1. religion and spirituality
2. christianity

Zion Ev. Lutheran Church Friedheim
10653 N 550 W
Decatur, IN 46733
Rev. Daniel F. Dahling
547-4248 (Office)
547-4534 (Parsonage)
Website – www.zionfriedheim.org
Pastor’s E-Mail – [email protected]
Secretary’s E-Mail – [email protected]
Director of Youth’s E-Mail – [email protected]
Rev. Marvin R. Hinkle, Pastor Emeritus
Rev. Russell Fuhrmann, Pastor Emeritus
Mr. Daniel Bultemeyer, Principal
Wyneken Memorial Lutheran School
Mrs. Jody Paschal, Director of Music
Mrs. Wava Lichtle, Parish Nurse
Mr. Brian Horning, Director of Youth & Family Life
Mrs. Tina Geels, Church & Parish Hall Custodian
“This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24, ESV). Good morning and
welcome to worship and Christian fellowship. At the beginning of another week, we pause to remember that
God is above all and in all. Thank you, God, for all life brings!
If you are visiting us today, we ask that you complete a Visitor Registration slip (yellow form) found at the end of each
pew. You may place the form in the offering plate; give it to Pastor or to one of the Deacons, as you leave the worship
service this morning. If you are communing, take a moment to complete a communion registration card, found in either
entranceway of the church. The card may be placed in the offering plate or given to one of the Deacons. Please come
back and worship with us again soon.
Pentecost 19 – Proper 24 – Mission Sunday
October 19, 2014
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,
that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” – JOHN 3:16
The Organ Prelude
The Opening Hymn
LSB #833
“Listen, God Is Calling”
Mike Heckman will be singing the part of the Leader. The congregation will sing the portion of the song
marked “All.” (For instance, Mike will sing the word “Listen” in the refrain followed by the congregation’s
response, “listen, God is calling. Through …”
The Invocation
P: In the Name of the Father (+), and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.
C: Amen.
1
The Words of the Lord
P:
C:
P:
C:
P:
C:
P:
C:
P:
C:
P:
C:
All:
All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.
(Romans 3:23).
Yet, God shows His love for us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8).
If Thou, O Lord, shouldest mark iniquities, Lord, who shall
stand? (Psalm 130:4)
The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said,
“Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world!” (John 1:29)
For the Son of Man is come to save that which was lost
(Matthew 18:11).
Who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth (2 Timothy 2:4)
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father
who is in heaven (Matthew 5:16).
If you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the
dead, you will be saved (Romans 10:9).
Man believes with his heart and is so justified and he confesses with his lips and so is saved (Romans
10:10).
But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be my witnesses
in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria and to the end of the earth (Acts 1:8).
We cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard
(Acts 4:20).
Faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes by the preaching of Christ (Romans 10:17).
I am not ashamed of the Gospel: It is the power of God
for salvation to everyone who has faith, to the Jew first and also to the Greek (Romans 1:16).
The Choir
“Lord, Send Me”
The Readings for the Day
Isaiah 45:1-7
1 Thessalonians 1:1-10
Matthew 22:15-22
Nations Under God
God chooses and uses a nation to accomplish His will in the world
A people renders to God His due
A Christian’s dual responsibility to God and nation
The Sermon Hymn
LSB #940
“Holy God, We Praise Thy Name”
The Sermon
“Nations Under God” – Matthew 22:15-22
The Gathering of the Morning Offerings
The Litany for the Spread of the Church
P:
C:
P:
C:
P:
C:
O God the Father, Who made Jesus, Your Son, the cornerstone of the Church;
Have mercy on us.
O Christ, head of Your body, the church, which You purchased with Your blood;
Have mercy on us.
O Spirit of holiness and truth, who sanctifies, guides, and empowers the Church.
Have mercy on us.
2
P:
C:
P:
C:
P:
C:
P:
C:
P:
C:
P:
C:
P:
C:
P:
C:
P:
C:
Remember not, O Lord, our offenses, our omissions, and our trust in our own abilities. Spare Your
people whom You have redeemed with the precious blood of Jesus and take not Your Holy Spirit from
us.
Spare us, Good Lord.
From fear of the future, from lack of zeal, from wrong priorities, and from concern for self more than
others.
Lord, save Your church.
From friendship with the world, from lust for power, from discord, from division, from pride, from
stubbornness, and from unfaithfulness,
Save Your church, Lord.
Cause those who have been washed in the waters of Baptism to be filled with joy in their own birth
and to be desirous of telling everyone of Your good grace in Jesus Christ.
Lord, hear our prayer.
Help us to see these United States of America as a field ripe for harvest and reach out to every place
and person, whether in town or village, city or country, suburb or ghetto, whether to newly-arrived or
seventh generation, black or white, yellow or brown, rich or poor, neighborly or hostile;
Lord, hear our prayer.
Remove from our minds worldly distinctions of race, tribe, nation, language, dialect, political affiliation,
wealth, or family background; help us to see everyone as a person from whom our Lord Jesus died on
the tree of the cross that each might have eternal life;
Lord, hear our prayer.
Give us zeal for Your Kingdom’s growth that we may be lead to serve in our own neighborhood or in a
strange place, that we may pray for the success of workers who serve in our stead, that we may with
cheerful hearts give generously of our resources, and that we may work while it is still day before the
night comes and no one can work.
Lord, hear our prayer.
Cause us to remember the sheep that are not of the fold to seek out the wandering and the lost, to
proclaim the forgiveness of sins to the penitent, and to be impatient about reaching the whole world
with the good news of Jesus, our Savior.
Lord, hear our prayer.
Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly than all we ask or think, to Him be glory in the
Church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever.
Amen.
Other Special Prayers of the People of God at Friedheim
The Lord’s Prayer
The Confession and Absolution
LSB Page 184
The Words of Institution
The Distribution and Distribution Hymns
“Hark, the Voice of Jesus Calling”
“Go Tell It on the Mountain”
“’How Shall They Hear,’ Who Have Not Heard”
“Spread the Reign of God the Lord”
LSB #827
LSB #388
LSB #831
LSB #830
The Benediction
3
The Closing Hymn
LSB #660
“Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus”
The Acolyte
Emma Buuck
+ Soli Deo Gloria +
Statement of Communion Practice
The Lord’s Supper is a miracle in bread and wine! By the Word of Christ, His very body and very
blood are really present in this gift. By the Word of God, there is also a doctrinal oneness testified
to by the common reception of communion. With love for His Word and for all people, we
therefore ask guests desiring to commune to kindly speak with Pastor Dahling before the service.
Announcements – Mission Sunday – October 19, 2014
We send best wishes and God’s richest blessings to all of our members who are celebrating birthdays this
week—Ludella Conrad, Cheryl Lengerich, Casey Nidlinger, Kimberly M. Fuhrmann, Braeden Keuneke, Christine
Bultemeier, Kyle Freimuth, Toney Bergman, Marlene DeKoninck, and Karen Gallmeyer.
May the Great Physician give peace, good health, and strength to all who are in need of His healing
hand. We especially remember Rachel Kinninger (Sara Rhymer’s niece), Kelly Baumann (Sam & Judy
Baumann’s daughter-in-law), Rev. Timothy Carr (Rev. Otto Brillinger’s son-in-law), Nora Rauner
(Michelle Scheumann’s mother), Cathy Terhune (Sherril Bradtmueller’s daughter), and Leo Feasel.
We also rejoice with Floyd & Jane Thieme who are celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary
today as well as Ben & Sara Ogren who are celebrating their 1 st wedding anniversary today. We
also remember Tim & Tonya Bobay, Ryan & Sabrina Krick, and Ron & Kathy Bultemeier who are
celebrating wedding anniversaries this week as well. May our loving Father continue to bless
these couples, remain at the center of their homes, and guide them daily through life’s joys and challenges.
We remember in our prayers Julie Smith who teaches 6th grade at Wyneken, Monica Stoppenhagen who
teaches at Heritage Junior High, as well as our 3rd & 4th grades Sunday School teacher, Hanna Walker. May the
Lord bless, guide, and direct them throughout the school year.
We remember those who are presently serving our country—Jason Putteet, Alan Bergdall, Mike Brandt, Dean
Brandt, Derek Schultz, Jacob Stoppenhagen, Sam Conrad (South Korea), Jeremy Nabity (Christine Bultemeier’s
nephew) who is in Qatar, and Chad Hall (Doris Conrad’s son-in-law). May the Lord protect and guide them in
their missions.
You will find our weekly “Time in the Word” study guide, “Freedom of a Christian,” in the bulletin.
Greeters are needed for the remaining Sundays in October. Contact Patty Strickler if you will be a
greeter. For those who wish to greet in November and December, contact Sarah (Mrs. Aaron)
Rhymer.
Listen to the Lutheran Hour, which airs on Sunday on WLW (700) from Cincinnati at 7 a.m. and on Van Wert
stations WERT (1220) and WKSD (99.7 FM) at 10:30 a.m. The program is broadcast on Sundays at 8 a.m. on
WZBD (92.7 FM) and on WFCV (1090 AM) at 3:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. The Lutheran Hour can also be heard on
WOWO (1190 AM) on Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m.
Can’t make it to church? Listen to WZBD (92.7 FM) from 9:05 a.m. to 9:50 a.m. and hear our service
live. You can also listen to the broadcast over the Internet by logging on to our website
4
(www.zionfriedheim.org) and “Click here to listen to Zion’s worship service on Sundays from 9:05 - 9:50.”
Didn’t get a mite box and would still like one? There are extra mite boxes in the Gathering Area. If you missed
the LWML meeting last Tuesday, you can always place your mite envelope in the offering plate or give it to Jan
Buuck, the LWML treasurer.
Worship for Shut-Ins is on Sunday mornings at 6:30 a.m. on WPTA-TV Channel 21. The show airs 8 a.m. on
Digital 33.2 & Satellite 252 on Sunday mornings or on Comcast Cable Channel 55 on Sunday and Monday
afternoons at 4 p.m. They also broadcast via DIRECTV Channel 377 on Sundays at 11:30 a.m.
The Thursday morning LWML Bible Class will meet at 9 a.m. this Thursday, October 23, at the home of Bonnie
Buuck. The Busy Women’s Bible Class will meet on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of the month. The next class is
the 10th of November. The class is held in the office at Tim & Kris Blomenberg’s.
Board of Stewardship’s Food for Thought – Our lives as stewards do not start or stop at certain times of the
day or days of the week or month. We are not stewards merely on Sundays or other special days. As
stewards for Christ, we are to be devoted to full-time effort and commitment to serve the Lord with our lives
and possessions. Stewardship involves our entire beings, our entire time, and our entire resources. We are to
commit all that we are, all that we have, and all that we will be to God’s glory. First Peter 4:10 reads, “As each
has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.”
Amy Walker is October’s Meals of Grace coordinator. If you know of someone who would benefit from this
ministry, please contact Amy (547-4648).
This week’s secret code is JSX943. Go to www.games.childrensbulletins.com, enter the secret code,
and access online games that reinforce the message for the week.
Browse and borrow anything that interests you in Roz’s Reading Room and then return the book in
the basket by the smaller shelf. (Place donations there too.)
It’s Lutheran Witness renewal time! Do you want to continue to receive the Lutheran Witness?
Would you like to begin to get this magazine? Please contact the church office TODAY. The cost
increased to $18 per year. If paying by check, please make the check payable to Zion, Friedheim.
Place the check in the offering plate. Be sure it’s clearly marked “Lutheran Witness.” This is the
updated information and is different from what was in the Zionews.
Attend today’s LLL/LWML Fall Rally at 3 p.m. at St. John’s Bingen. Rev. Michael Barnes (who is
one of the missionaries we support through our Mission budget) and Rev. Heath Trampe will
speak about their missionary work in Africa. Following their presentation there will be a short
meeting for both the LLL and LWML followed by a light supper. Mark it on your calendar and plan
on attending.
Our Quarterly Voters’ Meeting will be held following the worship service next Sunday, October 26. Plan on
staying to hear reports from our various Boards and committees.
This evening, there will be a meeting at 7 p.m. in Bingen’s Fellowship Hall for high school youth and their
parents for those interested in the 2015 mission trip (with Bethesda Lutheran Camp) and a possible 2016
mission trip to Westfield House, in Cambridge. Desserts will be provided by the Oasis Planning Team. Next
Sunday, October 26, the high school youth will be participating in a basketball tournament with Emmanuel
Soest and will be meeting at the Horning’s house at 6 p.m. In addition, Oasis youth, young adults, and parents
are invited to attend the National “March for Life” and LCMS Life Conference on January 21-25 in Washington,
DC. Contact Mr. Horning as soon as possible if you are interested in attending.
5
The ingathering for October will benefit the Ft. Wayne Seminary Food Co-Op. Needed items
include cereal, canned soup, drink mixes, and other canned goods. There is a green tote in the
Gathering Area for you to place your donations. Thank you in advance for your help.
The Morning Glories will be heading to the Allen County Fairgrounds for their first craft show of the season.
Show hours are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. this Saturday, October 25. The following week (November 1), the ladies will
be at South Adams High School for their 36 th Annual Bazaar. The show hours at South Adams are 9 a.m. to 3
p.m.
Friedheim once again will have a team in the Monday Night Church League. Play will begin the first week of
November (date, time, and opponent were not available as the bulletin went to print). If you are a confirmed
member and would like to be part of the team, please contact Dan Buuck (260-223-4632).
Martini Lutheran Church is having their 3rd Annual Hog Roast on Sunday, November 9, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
The cost is $8 for adults and $5 for children 5-10. Those 4 and under may eat free (dine-in only). Carry out is
available.
Attention Crafters: The Women’s Guild of Emmaus Lutheran Church, 8626 Covington Road, will have a
Christmas Sale on Saturday, November 15, from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. in the gym. Crafters interested in reserving a
table may call Darlene (418-4285) or Margie (580-2427) or e-mail [email protected]. The
cost for an 8 ft. table is $30; 6 ft. table is $25; and an 8 ft. x 5 ft. space only is $20 and will be rented on a firstcome, first-served basis. The deadline for table reservations is Friday, November 7.
St. Paul Preble will have their bazaar on Saturday November 15, from 10:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Visit the Cookie
Corner, purchase frosted Christmas cookies, buy their famous noodles, and check out the Bake Sale and crafts.
A luncheon will be served.
Concordia Theological Seminary invites our friends and neighbors to a special brunch on Sunday, November
16, from 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. in Katherine Luther Dining Hall on the seminary campus at 6600 N. Clinton Street,
Fort Wayne. The brunch will feature appetizing breakfast items, hearty lunch options and a delicious array of
desserts. The cost is just $15/adults, $7.50/ages 6-10, children age 5 and under eat for free. As an added
bonus, everyone attending will receive a free book valued at $15. In addition to the brunch, there will be a
Gift Emporium in the Student Commons. What a great time to shop for Christmas gifts! Items for sale include
embellished and embroidered sweatshirts for men and women, jewelry and a wide variety of books for all
ages. All profits from the brunch and the Emporium will go directly toward CTS Student Financial Aid. To
reserve tickets, please email [email protected] or phone 260-452-2204.
If you love square dancing, you should join the Hoagland Country Club. We are at the Hayloft on Friday,
November 14, Saturday, January 17, and Saturday, March 14, from 7 to 11 p.m. The cost is $100 per couple
for three dances or $50 for one dance, which includes dinner and music by Justice III. Please contact Paul &
Lori Ruble (547-4747), Nate & Joy Selking (724-2041), Corbin & Lisa Bultemeier (547-4775) and Lane & Jeni
Harkless (639-3174) or email them at [email protected] to pre-register.
Dear Members of Friedheim, A big THANK YOU to Pastor Dahling for the many visits and prayers, which were
so comforting during my 5-week ordeal. Also thanks for the many cards and prayers on my behalf. May God
bless everyone! -- Irene Kiess
Wyneken News
At the August 4 Wyneken Association Meeting, it was decided that more time was needed to finalize an audit
of the Wyneken books. An Auditing Committee comprised of members from each of the three congregations
was given 90 days to complete an audit. With the understanding that the Audit Committee is scheduled to
6
meet the 90-day deadline, the school board is scheduling a special association meeting for November 17. The
time and place of the meeting will be announced in an additional notice in a couple of weeks. If you have any
questions, please contact a school board member.
Don’t forget to purchase SCRIP for all your needs. You may get your SCRIP from Carma Conrad, our SCRIP
representative (639-3844 or e-mail her at [email protected]). SCRIP is available in the school office as well as
online at www.wynken.org. Just click on “Scrip order form.”
Do you clip and save the “Box Tops for Education” and “Labels for Education” as well as pop can tabs but don’t
have a way to get these items to Wyneken? You will find a three-drawer rolling basket in the Gathering Area.
There is a drawer for box tops, labels, and pop can tabs. Just place your items in the appropriate drawer and
these items will be taken over to Wyneken periodically. The school appreciates your support of these
programs.
Parent/teacher conferences will be held after school and in the evening on Tuesday and Wednesday, October
21 & 22. There is no school on Thursday and Friday, October 23 & 24. Parents, please remember that there
is no North Adams bus service on Monday, October 27. Please make arrangements to get your child(ren) to
and from school that day.
Market day order forms are due Monday, October 20, with internet and phone orders due by 11 p.m. on
Thursday, October 23. November is Dessert Bonus Days! Market Day pick up is Tuesday, October 28, from
6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. It’s Dessert Bonus Month!
Many thanks to everyone who volunteered their time to support the 2014 PTL Fish/Tenderloin Fry. Without
your support this event would not have been possible and we had even more volunteers this year than in past
years, which makes this event much more enjoyable for all. The PTL also wants to thank everyone who came
out to enjoy the All-You-Care-to-Eat dinner and socialization. Despite a busy harvest and sports evening, we
had a great turn out this year and sold 521 meals. This speaks volumes about the community’s involvement
and commitment to the school and the students. The funds generated from this event support all of our
children’s education and allows the community to meet new people. Again, we say THANK YOU! Sincerely, the
Wyneken PTL Committee
It’s time for the annual PTL Christmas Cards and Gifts Fundraiser (through the Kleinhenn Company). This is an
all-school fundraiser for Pre-school through 8th graders. Wyneken receives a 46% return on the sales from the
company. The fundraising packets will arrive soon and will be sent home with the oldest child of each family.
Sales dates will run October 27 – November 10. There will also be an on-line ordering option. Details will be
explained in a letter in the students’ packets. All profits from this fundraiser
Are you available during the day and are interested in helping at Wyneken either as a substitute for the office
(secretary) or as a teacher’s aide? If so, please contact the school office (639-6177). For the office, the hours
would be mornings only (8 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.); for the teacher’s aides, most of the school day.
St. John Bingen is hosting a “trunk or treating” night on Saturday, October 25, at 4:30 p.m. Supper
(homemade chili, hot dogs, and caramel corn) will be served from 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. with a bonfire and
hayride immediately following. If you have any questions, contact Jani MacDowell (260-705-5284). In the
event of inclement weather, the event will be cancelled and not rescheduled.
Once again, our 1st and 5th graders are adopting families for Christmas through Lutheran Social Services. This
year they will sponsor five families. As in the past, your help will be needed. The November Chapel offerings
will be designated to these families. In addition, a list of items (the families’ Wish Lists) will be published and
will be sent home soon.
7
Looking ahead: Fall Scholastic Book Fair – November 17-21; Middle Grades Musical (third – fifth) – Tuesday,
November 25; Grandparents/Special Friends Day, Wednesday, November 26.
Sports
Congratulations to the Wyneken girls on winning the LSAA volleyball tournament! They defeated St. Peter’s in
the semi-finals and Holy Cross in the finals. Wyneken also finished the season with a 9-0 league record
winning the South Division. What a fantastic season!
The Decatur Park & Rec will have sign up for girls in grades K-6 for their fall basketball league. Play starts on
Saturday, November 1, and continues through December 13. Games will be played at Bellmont High School.
For more information contact Chris (260-724-2520) or Mary Friedt (260-223-1087).
Attendance: Worship Service – 171; Sunday School – 28; Bible Class – 14
Offerings – through October 12
Missions – October 5 - $495
Missions – October 12 - $325
Home Purpose – $3,445.37
Anticipated bills – October – $37,886
Amount needed to meet October Budget – $17,032.41
Thrivent Choice (all quarters) – $9,598
Simply Giving (all quarters) – $13,900
Loan Amount (Friedheim Foundation) – $34,404.92
Wyneken Obligation (as of September 30) – Short $29,623.07
THIS WEEK AT FRIEDHEIM
Today
10:15 a.m.
3:00 p.m.
7:00 p.m.
Tuesday:
Wednesday:
Thursday:
6:00 a.m.
9:00 a.m.
8:15 a.m.
9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
7:00 p.m.
9:00 a.m.
Sunday School & Bible Class
Lutheran Witness Subscriptions due
LLL/LWML Fall Rally – St. John (Bingen)
Oasis HS Youth & Parent Information Meeting – Bingen’s Fellowship Hal
Early-bird Bible Class
Morning Glories
November Newsletter Items Due
Wyneken Chapel
Immanuel House Open
Choir
LWML Bible Class–Bonnie Buuck
Friday:
9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
5:00 p.m.
Immanuel House Open
Set up for craft show – Allen County Fairgrounds
Saturday:
9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Craft Show – Allen County Fairgrounds
NEXT WEEK AT FRIEDHEIM
October 26
9:00 a.m.
Worship Service – Blood Pressure Clinic
8
`
10:00 a.m.
10:00 a.m.
6:00 p.m.
October 28
6:00 a.m.
9:00 a.m.
October 29
8:15 a.m.
9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
7:00 p.m.
October 30
9:00 a.m.
Quarterly Voters’ Meeting
Sunday School
Oasis HS Youth Basketball Tournament - Soest
Early-bird Bible Class
Morning Glories
Chapel – Wyneken
Immanuel House Open
Choir
LWML Bible Class
October 31
9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
5:00 p.m.
Immanuel House Open
Set up for Craft Show
November 1
9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Craft Show–South Adams
The Readings – Nations Under God
Isaiah 45:1-7 – God chooses and uses a nation to accomplish His will in the world – Thus says the Lord to his
anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have grasped, to subdue nations before him and to loose the belts of
kings, to open doors before him that gates may not be closed: “I will go before you and level the exalted
places, I will break in pieces the doors of bronze and cut through the bars of iron, I will give you the treasures
of darkness and the hoards in secret places, that you may know that it is I, the Lord, the God of Israel, who call
you by your name. For the sake of my servant Jacob, and Israel my chosen, I call you by your name, I name
you, though you do not know me. I am the Lord, and there is no other, besides me there is no God; I equip you,
though you do not know me, that people may know, from the rising of the sun and from the west, that there is
none besides me; I am the Lord, and there is no other. I form light and create darkness, I make well-being and
create calamity, I am the Lord, who does all these things.
P: O Lord, have mercy on us.
C: Thanks be to God.
1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 – A people renders to God His due – Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church of the
Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace. We give thanks to God
always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers, remembering before our God and Father your
work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. For we know, brothers loved
by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in
the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake.
And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of
the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia. For not only
has the word of the Lord sounded forth from you in Macedonia and Achaia, but your faith in God has gone
forth everywhere, so that we need not say anything. For they themselves report concerning us the kind of
reception we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to
wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.
P: O Lord, have mercy on us.
C: Thanks be to God.
P: The Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, the twenty-second
chapter.
9
Matthew 22:15-22 – A Christian’s dual responsibility to God and nation – Then the Pharisees went and plotted
how to entangle him in his words. And they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying,
“Teacher, we know that you are true and teach the way of God truthfully, and you do not care about anyone’s
opinion, for you are not swayed by appearances. Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to
Caesar, or not?” But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, “Why put me to the test, you hypocrites? Show me the
coin for the tax.” And they brought him a denarius. And Jesus said to them, “Whose likeness and inscription is
this?” They said, “Caesar’s.” Then he said to them, “Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s,
and to God the things that are God’s.” When they heard it, they marveled. And they left him and went away.
P: O Lord, have mercy on us.
C: Thanks be to God.
Mission is everywhere
The word “mission” often implies traveling to another country to teach and work. The work done in foreign
missions is important, of course, but we can’t all make the trip. What we can do, however, is be faithful
servants where we live. Mission is about putting the face and name of Jesus in front of those who don’t know
him. We can do that in many ways — any place and any day.
Facing Life’s Seasons Together in Jesus
As summer has faded and we are in autumn’s
seasonal winds, we consider all the ways we
prepare for winter. Whether it is getting out the
shovels before the snow flies or just getting
blankets down readying for cooler nights, we know
that God has set all of these things in proper
order. But, sometimes there are interruptions in
life. People suffer poverty, hunger, or
illnesses. As God’s children, we have God’s Word
and comfort from Isaiah 43:1—“Fear not, for I
have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.” His hands care for us as we face tough times. Yet there
are many people that do not know this comfort. You can help. Take someone’s hand and share Jesus’ love. Donate to
food banks and clothing banks. The LWML mites you contribute truly make an impact on the lives of the poor, the
hungry, and the sick. The Time is NOW to stand up and share Jesus’ love. – Shelly Moeller, LWML Vice President of
Gospel Outreach
10