Love in Action

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church

1300 Belt Line Road Collinsville Illinois 62234

618-344-3151 (Church) 618-344-3153 (School) 618-344-3378 (Fax)
Pastors M. Walther & P. Hemenway  Vol. 33  No. 4   April  2010

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church is part of the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. The LCMS is the longest running Lutheran denomination in America. It began in the 1800s when Lutherans in Europe were being forced to believe and practice things that didn’t fit with the Bible. The German state was using the church for political purposes. Many of these Lutherans sold all their possessions and sailed across the Atlantic to settle in Missouri. They came to America for the freedom to believe and worship according to their conscience. Other Lutherans and Christians noticed their commitment to Scripture and to Christ, and the small group began to grow. These Christians were focused on the Word and Sacraments, the Gospel life, and the Great Commission. The congregations were, and still are, bound together by our common commitment of faith. Over the years they have faced controversies that would have destroyed them. But in each of these difficulties the churches of the LCMS stood fast with the word of God and the Confessions of the Lutheran Church.

This summer the LCMS will meet together for their national convention. Twelve hundred delegates will elect the president and other leaders. They will consider many resolutions that will guide the church well into the future. One of the biggest challenges facing the LCMS today is to maintain the unity of faith. It is always tempting to experiment with different teachings and practices that you think will help the church. But the question is, "Are we being led by the word of God or by popular culture?" In teaching the greatest concern is about what is NOT being taught. It’s becoming increasingly popular in LCMS churches to avoid topics that are controversial (abortion, sexual lifestyles) in favor of more "practical" topics. Some churches are adopting worship styles that tend to be "light and lively" instead of worship that is strong in the full counsel of God and focuses on the "fear" of the Lord as well as the "joy" of the Lord. To be fair, at the same time, we have pastors and churches that see no need to improve their ministry. They put no great effort into their sermons, Bible classes or one-to-one visiting. The churches are not interested in the troublesome efforts involved in starting preschools, youth programs, or social ministries. They have no burning concern in their hearts for the lost and the suffering. Each year the numbers decline, and they comfort themselves that this must be the "theology of the cross."

The question before our churches is always the same: How? How can we faithfully do the work that our Lord has called us to do? At this year’s convention there are a number of proposals that are designed to streamline the LCMS and make it more efficient. I’m concerned that some of these proposals will lead to an unhealthy centralization of power which has always proved detrimental to the true church. I think it is a quick fix to problems that have deep roots. I pray that we can avoid this pitfall. However I also pray that we can be united together in God’s word and in our faith in Christ so that we will be impelled to labor faithfully and harmoniously to nurture the saints and to convert new saints.

In early summer we will take some time in our adult Bible classes to examine some of these matters in more detail. For now I urge everyone to pray for Good Shepherd and for the LCMS that we would faithfully follow God’s will and be the church that God wants us to be. Pastor Walther

Pastor Paul Hemenway & Y98 disc jockey Kelly Corday are guests on the "woman to Woman" talk show with Phyllis Wallace on May 1, KFUO AM 850, 9:30 a.m. The show title, "It’s All About the Music!" Tune in to hear how to discern the music that positively influences your life & avoid music that does the opposite. You can also catch the show on XM 170, Saturdays at 12:30 Central time & at womantowomanradio.com.

Board of Elders - Paul Lauber

We continue to work on the music program with the different servants in order to develop worship services that glorify God and edify His people. Pastor Walther attended a meeting in February in preparation for 2010 Synodical Convention (see article in this newsletter). Pastor Hemenway is working with the Youth Director Call Committee to research possible candidates in preparation for a call for that position. Bill Hanke has joined the Board of Elders to replace Chaplain Wentzel.

Board of Christian Outreach - Bruce Cross

We are getting more people willing to serve as greeters. Thanks! We are currently working with Ben Asbeck (GSLS Technology Director) on a major website upgrade. This upgrade will allow different leaders of the church to upload information without going through a webmaster or secretary.

Metro East Lutheran High School - Tony Fuhrmann & Mike Schneider

MELHS is moving ahead with a capital campaign for new building program. They hope to have a groundbreaking by August or September.

Board of Christian Dayschool - Eric Robinson & Principal Mayhew

There is an 8th grade position open next year with Sarah Schultz leaving (with her husband on vicarage). Kyle and Heather Klemp have both received calls to serve in Hawaii. Several church & school leaders will be attending a "Funding Academy" in order to learn more about how to fund Christian education. We had the last Board meeting at the Daycare, and board members were pleased with the condition of the building. The Board encourages the Master Plan Committee to continue working on plans for a new building. The board is also working on the early childhood ministry structure.

Board of Congregational Life - Kathy Bohnet

The pictorial directory will not be ready by Easter. We are working on time and talent sheets to have lists of people who are able to help others in the congregation. About 40 people attended the Crossroads game night. Thirty-nine people gave blood in our recent blood drive. May 2nd will be the Anniversary Dinner.

Board of Stewardship - Doug Ruckman

The Endowment Fund is currently yielding 4.98%. The total amount in the fund currently is $743,500.

Board of Church Property - Bob Jones

April 10th will be our clean up work day. We are working on repairs and improvements on the parking lot lighting and the installation of another exterior light on the West side.

Youth Ministry - Jaime Brinkmann

We have completed the Adopt-a-Kitchen service project to help a single homeless lady moving into a home. Captive Free led Sunday School on March 14th and had a concert that evening. Youth attending the National Youth Gathering are raising funds with a cookie sale and a yard sale. On April 9th there will be a district lock-in for high school students at the Edwardsville YMCA.

Parish Adminstrator - Marty Hoffman

We raised $11,100 for a special Thrivent program and received the matching gift of $5,500. The last several utility bills have been in the $10,000 range. Everyone is urged to turn off lights in rooms that we are not using!

Board of Finance - Tim Evers

Personnel - Cindy Pulverenti

Nothing to report.

Church Council - Jeff Baker, President; Mary Jane Wade, Secretary

We are working on creating a position of "vice-chairman." The hope is to have someone who can step into the president's position after being involved in the work of the council.

Braille Workers: 4/1 at Zion Bethalto. Meet in the Church Parking lot @ 8:30 a.m.

Congregational Life Meeting: 4/12 @7p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. We are looking for additional members who would like to serve our congregation in a variety of ways, as our Board is responsible for strengthening the bond between members of the congregation both spiritually and socially. Contact Kathleen Bohnet at 345-5086 or the church office at 344-3151 if you’d like more information.

Looking ahead: New member/Anniversary Dinner on May 2 after late Service. It will be a pot luck, so please look for the sign up sheet in the connecting hallway.

Spring Yard Clean Up Day

The Board of Church Property will sponsor the Spring Yard clean up day on Saturday, April 10 from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. Any help would be sincerely appreciated. For more information, please contact Bob Jones at 344-9244 or Marty Hoffman at 344-3151.

April is again a very busy month for LWML, with many fellowship opportunities to which all ladies of the church are invited. It is our hope that you will join us whenever you can.

April 8 - 6:45 pm is our monthly meeting in the Fellowship Hall. This is a Trivia/Game Night which will "Test Your Bible Knowledge." (Please note that this is the second Thursday of the month, rather than the first, due to Maundy Thursday services.) .

There will be an ingathering of hygiene items needed for the two mission trips planned for MELHS students – June 11 to Mexico and June 26 to Panama. Items needed are: Shampoo, soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, Q-tips, etc.

April 24 - Zone Rally – to be held at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Collinsville from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm.

April 29 – Annual Spring Luncheon and Card Party – from 10:30 am to 2:30 pm in Fellowship Hall. This is open to all women of GSLC plus other churches in the area. Whether you play cards or not, you will enjoy the good food and fellowship. The cost is $8.00 each if tickets are purchased by April 19^th, and $9.00 thereafter. To make a reservation, please send your reservation (include the names of all attendees in your party) plus your check to: Mrs. Gloria Drique, 206 N. Wilson Heights Rd., Collinsville, or call her at 345-9548. Make checks payable to Good Shepherd Lutheran LWML. (Please note: Checks must accompany reservations in order to be confirmed.)

In addition to the luncheon, there will also be a Country Store where craft items and canned/baked goods can be purchased. Door prizes will also be given.

Note to members of LWML: Please sign up at our April meeting to bring salads, Country Store items and/or times you will be able to work – or – call Donna Kober at 344-3342.

Our theme for April is taken from Luke 9: 23-24 – SERVING WITH A COURAGEOUS HEART: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for Me will save it."

There have been a number of coats and jackets left on the narthex coat rack for a year plus. Any items not claimed by April 15 will be donated to Concordia Seminary re-sell it shop.

presents
a spring musical

When things don’t go our way, can we really trust that God is in control? In this Old Testament story, there’s a heroine (Esther), a hero (Mordecai), a villain (Haman), a love story, a conflict, and a resolution. God works in Esther’s life like a stage manager controlling the action from behind the scenes. In the end, God’s presence is undeniable as He orchestrated moments of courage and moments of belief.

Attend a performance of Esther-Ordinary Faith and have renewed confidence that even though ours is an unseen God, our Heavenly Father still holds the hearts of kings in His hands and hears the prayers of His children.

We will meet at St. Louis Bread Company at 7 P.M. on April 19 to discuss "The Potluck Club" by Linda Shepherd and Eva Everson.

Southern Illinois District Bob Streuter Memorial 4-Person Benefit Golf Scramble, Saturday, May 1 at Okawville. Shotgun start at 12:30 p.m., $75 per person entry includes: golf, cart, mulligan, skin game & meal. There are three ways you can lend your support: organize a team of four golfers $75 per person, be a hole sponsor with a $50 gift, be a $1,000 corporate sponsor. All monies raised are designated for the SID Student Aid Endowment Fund. Forms available in the church office.

 Relay for Life

The Collinsville Relay for Life, sponsored by the American Cancer Society, is an overnight event, scheduled for May 14 – 15 from 6:00 pm to 6:00 am, at Son Life Church on Vandalia Street in Collinsville. It is free and open to the public. This event is designed to unite our community in a common effort to raise much needed funds for cancer research, education, advocacy, and patient services. There will be ceremonies to honor survivors and to remember other loved ones lost to this disease. In addition, there will be entertainment, food, and fellowship among all who share a common goal – to beat cancer!

In addition to the other activities at the Relay for Life, luminaria can be purchased with an individual’s name on it, to honor a family member or friend. These are placed alongside the track, lighting the path throughout the night. It’s a spectacular sight that shines a message of HOPE to all who are there to witness this moving ceremony when each name on the luminarias is called.

A team has been formed, made up of mostly Good Shepherd members, to actively participate in the fundraising for the American Cancer Society. We call ourselves the Good Shepherd Flamingos. Many of you may recall that a few years ago, when David Wade was Senior High Youth Leader, the fun we all had participating in placing flamingos in the yards of unsuspecting members to raise funds for the teens in our congregation so they could attend the National Youth Gathering. Our team and its name is in honor and memory of Dave, as well as many other relatives and friends of our team members who have been touched by this dread disease. We have decided to take an active roll in support of this extremely important cause, and hope you will support us in this effort.

The Good Shepherd Flamingos have many fundraising events planned to meet our financial goal. Among these are two Bar-b-ques. The first will be held on the Camelot Bowl parking lot on April 17 (10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.) and the second will be held at the Collinsville Walmart on May 1 (11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.). You’ll be hearing more about these as plans are finalized.

We are asking for your support in helping to find a cure for cancer, as well as offering many needed services to those who are already fighting this disease. Whether your support comes in the form of prayer or financial help, please consider being a part of this community’s effort.

Two weeks and 5800 kilometers later, after visiting 8 of the 9 provinces of SA, we are safely back in Pretoria. We experienced the best and worst of the country. Some of the best: a large herd of cape buffalo passing in front of our car, baby hyenas frolicking near our Kruger Park land rover, feeding young ostriches grass out of our hands, the brightest Milky Way we’d ever seen (above the Northern Cape desert) a breath-taking rainbow over the wine country mountains, the clear, turquoise Atlantic ocean breaking against the rocky shore south of Cape Town, gracious B&B hostesses. The worst: yet another theft, this time at a B&B where the hostess told us "this is a very safe place, we don’t even lock our doors." But, one day while we were sightseeing, her laptop and jewelry were stolen and Lee’s brother-in-law’s backpack with binoculars and other valuables in it were taken from his bedroom. That really is life in SA and we should have taken better precautions to not be victims.

One stop on our trip was Shongweni, a tiny hilltop village west of Durban. There we visited an Orphan Project begun by a LCMS church in Phoenix, AZ and the local Lutheran Church in Southern Africa pastor. With the help of Habitat for Humanity they have built 34 small three-bedroom houses on a ridge overlooking a steep valley and the surrounding hills. These are homes for approximately 90 AIDS orphans and their caregivers (extended family members including a 90-year old grandmother). All of the school-age children attend local schools. LCMS World Missions has two short-term missionaries serving there. One, Shara Cunningham from the Phoenix church, will be working with the project for at least two years. The other, Julia Wehrenberg from Bloomington, IL will be there one year. They are organizing information about the children, starting a crèche (pre-school, day care), developing other child-friendly programs, and encouraging the care-givers. We felt like pied pipers when we toured the area with a line of children chatting with us and enjoying having their pictures taken.

The first weekend in March we stayed with friends near the Indian Ocean south of Durban. On Sunday morning we drove over bouncy, curvy, hilly dirt roads to attend the Zulu church service conducted by missionary Peter Weber and then went to a service at a homeless shelter in the hills conducted by the local German pastor (in English). Both were eye-opening experiences. There were 20 unaccompanied hearty singers at the Zulu service, singing with great enthusiasm. We followed along as best we could, recognizing the hymn tunes but stumbling over the words. The men and women at the homeless shelter were very appreciative of the pastor’s efforts to preach there every other Sunday and lead a Bible class once a week.

The week before we left on our trip was the first week of a three-week long intensive seminar for LCSA pastors at the seminary. This year lay women had also been invited to the intensive because the first presenter was Grace Rao, a deaconess from LCMS World Relief and Human Care, who spoke on The Role of Women in the Church. Four delightful women attended and were very enthusiastic about what they learned. The 20 plus extra people on campus for the intensive presented a housing and feeding challenge for the rector’s assistant and the volunteers. This year the volunteers provided meals which kept the dormitory kitchens much cleaner but became practically a full-time job. Praise the Lord that Anita Burnham (wife of the Denver pastor teaching here for two months) had some experience in feeding larger groups and the first two weeks the ladies from the nearby German church provided one meal each day.

To streamline our mealtimes and reduce the work for the volunteers we set up a washing/rinsing station so the participants could wash their own dishes. This became a bit of a cultural war as African men do not help women with cooking or cleaning, and some resented our asking for their help. But, after a few days most were being very cooperative. It also was an opportunity for the lessons they were learning in class to be put to practice (as pastors they should appreciate the women in their congregations.) Rather than expecting and demanding they were thankful for the meals they received. But, being true servants, the four women cleaned up any dirty dishes remaining after each meal.

While we were gone four more students arrived on campus, bringing the total to 24. Two more are expected soon. Since the first quarter is almost finished, coming this late puts them at a great disadvantage. Two visiting profs from the Ft. Wayne seminary taught the two weeks while we were away, and now German professor Werner Klan is here.

Sunday, March 21, is the installation of Wilhelm Weber as the new LCSA bishop. The district presidents from SID and Rocky Mtn. District are in SA to visit LCSA churches and attend the installation. We are not sure what to expect from the event, but will share that story when we return home in two weeks.

God bless you and thank you for your prayers.   Pat and Lee Hoffmeier

Baptism (Children): Ryan Thomas Phelps

Marriage: Blakely Adam Hughes and Katherine Elizabeth Petersen

Funeral: Marie A. Donna

Souls: 1,626                                                  Comm.: 1,321

An ensemble of women & girls, seventh grade & up is going to sing at Sunday services, May 9. Please contact Mitzi Montgomery at 345-1850 if interested. Rehearsal time to be announced.

While you’re waiting for spring to arrive take the time to sort through those unwanted items in your closet, basement, or storage area. The Good Shepherd Youth will be happy to take this stuff off your hands for their Youth Gathering Garage Sale to be held Saturday, June 5th. Keep watching for more details and drop off instructions.

No youth group Easter Sunday April 4^th. Enjoy the family time!

Big Brother / Little Brother Sunday, April 18^th - High School guys are inviting the younger Jr. High guys to a day of fun and mentoring specifically dealing with issues guys face. This will take place at Woodland Park activities include games like wiffle ball, capture the flag and ultimate frisbee, followed by some team builders, Bible study and a cookout. Activities will be lead by Brandyn Rust and Thomas Brinkmann. Meet at the church front doors at 2:45 pm and return to church for closing devotions and praise with the girls at 6:00. Pick up will then be at 6:30 downstairs by the fellowship hall. Sign up on the Jr. High Board.

Big Sister / Little Sister Sunday, April 18^th - High school girls are inviting the younger Jr. High girls to a day of fun and mentoring specifically dealing with issues girls face. Our time will include a fashion show, playing games, team builders, Bible study and a baking contest. Activities will be lead by Jaime Brinkmann and Carrie Kober. Meet in the church narthex at 2:45 pm and the boys will join us at 6:00 for a time of praise and closing devotions. Pick up will be at 6:30 downstairs by the fellowship hall. Sign up on the Jr. High Board.

Sr. High District Lock-in April 9^th- Rock climb, rollerskate, play basketball, volleyball or tennis games on real courts or on the wii! Then meet some new friends from other churches in the district and enjoy some time to study the word. The YMCA in Edwardsville is the location for the district all-nighter and starts at 9pm Friday and goes until 7am Saturday. We will meet at the church at 8:30pm and drive together, and return to church by 7:15am Saturday. Bring a pillow and sleeping bag, if you plan to sleep, and waiver forms (one for the climbing wall and one for registration). Guys bring 2 liters and girls bring food to share. The $10 cost will be covered by the church! Also if you have a t-shirt design for the National Youth Gathering please bring it to be approved by Jaime and then entered at the lock-in to be voted on by all attending! Sign up on the youth board.

Big brothers and Big sisters- High school students planning to attend this event on April 18^th, please plan to attend a training day on April 11^th after church from 2-4 pm and show up an hour earlier, 2:00, on Sunday April 18^th to help set-up. You are the mentors and we are excited to have you help lead, but it is important to be a learner first!

NYG Cookie Fundraiser, April 3-4- We have been selling dozens of cookies throughout Lent and will be packaging and handing out cookies on April 3^rd from 1-4 and then handing out cookies from 3-5:30 on Saturday and between all services Sunday morning. Please sign up for a time on the youth board to help hand out cookies. All participants are asked to help package on Saturday.

Agapefest, Saturday, May 1^st - Jr. and Sr. High Youth are invited to attend this exciting Christian concert event sponsored by Greenville College at the country fairgrounds in Greenville. Each person needs to bring a bag with a towel, change of shoes and clothes. It would be smart to wear boots that can walk through mud, as we learned last year how muddy that place can get! Bring a sack lunch (and dinner if you’d like to save money) and money for extra food or band gear that you want to buy throughout the day. Meet at church at 9:45 am and we’ll return to church around midnight. Waterproof tarps, camping chairs and cards games are great to have also. We will need parent drivers and chaperones so please consider joining us for a great day of Christian music. Signups are on the Jr. High and Sr. High boards. Skillet will be the last band of the night preceded by Remedy Drive, Paper Route and others. See poster or website for a more complete list.

College/Young Adult Summer Bible study- Come worship at the 10:30 service on Sundays and then stay for a free lunch and Bible study afterwards. Stay tuned for more details! Families looking to support college student ministry, please consider preparing a meal for one of these Sunday Bible studies.

In March, we donated over 400 items to the Good Shepherd's Food Pantry during its Spring Food Drive.  Anything that will not be used at Good Shepherd will be passed on to the Collinsville Food Pantry, Concordia Seminary's Food Pantry or the Teen MOPS Program. 

Thanks to all for dropping off your coupon inserts every week.  Thanks also for the food coupons and the ones that you find in all kinds of other places, such as in magazines, in the mail and online. If anyone is interested in learning more about couponing or this project, please contact me at 344-5305.  God's blessings! Debbie Jones

Cindy Javurek offering Massage Discounts for members of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church & School. Limited time offer. Posted in connecting hallway.

Mr. Grillot is looking for many adult volunteers to help with an upcoming reading activity. The sixth grade students will be reading the book Shades of Gray by Carolyn Reeder. This book addresses many viewpoints that people shared during the Civil War. Mr. Grillot is looking for volunteers who will be pen pals with her students. The pen pal’s job will be to lead the students through the story. The adult will stay one day ahead in the reading and write to the students through email or drop off a letter at school each day. The students will then read the chapter and write back. If this sounds interesting and you have access to email or are willing to make a visit to school many days to drop off a letter, please contact Mr. Grillot (344-3153 ext. 218 or mgrillot@goodshepherdcollinsville.org) by April 9^th. She can answer your questions and send you an information packet with a sample letter and ideas.

On April 20 we will meet at 11:30 a. m. on the church parking lot and go to Los Tres Amigos in Edwardsville for lunch, Please call Mary Preuss (288-9525) by April 18 so we can make a reservation for you. Everyone is welcome to join in the fellowship as we support each other in our faith.

Children 2^nd grade or younger can participate in the Good Shepherd Easter Egg Hunt on April 3. Registration begins at 9:30 A.M. in the school entryway with the hunt beginning promptly at 10 A.M. Donations of individually wrapped candy to stuff in the eggs can be placed in the basket in the connecting hallway. Please call the church office if you would like to help.

We appreciate your prayers for Planet Zoom, our Vacation Bible School being held on June 21-25. Ask God to bring children to our program so they can know and grow in Jesus, our Savior! And ask God to provide leaders and helpers for this important mission.

Registration forms can be found in the narthex or on the website. A suggested donation of $15 will help cover our VBS costs. Many volunteers are also needed. Please check the volunteer sign up sheet in the narthex for ways you may be able to help. Please call the church office and talk to Carol (ext. 302) with any questions.

"A New Song" Bible Study will resume for 6 consecutive weeks beginning April 17 with the book "A New Song—All of Your Wonderful Deeds". This Bible Study Devotional book is based on Psalms of Praise. Several copies of the book are available in the church office for $12.