December 2022 From Your Congregational President

Posted on November 30, 2022November 30, 2022 by Jill Richard

December 2022 From Your Congregational President

Declaring & Teaching – Jesus is Lord !

Matthew 22:34-40 – The Great Commandment

But when the Pharisees heard that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together. And one of them, a lawyer, asked Him a question, testing Him: “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” And He said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the great and foremost commandment. The second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ Upon these two commandments hang the whole Law and the Prophets.”

Focus for the New Church Year

I have chosen this scripture from the book of Matthew as it provides instruction on how we are to live and as to what our priorities should be. Jesus is clear that we shall love the Lord our God with all our heart and with all our soul and with all of our mind and secondly we shall love each other. Matthew also tells us in chapter 6, to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, not to worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. So it is as we start the new year.

In January the new church council will be meeting, thank you to all who have agreed to serve. We anticipate having a voters meeting on January 23, 2023, I will be presenting a high level summary of the church’s finances for the last ten years including expenses, regular giving and other income received by the church. We will continue to work on our budget as we prayerfully consider the direction He has for our body this coming year.

Blessings,

Tim Grace

What I have learned about the funds invested with Edward Jones By Dottie Buss

Posted on November 1, 2022November 13, 2022 by Jill Richard

I want to open with clarification of a statement I made in my last article. I stated that, per my resource, we must follow the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod Treasurer’s Manual. While reading the Voters Meeting minutes of September 19, 2021, I read, “Pastor Richard commented that the District and Synod are advisory bodies only. The church is free to spend and manage its money as it sees fit without their input or approval.” So, I stand corrected.

The documents I researched included the St. Paul Lutheran Church Council Meeting Minutes – August 19, 2021, the St. Paul Financial Secretary Edward Jones Investment Account Report to the Voters August 19, 2021, and VOTERS MEETING September 19th, 2021 minutes.

In early 2020, the church’s General Fund received $57,107.86 from the Elsie Borcher’s Estate. These funds were already invested in an Edward Jones account. The monies received from the estate were transferred into a new account set up for St Paul, titled Edward Jones Church-1 Guided Solutions Flex Fund (aka CH-1).

During the voters meeting on 6/28/2020, Chuck Gollnick made a motion to move up to $100K from the checking account to the Edward Jones investment account so that it could receive better earnings. On March 17, 2021, $65,000 was transferred from US Bank Checking General Fund to the CH-1 account at Edward Jones.

At this same meeting, there was a subsequent motion by Council to move $140K from the LCEF stewardship account which had been earning only around 0.25%. These funds were transferred to our US Bank account. On June 10, 2021, these funds were transferred to a new Building Fund account at Edward Jones (CH-2). While the $140K Building Fund is restricted, the proceeds/profits earned are unrestricted income.

At the September 19, 2021, meeting, Tim Grace acknowledged that there is risk with investing. He also discussed during times of inflation, money that is not earning is losing money. Our two accounts invested with Edward Jones were doing nicely, with positive net earnings during fiscal year 2020-2021.

Unfortunately, the stock market took a turn for the worse during fiscal year 2021-2022. Next month, I will share the current status of CH-1 and CH-2 accounts.

November 2022 – A Message from Pastor Rich

Posted on November 1, 2022 by Jill Richard

Greetings in the Name of Jesus

What is on your mind? Do you have good thoughts? Perhaps you are troubled with unhappy feelings. Maybe you are burdened with negative thoughts. May I share a word from St. Paul?

Philippians 4:8. He said, “Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable.”

God’s way is to fill your mind with powerful and redeeming thoughts. God’s truth sets you free. Meditate on God’s Word. Read your Bible and let His word bring new life to you.

This month we focus on Thanksgiving. Thank the Lord for His bountiful blessings. This month we as a nation are urged to give thanks. God loves to hear our praises. Be sure to vote as there are many issues important to Christians.

Maxine gave me a Newsletter from October 2016 that marked the beginning of our weekly meetings in the Senior center. Wow! It has been six years. We have grown younger! Zeke has moved and now Bingo has joined us. Before I give him the pen, Maxine and I thank all of you for your love and support. A Blessed and thankful Thanksgiving!

In Christ’s Love,

Pastor Rich

Greetings folks,

How about that six years of meeting in the Senior Center! We truly are thankful for all the blessings God has given us. Thanks to all the folks who have currently been working on the building making improvements. You are appreciated! I hope all of you enjoy the Thanksgiving Holiday.

Most of you will eat turkey. So I researched some Turkey humor for you. Ready or not here it is. Gobble up!

What is a turkey’s favorite dessert? Peach gobbler!

Why didn’t the turkey want dessert? He was stuffed.

What are turkeys thankful for on Thanksgiving? Vegetarians.

Can a turkey jump higher than a house? Yes. Why? Houses cannot jump.

Why do turkeys love rainy days? They love fowl weather.

Why do turkeys play drums? They have drumsticks!

Why do cranberries turn red? Because they see the turkey dressing.

Enough for this month. Come see me at the Senior Center. Happy Thanksgiving!

Love from Bingo, your friendly Basset Hound

November 2022 – A Message from Pastor Don

Posted on October 31, 2022November 1, 2022 by Jill Richard

Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43:18-19.

A pastor’s November newsletter article to the people of his church usually contains the customary “let’s give thanks to God for all the blessings he’s given us this year.” This year it seems more than customary to give thanks to God; the fact that we are still gathering to worship and carry out the ministry of Jesus Christ despite the difficulties we face—well—we owe our very existence and every breath we take to Him. It’s his church after all, and he will make it grow and prune it at will. Perhaps he is doing a new thing right now as we struggle to understand and cope with apathy, dwindling membership and internal strife.

Regarding the “new thing” God speaks to us about through his prophet Isaiah, the commentary in my Lutheran Study Bible says this: Rather than looking back on the glory days of the past exodus, the Lord wants His people to see Him as their present provider of exodus, their deliverer from Babylon. He demonstrates this by bringing life-giving water to His people living in the wilderness and desert. (p. 1160)

God was doing a new thing in the mass departure of his people Israel from captivity in Babylon. What is he doing now in the mass departure of his people from the church he established through his Son, Jesus Christ? Well one thing is for sure, he is still caring and providing for us. This may not seem new, as he has cared and provided for his people all along. But when it looks and feels like things are falling apart, God tells us every moment that he has provided us a deliverer from death, the devil, and hell. Not only has he brought us life-giving water in our baptism, but he also gives us his life-giving body and blood for the forgiveness of sin. I’ve tried to find a word that goes beyond “customary” in describing our thanks to God for this, but it escapes me right now. Nevertheless, I rejoice with you that God has made us his people and will see us through every time of trouble. May his peace always be with you.

Pastor Don

Children, Youth and Family November 2022

Posted on October 31, 2022October 31, 2022 by Jill Richard

Hello everyone! Happy November!

Thank you all for your help with Trunk or Treat this year. We had a great time!

This month is going to fly by as we make pies, prepare for the Drive Thru Nativity, enjoy Thanksgiving, and decorate the church for Advent at the end of the month.

In Sunday school we will be talking about how the Apostles spread the news of Jesus’ death and resurrection. At the end of November, we will begin our series on Advent and look at how we can prepare our hearts for the Birth of Christ.

On November 6^th after 2^nd Service, we will have a meeting to discuss our Drive Thru Nativity. All those interested in helping make this year fantastic are invited to join us! We will be discussing logistics, decorations, advertising, and more. We will be meeting in the Lower Level of the Church.

We are thrilled to bring back our Thanksgiving pie fundraiser! We are offering a traditional apple pie and a Dutch apple pie. Each pie is $12 and can be pre-ordered through Nov 9^th. If you would like to place a pre-order please call the church office to do so. Pies will be ready for pick up Sunday November 20^th.

We will be making pies on Sunday November 13^th after 2^nd service with pizza for lunch. We are asking all youth to help out. We have jobs for those who can put stickers on lids, mix ingredients, and even weld an apple peeler!

Saturday November 26^th at 10 am, we will be decorating the inside of our church for Advent. For those planning ahead, we will be decorating our campus after 2^nd service on December 4^th and 11^th. If you would like to help deck the halls, festoon the boughs with holly, or help make everything glow, please let me know.

“This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary.” –Hebrews 6:19

Do you have any ideas, suggestions, or questions? Please reach out to me by Email at jennifergatke@stpaulsherwood.org .

Jennifer Gatke

St. Paul Youth Program Director

CYF November Event calendar 2022

November 2022 From Your Congregational President

Posted on October 31, 2022October 31, 2022 by Jill Richard

Declaring & Teaching – Jesus is Lord !

2 Timothy 2:1-7,14-16,23-26 – Be Strong

1 You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful people who will be able to teach others also. Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him. And if someone likewise competes as an athlete, he is not crowned as victor unless he competes according to the rules. The hard-working farmer ought to be the first to receive his share of the crops. Consider what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.

14 Remind them of these things, and solemnly exhort them in the presence of God not to dispute about words, which is useless and leads to the ruin of the listeners. Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a worker who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth. But avoid worldly and empty chatter, for it will lead to further ungodliness, and their talk will spread like gangrene.

23 But refuse foolish and ignorant speculations, knowing that they produce quarrels. The Lord’s bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, skillful in teaching, patient when wronged, with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will.

The Work Continues

While searching to verify this was in fact Paul’s last epistle included in the bible, I came across some commentary that encouraged the application of the second chapter of 2 Timothy to us all indicating that, Paul addressed six different vocations that Timothy could measure himself against. A soldier in verses 3-4, an athlete in verse 5, a farmer in verse 6, a worker in any line of work in verse 15 is encouraged to be diligent, and in verse 21 Paul addresses “anyone”, and encourages each of us to do our part and desire to be a “vessel for honor.” All who are a part of the Body of Christ must be diligent to serve well.

So how are you doing in serving the Lord and your brothers and sisters in Christ here at St Paul and the other areas of your life ? There are many things to be done, the painting projects and cleanup at the Sr. Center have been covered else where. There is a work day planned the 29th of October primarily to work on painting the exterior trim of the church building, there will be other things to do if paining is not your thing. There is work to be done on our Preschool play ground. We will have more cedar chips delivered and will need help spreading them. There is pressure washing to be done on the playground equipment and the small play house. Hope you can come out and enjoy some fellowship and help to beautify His Kingdom. As the month goes on we will need help on a daily and weekly basis in removing leaves from walkways and other surfaces. Many days it looks like it snowed overnight, only it’s yellow leaves.

Blessings,

Tim Grace

October 2022 – A Message from Pastor Don

Posted on October 1, 2022October 1, 2022 by Jill Richard

While I was at the Oregon Pastor’s Conference last week, someone was thoughtful to leave a “Chick Tract” on my desk at the office. I’ve talked about these “Chick Tracts” before; they’re illustrated booklets created by Jack Chick out of Ontario, California. They’ve been in circulation for decades, inviting kids and adults to accept Jesus as their Savior before it’s too late. Each tract (there are hundreds of them) cover a variety of topics concerning the Christian faith. The one left on my desk is, “The Attack” published in 1985. It tells the story of how Satan has been attacking the Word of God since the creation. After the time of Jesus, Satan managed to get intellectuals in Alexandria Egypt to incorrectly translate the Hebrew Bible and New Testament manuscripts into a “mess” which made people doubt the truth of God’s verbally inspired word.

“The Attack” goes on to try and convince you that many Bibles today, including the New International Version (NIV,) and English Standard Version (ESV,) are based on the Alexandrian manuscripts, which do not contain all of God’s Word. But if you send $12.95 to Jack Chick’s publishing company, you can get a book which has all the missing verses from your corrupted Bible. Our Lutheran Study Bible, an ESV published by Concordia, notes these missing verses and the fact that they are not found in the earliest known Greek manuscripts. For example, look up Acts chapter 8, verse 37. In your Bible, you may notice the text goes from verse 36, to 38. Where’s 37? You should find a note somewhere at the bottom of the page or in the commentary about the missing verse. It should say some manuscripts don’t contain the words in verse 37 and should also tell you what the words are. You can find other examples such as Matthew 8, verse 11, and Mark 15:28.

There’s nothing sinister or mysterious about this. While it is true the devil attacks God’s Word constantly in many ways, the fact that your Bible is missing some verses isn’t one of them. Some English Bible publishers choose to go with the earliest Greek manuscripts because it is known that Christians added in some verses for clarity or to complete some scenes such as the Ethiopian eunuch receiving faith and confessing Jesus is Lord. By leaving the verses out of the main text and noting them elsewhere on the page, you, the reader, can discern the nuances which exist in manuscripts used by Christians in the First Century which make up the New Testament. If you want an English Bible which contains all the verses in the main text, get a King James Bible (KJV.) The KJV considers late Greek manuscripts available to English scholars in the 16^th Century. By the way, Jack Chick heartily recommends this version.

This all plays well into the Reformation which we will celebrate on Sunday, October 30^th. Wear something red on that day. I’ll explain why when we get there. Not to spoil the reason we celebrate but be assured we have the enduring Word of God—early and late manuscripts of the Gospels, Acts, Paul and John’s letters were used to build up the church. The problem isn’t with the Word, it’s with us. And I’ll talk more about that later as well. Until then, may the Lord abide in you until he comes again in glory.

Pastor Don

What I learned about the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod Treasurer’s Manual – Dottie Buss

Posted on October 1, 2022November 13, 2022 by Jill Richard

After hearing a wide range of beliefs about dedicated funds and the treasurer’s manual, I realized there was no agreement among my fellow church members. I decided to call the local Lutheran Church Missouri Synod District Office. I was able to talk with Marilyn Allen, Business Manager, who is the resource person regarding the Treasurer’s manual. She graciously, and with great knowledge, answered all my questions. Now, I want to share with you the results of our conversation.

First, we must follow the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod Treasurer’s Manual. It instructs us on how to follow the rules for 501C3 Non-profit organizations (which we are) as legislated by the Federal government. It also instructs us on when we need to go to the state government. Then we get to follow state rules for non-profit organizations.

Second, when an individual donates to the church for a certain purpose, those funds are dedicated to that purpose inperpetuity (i.e.: forever). We can release those funds for other purposes only through one of the following ways:

We go back to the donor and ask them for their permission to re-allocate the funds. If the donor is deceased, we have an option of one of the two following:
We go to the heirs and ask their permission to re-allocate the funds. This can be quite difficult because there often are many people to work with.
The other option is to petition the state’s Attorney General for their permission to re-allocate the funds. Yes, there are processes and procedures we would have to follow. (It’s not a simple case of “Mother may I?’, “Yes you may.”)

The only time the funds can easily be re-allocated is if it is specified by the donor at the time of donation. Marilyn gave the following example: If a donor gave a donation to paint the church walls purple and stated that if they are not painted purple in 10 years, then the money can be re-allocated. (I don’t know about you, but I’d be waiting with bated breath for those 10 years to expire!)

She reminded me that Board (Council) designated funds are not restricted. An example of this is if the board allocated $4000 for materials to reside the Senior Center. Say materials cost $2500. At the end of the project, Council could then redesignate the remaining $1500 to General Fund to meet other financial obligations.

She also cautioned us that when we are raising funds (such as in a stewardship drive) that we do not be too specific. Her example was: The church has a fundraiser for new choir robes. If we raise $1000, but spend only $500, the remaining $500 will need to stay in a dedicated fund until the next time we need choir robes. She said it would be better to be more general and ask for funds for the Choir Department. That way the excess $500 can go to meeting other expenses in the department.

She also told me that many non-profits have an established policy that governs the terms under which they can accept a donation. It’s something to consider as/when we start looking at long-range planning for this church.

Next month I will share with you what I have learned about the funds we have invested with Edward Jones.

October 2022 – A note from Pastor Rich

Posted on October 1, 2022October 1, 2022 by Jill Richard

The leaves are starting to change color. Pastor Rich

Greetings in the Name of Jesus

The leaves are starting to change color. Darkness comes quicker. A reminder that things are changing. We, as people are changing. Our hair color changes. Our physical abilities diminish. But our focus needs to stay on what really matters. Colossians 3:2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. It is easy to become distracted. Keep your focus on Jesus. Read God’s Word. Concentrate on the Good News and not on all the bad news. Jesus loves you. He took our brokenness on himself and took our punishment that we might live with Him in Heaven. Focus on Him and you will have true peace and joy. As you focus on Him, you will be blessed.

How about the Senior Saints who won the Baked Bean Bake Off at the Octoberfest, The top three were Pam Garrett, Karen Baldwin and Peggy Pariseau. Way to go gals! God’s Blessings as you journey into Fall.

In Christ’s Love,

Pastor Rich

Hi folks,

The dog days are over for another year. Kinda sad. But I enjoy the return of the Seniors. Thanks to all who repaired our Center. The new green siding looks great. Wonderful that so many came to help. The Seniors all say thanks.

I hope all of you enjoyed your summer. Remember if you visit another church, I would like for you to bring me a bulletin. I pass them on to Pastor Rich. Leslie Atiyeh brought me one from Luther Memorial Lutheran Church.

Now time for a smile or two.

How about some fall season smiles.

How do trees get on the Internet? They just log on.

How do you fix a broken pumpkin? With a pumpkin patch.

Why does Humpty Dumpty love Autumn? Because he had a great fall.

What did the leaf say to the other leaf? I am falling for you.

Why do birds fly south in the fall? Because it is quicker than walking.

What happens when winter arrives? Autumn leaves.

If the pilgrims were still alive, what would they be famous for? Their age.

Why did the apple pie cry? Its peelings were hurt.

Okay that is enough for October.

Love from Bingo, your happy Basset Hound

Children, Youth and Family Update – October 2022

Posted on October 1, 2022October 1, 2022 by Jill Richard

Hello everyone! As October begins, I hope you all are filled with sugar, and spice, and the love of Christ!

“For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.” –Zephaniah 3:17

Questions? Want to volunteer? Email me at jennifergatke@stpaulsherwood.org

Jennifer Gatke

St. Paul Lutheran Church and Preschool

Youth Program Director

14-16 Oct 2022

LCMS retreat at Camp Lutherwood

On the weekend of Oct 14-16, the annual middle and high school LCMS retreat at Camp Lutherwood will be happening. Join Talia Johnston and Aaron Richard for this incredible weekend. This year’s theme is Water, Death, and New Life. Campers will dig into their baptismal identities, spend time with peers from Oregon and Washington, and make lasting memories! You can register at www.lutherwoodoregon.org If you have any questions, call or email me. I’m here to help!

16 Oct 2022

Red Berry Barn

October 16^th after 2^nd service, we are meeting at the Red Berry Barn in Sherwood to enjoy their Corn Maze and numerous fall activities! This is for all ages. Send me an email if you would like to meet us there. Prices are based on age- 0-2 years are free, 3-12 years are $18, and 13-100 years are $10. Your admission is good all day too.

16 Oct 2022

Pies Pies Pies

We will be making pies in November for the holiday season. You can pre-order your pies beginning Oct 16^th. There will be order forms in the bulletin, at the back of the church, or you can call the office to place your order. We will have traditional apple pie and streusel topped Dutch apple pie. All pies are $12 and proceeds help fund the various activities and retreats for our youth throughout the year.

30 Oct 2022

On October 30 from 3-5pm, we will be having our annual Trunk or Treat event for our congregation, community, and our Preschool families. If you are new to Trunk or Treating, it is a modern tradition in which kids go “trick or treating” car to car in our parking lot. We invite any church member who would like to join in on the fun to sign up! Decorate the back of your car to offer a fun place for the children to stop and receive a treat from you. Bring your own pre-packaged candy or treats, and dress up if you like to as well. There are prizes for the top three best-decorated trunks! Vehicles can start setting up at 2 pm and the trunk or treating begins at 3 pm. If you would like to decorate your vehicle and hand out treats, please register at https://mailchi.mp/stpaulsherwood/trunk-or-treat

If you want to trunk or treat, there is no need to register. Come on by between 3-5pm on Sunday October 30^th!

Here are some photos for decorating inspiration!