27, 1949, Ripley had a heart attack and died while on stage discussing the military funeral hymn “Taps.” Despite Ripley’s death, the “Believe It or Not” shows and museums have remained in the public mainstream, sharing unbelievable stories and oddities from around the globe. The premise behind presenting these many unusual and peculiar events and happenings is to challenge one truly to “Believe It or Not.” Similarly, the presentation of the facts of Jesus’ resurrection also leads one to either “believe it or not.” Such was the case on the day of His resurrection and remains the case today. In Luke 24:10-11, it is recorded: “Now it was Mary Magdalene and Joanna and Mary the mother of James and the other women with them who told these things to the apostles, but these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them.” At this time the responses were divided. The women believed the angel’s word that Jesus had risen; the apostles thought it was an idle tale and did not believe. Of course, later we know in the presence of the resurrected Lord their minds were changed. Upon reflection, is not the message of Jesus’ resurrection still received the same today in our society? Believe it or not! Some believe it. Some do not. To some it still seems like an idle tale. To others, His resurrection is the foundation of a faith built and established in Christ as Savior and Lord. However, the manner in which one receives the facts of Christ’s resurrection makes a huge difference in one’s eternal future. “Believe it” to eternal life, or “not” to eternal punishment. Of course, the resurrection of Christ varies widely from the amusements of a Ripley’s story. It is not a museum display from which one can walk away amused, soon to be quickly forgotten. It is the hinge factor of one’s eternal destiny. It is the story of our merciful God coming to earth to redeem His people. It is a story that cries out for belief in the living Son of God, that by believing we may have life in His name. (Ref. John 20:30-31) For the Christian, the “or not” drops away. We believe it. We celebrate it at Easter and beyond. We live it as those who know that our Redeemer lives. Thanks be to God that this story is not unbelievable, for by believing we have life in His Name. All glory be to God as we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! Love God and love your neighbor, Pastor Krueger

April 2017 Edition

TOPIC Page

Pastor Krueger Article 1

Holy Week Schedule Pancake Breakfast Church Office Elections 5th Sun. Potluck

2

Pastor Albers Article Kids Easter Mini-Cantata Circuit Forum

3

Prayer Guide 4

Classes for All Ages 5

Senior Adults Worship April Acolyte Schedule

6

Texas CEF Rates Offering/Attendance Official Acts

7

DCS Krahn Article LWML Mite Box

8

Local Church Anniversaries Fredericksburg Bus Trip

9

Music Notes Bellmead Resource Fiesta

10

Children & Youth Activities 11

Calendar/Servants Insert

Easter Weekend Schedule Back Cover

IINSIDENSIDE TTHISHIS IISSUESSUE

Sunday Worship 8am & 10:30am

Bible Class/Sunday School 9:15am

From Our Senior PastorFrom Our Senior Pastor Rev. Larry Krueger [email protected]

Page 2: From Our Senior Pastor TT IISSUESSUE · happenings is to challenge one truly to ^ elieve It or Not. _ Similarly, the presentation of the facts of Jesus [ resurrection also leads one

PAGE 2 MESSENGER APRIL 2017

Please join us for our Annual Easter Pancake

Breakfast, April 16, starting at 7:00 am.

The Men’s Club will

collect a Free-Will

offering with all

proceeds benefitting

Texas Ramp Project.

April 13 April 13 April 13 --- Maundy Thursday WorshipMaundy Thursday WorshipMaundy Thursday Worship 12:00pm & 6:30pm April 14 April 14 April 14 --- Good Friday WorshipGood Friday WorshipGood Friday Worship 12:00pm & 7:00pm April 15 April 15 April 15 --- Community Devotion & Easter Egg Hunt Community Devotion & Easter Egg Hunt Community Devotion & Easter Egg Hunt 9:30am (Easter Devotion & Community Egg Hunt) April 16 April 16 April 16 --- Easter SundayEaster SundayEaster Sunday Sunrise Worship, 6:30am followed by Pancake Breakfast Easter Worship, 8:00am Children’s Mini-Cantata, 10:00am Easter Worship, 10:30am

Everyone is invited to join us in the Family Center on Sunday, April 30, for a 5th Sunday Congregational Potluck after the 10:30am worship service.

This will be a true potluck… We will only enjoy the items provided by our church family that day The church will not be providing the entrée or meat portion of the meal

Everyone please bring your favorite dish, casserole, and/or dessert to share and stay after worship to enjoy fellowship and fun with our church family! The Men’s Club will host their Blood Drive the same day, so please make plans to stay!

We have begun the nominating process for our 2017 election of church officers to be held on Sunday, April 30. Recommendations for offices to be filled will be accepted through Sunday, April 9. According to the church constitution and bylaws, any member of the congregation may submit names prior to the publicly announced closing date. There will be no names accepted after the closing date, or from the floor at the time of election. The nominating committee will prayerfully review each description and examine the entire membership for the people they feel have the physical talents and gifts necessary for each position. The nominating committee will contact potential candidates, explain the job description, identify and determine if the nominated person has the desire and qualifications for the position being considered. The slate of nominees will be presented in both worship services on Sunday, April 23. Recommendations may be turned in to any member of the committee: Mark Borchardt, Tim Harrington, Pastor Krueger, Jon Lamar, Sheila Payne, Don Savage, Duane Schwarz, or Karen Shelton. OFFICES TO BE FILLED THIS ELECTION ARE: Congregational President Treasurer Chairman, Board of Outreach Chairman, Board of Stewardship Chairman, Board of Youth Ministry Elders (3)

April 30, 2017

Page 3: From Our Senior Pastor TT IISSUESSUE · happenings is to challenge one truly to ^ elieve It or Not. _ Similarly, the presentation of the facts of Jesus [ resurrection also leads one

“When they came to the place called the Skull, there they crucified Him” (Luke 23:33). Reading these words, you picture in your mind the horrible scene as it unfolds on Good Friday. The laughter of the soldiers as they carry out their orders… the Scribes and Pharisees gathering to make sure everything is done just right… the curious as they gather to mock and ridicule… the scream of the two criminals who will be crucified beside Him… and you watch in awe at the silence of Jesus as they nail Him to the cross, and then, standing by the cross, they leave Him to die… and you wonder why… why is He hanging on the tree? When Jesus was born, there were legions of angels to sing His praise… where are they now… at His baptism, His Father said, “This is My beloved Son in whom I am well-pleased” (Matt. 3:17)… where is He now… the disciples had vowed to stand beside Him even unto death… where are they now? Is He hanging on the cross because there is no one to help… is He hanging on the cross because three nails and a couple of pieces of new rope was too great for Him to break? No… nails didn’t hold Him… rope didn’t hold Him… the forces of Rome did not hold Him… He was held on the cross by LOVE. He saw us as we were and as

we are, and He loved us nevertheless. “This is love; not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins” (1 John 4:10)… that’s why He hung on the cross and died. People so often try and make the sacrifice of Jesus such a great mystery that it can hardly be understood… they try to make it so complex at times that you are unsure about the faith. The life, death, and resurrection of our Lord can be summed up in two sentences… the cry of a crushed and defeated soul that pleads, “God, be merciful to me a sinner” (Luke 18:13)… and, the answer from our Lord as He hangs on Calvary’s cross, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). The eternal love of God being poured out upon sinful mankind… being poured out upon me through the Lord Jesus Christ as He hangs on the cross… in that, we have the mystery and the miracle of forgiveness of all of our sins… the mystery and the cause of His death.

O can it be, upon a tree The Savior died for Me?

My soul is thrilled, my heart is filled To think He died for me.

Songwriter: John Newton; Public Domain

PAGE 3 MESSENGER APRIL 2017

A Message From Our Pastor EmeritusA Message From Our Pastor Emeritus

Rev. Walter F. Albers Email: [email protected]

CIRCUIT FORUM: On Saturday, April 1, 2017, at 9:00 a.m. pastors, leaders, and all interested members of Circuit 18 congregations of the Texas District will meet at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Bellmead with Rev. Yohannes Mengsteab to consider our circuit’s vision for new outreach into our local and surrounding communities—both urban and rural. Rev. Mengsteab will lead us in considering how we might work together intentionally as congregations, supported by the District, to identify men and women in our congregations to be trained and equipped to act as local “apostolic” missionaries following the mission model of the book of Acts.

Page 4: From Our Senior Pastor TT IISSUESSUE · happenings is to challenge one truly to ^ elieve It or Not. _ Similarly, the presentation of the facts of Jesus [ resurrection also leads one

Lord, Hear Our Prayers: We pray for continued healing for all those who have suffered physical problems in the last month, including:

(a complete list is available in the church office). We pray the Lord lay His healing hand upon them. We pray for all who struggle with ongoing health concerns, including(a complete list is available in the church

office). We pray the Lord keep His healing hand upon them. We pray for those who have lost loved ones, including: (a complete list is available in the church office). We

pray the Lord give them comfort in their time of grief. We pray for those serving in our Armed Forces (a complete list is available through the church office). We pray

the Lord keep them safe in their stead as they defend our freedom and safety. We pray for those who are bound to their homes or in nursing homes (a complete list is available through the

church office). We pray the Lord keep His healing hand upon them. We pray for those serving in the mission field … may God continue to bless and keep them safe as they

minister to the world as an extended outreach of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Waco, Texas. Please contact the church office if you, someone in your family, or a family friend is in need of prayer. If you have a friend or relative listed as those serving in the Armed Forces, please keep the church office advised of their status. If you have any questions, please contact the church office.

“The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; He delivers them from all their troubles.” Psalm34:17

PAGE 4 MESSENGER APRIL 2017

The Ol’ Sew ‘n’ Sows Quilting Group will take a field trip on Monday, April 3. They will visit the Simply Fabric Quilt Shop, enjoy lunch at Homestead Heritage Café, and ending the day with a trip to Hobby Lobby & JoAnn’s. The group will leave the church at 10:00am and return by 4:00pm. If you have any questions, please contact Pam Schulze. Anyone is welcome to join!

Page 5: From Our Senior Pastor TT IISSUESSUE · happenings is to challenge one truly to ^ elieve It or Not. _ Similarly, the presentation of the facts of Jesus [ resurrection also leads one

PAGE 5 MESSENGER APRIL 2017

Join us for Sunday morning Bible Classes at 9:15am each week: Join us for Sunday morning Bible Classes at 9:15am each week: Join us for Sunday morning Bible Classes at 9:15am each week:

Adult Bible Class, in the Family Center

This group is studying the book of Romans.

Men’s Bible Class, in the Men’s Bible Study Classroom (next to the Chapel)

This group is studying various topics, applicable to everyday life.

Ladies Bible Class, in the Conference Room

This group has begun a new study entitled, “Seamless: Understanding the Bible as One Complete

Story” by Angie Smith. In 7 sessions, Seamless covers the people, places, and promises of the

Bible, tying them together into the greater story of Scripture. Experience the Bible as a whole as

you gain clarity and confidence in your understanding of Scripture. Discover a biblical context that

reshapes and brings to life stories from the Old and New Testaments.

Nursery thru Sixth Grade, in specified areas

Each grade level (Nursery through 6th) has a unique theme every quarter that teaches a mix

of classic and uncommon Bible stories that kids haven't heard before–which impacts their faith

and changes their lives.

Grades 7-8, in specified areas

This group is utilizing an exciting LIVE Bible study with technology based aids.

High School Youth, in the Youth Room

This group is utilizing an exciting LIVE bible study with technology based aids, led by Jerry Tucker.

Other Bible Study Opportunities: Other Bible Study Opportunities: Other Bible Study Opportunities:

Men’s Tuesday Morning Bible Class, in the Parish Hall

This group works through selected studies, meeting every Tuesday morning at 6:30am

followed by a shared breakfast and fellowship.

College Student Evening Bible Study/Fellowship

This group meets on Tuesday evenings at 7:00pm, on the Baylor campus at Teal Hall, Room 102

(Seminar Room).

Ladies Wednesday Morning Bible Class, in the Conference Room

This group is studying the epistle of 1st Peter. They meet on the first and third Wednesday of

each month.

Youth Confirmation/Catechesis Training

These classes are held on Wednesday evenings:

Confirmation Classes for 7/8 Grade

Midweek School for 5/6 Grade

During Lent (March 1-April 5), classes will meet immediately following the 6:30pm evening worship service.)

There’s a place for EVERYONE to be immersed in There’s a place for EVERYONE to be immersed in There’s a place for EVERYONE to be immersed in

God’s Word and fellowship with other Christians! God’s Word and fellowship with other Christians! God’s Word and fellowship with other Christians!

Page 6: From Our Senior Pastor TT IISSUESSUE · happenings is to challenge one truly to ^ elieve It or Not. _ Similarly, the presentation of the facts of Jesus [ resurrection also leads one

ST. PAUL SENIOR ADULTS will come together for a

communion worship service on Wednesday, April 5, at 12:00pm,

followed by a luncheon. All are welcome to join us for this

time of fellowship!

PAGE 6 MESSENGER APRIL 2017

A complete list of member birthdays is

available in the church office.

We do not publish this information on

our website out of respect for the

privacy of our members.

Out of respect for the privacy of our youth servants, they will be identified by the initial of their first and last name only. If you have any questions, please contact the church office.

8:00am Worship April 2 - S. M. April 9 - M. S. April 16 - K. P. April 23 - A. S. April 30 - S. M. 10:30am Worship April 2 - H. T. April 9 - D. T. April 16 - R. E. April 23 - E. W. April 30 - A. M. Special Worship April 5 - C. A. (6:30pm) April 13 - E. L. (6:30pm) April 14 - C. F. (7:00pm) April 16 - T. R. (6:30am)

Page 7: From Our Senior Pastor TT IISSUESSUE · happenings is to challenge one truly to ^ elieve It or Not. _ Similarly, the presentation of the facts of Jesus [ resurrection also leads one

Attendance and Offering for March 2017

PAGE 7 MESSENGER APRIL 2017

Texas District Church Extension Fund: How can you save for tomorrow and help save souls for God with the same dollar? Invest that dollar with the Texas District Church Extension Fund (CEF). Every dollar you invest with CEF earns a competitive rate of return and provides low-cost construction loans to Texas congregations for buildings that help enlarge God’s kingdom of believers. Your investment is a wise personal savings plan that allows CEF to make loans that serve others and show God’s love actively. April Rates (Fixed) (Floating) One Year CD 1.26%APY .75%APY Three Year CD 1.76%APY 1.15%APY Five Year CD 2.02%APY 2.02%APY Flex Savings .50%APY Cong. Savings 1.00%APY

For more information call Texas CEF at 1.800.951.3478, online at www.TexasCEF.org or you can contact Gene Bode at 254.896.5821.

Official Acts for March 2017

A complete list is available in the church office.

A complete list is available in the church office.

Page 8: From Our Senior Pastor TT IISSUESSUE · happenings is to challenge one truly to ^ elieve It or Not. _ Similarly, the presentation of the facts of Jesus [ resurrection also leads one

PAGE 8 MESSENGER APRIL 2017

Spring Has Sprung In Springtime of each year, we almost automatically think of new birth, new beginnings, new plant life, like flowers and green grass, new babies (animals), etc. This is usually a joyous time of the year, especially for those who have extremely bad winters (ice, cold, snow). The birds start to return to the northern areas; as we are blessed to have birds here in central Texas year-round. I really enjoy hearing the birds chirp early in the morning. They are starting their new day with a song in their hearts and on their beaks. The song that they sing is unknown to us, but is well understood by their counterparts. How wonderful it is when we start our day with a song in our hearts and a song on our lips with praises to our Lord and Savior. There are many songs in the hymnal that come to mind with this sentiment. Starting fresh each day should be our goal. We are forgiven our sins that we confessed. This alone should put a song in your heart; I know it does mine. Seeing things clearer each morning with a fresh new beginning, will lead to a better day and a better way to serve our Lord, then our fellow man and neighbor. By remembering our Baptism, “In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,” we start out the day with a clean heart. If we have a song in our hearts when we arise, then that will put a spring in your steps for the day. (Pun intended). This joyous demeanor will rub off on those you encounter for the day. Have you ever noticed that if you smile at someone, they will usually smile back at you? Let your joy be their joy too! To me, when I have a song in my heart, and project a happy demeanor, then I know in my heart that I have the Love of Jesus Christ in me, and I am showing it to the world. This to me is Christian living and Christian witnessing, even by not even saying anything in particular. Saying a “Good morning” to someone, or “Have a great day,” I am really telling them that Jesus loves them also, just as he loves me. How often do we take for granted the day at hand? We go through the motions of our day, but really do not stop to take a good look around us to see this beautiful world that God has created for us, especially in the spring when things seem to be once again renewed and fresh. It is wonderful to slow down and see the beauty around us and ask the Holy Spirit to renew and sustain us with a clean and pure heart. Psalm 51:10-12 reads, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.” (NIV) What a wonderful way to start each and every day. Rejoice in your Lord and Savior each day with a clean heart and a song of praise on your lips.

Your Sister in Christ, Deaconess Suzanne Krahn

A Message From Our DeaconessA Message From Our Deaconess

Dcs. Suzanne Krahn Email: [email protected]

Mite Box Sunday, April 2, 2017 LWML hosts regular Mite Box Sundays, the first Sunday of each quarter (January, April, July, and October). Please bring the contents of your mite box and place it in the display located in Mission Central in the church foyer. We suggest that you place your donations in a Ziploc bag. This way you can keep your mite box. Don’t have a mite box? You can pick up one at our display. In fact, in honor of the LWML 75th Anniversary, a new mite box has been created. As always, all monies collected will be sent to LWML Texas District for Mission Grants. Check out our Mission Grants at LWMLTXDist.org. Thank you for your participation! If you have any questions, please contact the church office or one of our LWML members.

Page 9: From Our Senior Pastor TT IISSUESSUE · happenings is to challenge one truly to ^ elieve It or Not. _ Similarly, the presentation of the facts of Jesus [ resurrection also leads one

PAGE 9 MESSENGER APRIL 2017 MESSENGER

Seniors Bus Trip to Fredericksburg April 18, 2017 Cost $35 per person

St. Paul Lutheran Church Seniors (ages 50+) are planning a one day trip to the Hill Country of Fredericksburg on Tuesday April 18. We will take in the wonderful scenery of the wildflowers, museums, and richness of the city of Fredericksburg. Schedule is as follows:

7:00 am -- load bus from SPLC parking lot 9:00 am -- arrive at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center 10:30 am – load bus for Johnson City 11:00 am – eat at restaurant of your choice 12:30 pm – tour LBJ ranch (free) 2:00 pm – load bus for Fredericksburg 2:30 pm – arrive in Fredericksburg to tour sites, museums, shops, etc. 6:00 pm – eat at restaurant of your choice 7:30 pm – load bus back to Waco 10:30 pm -- arrive back at SPLC parking lot

Motor coach is equipped with restroom, DVD LBJ Wildflower Center fees are $10.00 per person, other museums may vary Food: lunch, dinner, snacks and drinks are on your own.

————————————————————————–————————————————————

Registration: It will be a wonderful day of fun and laughter. Invite a friend! We want a full bus!! Fill out and attach a check for bus fee (make checks payable to: St. Paul Lutheran Church), return to Cindy in the church office or Dcs Krahn. Please sign-up by April 9 to ensure a full bus!

Name/s: ___________________________________________________Phone__________________________ Email: _____________________________________________________ Bus Fee total: $__________________

St. Mark Lutheran Church, Waco, Texas, is celebrating it’s 100th anniversary as a congregation. You are invited to join them on Sunday, April 30, 2017 at 4:00 p.m. for a special worship service of thanks and celebration. Dr. Dale Meyer, president of Concordia Seminary and former Lutheran Hour speaker, will be the guest preacher. A catered meal will follow the service. RSVP is requested. Please RSVP by phone at 254.754.0644, or by email at [email protected]. We hope you will join the celebration! Christ Lutheran Church in Hillsboro will be celebrating their 70th anniversary on Sunday, May 7, 2017. Guest preacher will be Rev. Yohannes Mengsteab. The celebration

service will begin at 10:30am followed by a catered meal. Cost of the meal is already covered, but please RSVP your plans to stay for the meal by calling the church at 254.582.5782 or anniversary committee chair, Kay Brown at 281.794.6023 (or e-mail her at [email protected]). Our Savior Lutheran Church, Whitney, Texas, invites you to join them for the celebration of the 40th anniversary of its Charter Sunday . Festivity details will be provided at a later date but well in advance of the celebration. For now we simply ask you to mark your calendar for Sunday, June 4, 2017 at 4 PM, and make plans to join the celebration!

Anniversary Anniversary Anniversary CelebrationsCelebrationsCelebrations

Page 10: From Our Senior Pastor TT IISSUESSUE · happenings is to challenge one truly to ^ elieve It or Not. _ Similarly, the presentation of the facts of Jesus [ resurrection also leads one

PAGE 10 MESSENGER APRIL 2017

Keep Calm and Sing On! (Even When There are 12 Verses!)

By Steve Randolph

Occasionally at the end of a good movie, I wish that the story would keep going… I would like to know what happens next. At the other end of the spectrum, I have seen one or two movies that I think could have ended much earlier than they actually did, instead of dragging on forever. Some people may feel that way when we are singing hymns; if the hymn is one of their favorites and it is really touching their heart – they may wish there were more verses to sing. Or, if the service has run a little long and they really need to get a cup of coffee (and the closing hymn has seven verses – and we are supposed to sing ALL seven stanzas), they may wonder why the song is so long and why we are singing so many verses…. (I hope the latter is not the case very often!) Well, obviously, if you feel strongly about either way, you can choose one or two viewpoints about hymn singing: 1) “We should sing every verse of the hymn”; and, 2) “Why do we have to sing so many verses?” Most of the hymns in our hymnbook have three to five verses. Some, though, have many more. For example, “O Dearest Jesus, What Law Hast Thou Broken” has 15 stanzas and “Jesus, In Your Dying Woes” is made up of 21 stanzas (three for each of the seven words Jesus spoke on the cross). So why do some of our hymns have so many verses? In his July 2015 newsletter article titled, “2nd Verse… Same as First”, Dr. Doug Helvering, Music Minister at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in New Jersey, explains it this way:

“We must remember that hymns are not created in a vacuum. A hymn’s history or creation story is often fascinating, calling into play the emotional and spiritual circumstances of the writer, the period, the faith tradition, theological preferences, pedagogical concerns, etc. In [Martin Luther’s] hymns (and those of his early Protestant contemporaries), he sought to teach Biblical principles and Bible stories through his hymns. The hymns were a tool for educating the congregants. In those days, many people were illiterate and unable to properly read Bible passages, even in their vernacular language. But they could remember hymn verses because of the affiliation with melody and thus could be taught theological concepts and Bible stories via hymns. Take Luther’s hymn on baptism (specifically, Jesus’ baptism): to read through his seven verses is to read a poetic treatment of the Biblical story; any omission of a verse would cause a major portion of the story to be left out.”

So, some hymns, according to Dr. Helvering’s explanation, should be sung in their entirety. Others, though, may have selected stanzas used based on their content and the theme of the service. On occasion, hymns with many verses may be broken up over the course of a service or even over a series of services, such as last year during Lent, when we sang different stanzas of “Christ the Life of All the Living” at the beginning of each Lenten service. By the end of Lent, we had sung all of the stanzas. So, the moral of the article is: If you feel like a hymn is dragging on, focus on the words and how they fit with the teachings and theme of the service! Keep Calm and Sing On! - Steve

BELLMEAD RESOURCE FIESTA Saturday, April 29, 2017 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Hosted by the Bellmead Police Department in the St. Paul Parking Lot

Join us for this community resource event for our Bellmead neighbors. Volunteers are needed for various activities: Move/set-up tables and chairs, Help with games for children, Provide directions on the property, Serve as hosts and greeters. Please contact Pastor Krueger with questions or for more details or sign-up in the church foyer.

Page 11: From Our Senior Pastor TT IISSUESSUE · happenings is to challenge one truly to ^ elieve It or Not. _ Similarly, the presentation of the facts of Jesus [ resurrection also leads one

PAGE 11 MESSENGER APRIL 2017

Children & Youth ActivitiesChildren & Youth ActivitiesChildren & Youth Activities email: [email protected]: [email protected]: [email protected]

April 15, 9:30am - Easter Celebration (Egg

Hunt & Devotion)

June 10 - Camp Lone Star

June 25-28 - VBS

June 29-July 1 (tentative) - Youth Beach Trip

(cost will be based on interest, sign-up in April)

July 12-14 - Confirmation Trip, Eureka Springs

If you have questions, would like to volunteer to

help with events, or have ideas to share for

possible future events… please send an email to:

[email protected]

Our Youth Group Bible Study gathers on the third Sunday of each month. Due to the date of Easter, our next Bible study will be held on April 23, in the Youth Room at church. All students in grades 7-12 are encouraged to join us for a time of food, fellowship, fun & study of God’s Word together. You can follow this group on Facebook for updates and information: StPaul-G1s If you have any questions, please contact Jerry Tucker.

Watch for registration details and volunteer sign-ups! We will need LOTS of volunteers to continue to have a successful VBS week! If you have questions, please stop by the Sunday School Office.

Our Annual Easter Egg Hunt is just around the

corner...and we are now accepting donations of

Easter candy to fill the eggs.

At this time, we do not need any new plastic fillable eggs. Please drop off donations in

the Sunday School office.

If you have any questions, please contact

Kathy Schmedthorst or Darby Ehlers.

Page 12: From Our Senior Pastor TT IISSUESSUE · happenings is to challenge one truly to ^ elieve It or Not. _ Similarly, the presentation of the facts of Jesus [ resurrection also leads one

We’re on the Web:

www.splcwaco.com

Label Here

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

April 2017 Edition

NON-PROFIT ORG.

U.S. POSTAGE PAID

PERMIT 925

WACO, TEXAS

Search for StPaulWaco and like our page.

Phone: 254.799.3211

Fax: 254.412.0529

www.splcwaco.com

Easter Sunday, April 16

Sunrise Worship Service 6:30am (Pancake Breakfast follows)

Easter Worship Services 8:00am & 10:30am

Children’s Easter Mini-Cantata 10:00am

Saturday, April 15

Community Devotion & Easter Egg Hunt

9:30am

Ages Nursery - 4th Grade

We invite you to our Easter CelebrationWe invite you to our Easter Celebration