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. 2   February  2010

As the elected leaders in Washington work to pass a health care bill, Christians should be very concerned about the impact this new legislation could make on our view of life. The greatest concern is in regard to abortion. Destroying the life of an unborn child because adults made poor choices and are unable to care for a baby is one of the most deplorable examples of irresponsibility than anyone can imagine. Helping them to carry out that act by providing the funding for abortion with tax revenues is even more deplorable.

God calls His people to "support the weak" (Acts 20.35). There is probably no other group of "weak" people in need of our support than the unborn. What can we do to support the unborn?

First of all we can be better informed. Evil thrives in ignorance. For example many people are sold out to the idea that the unborn are not really people, and that we can do whatever we want with them. But science is slowly and surely destroying any support for that way of thinking. We can't say any more that "we just don't know." We do know that the unborn child is different from it's mother and is not a part of her body. So it doesn't make sense to say that a woman can do whatever she wants with her body.

Secondly, we can speak to the body politic. Notice I didn't just say "speak to the politicians." That we should and can do. But more important than that is to speak to our families, friends and neighbors. Tell them the truth about life and the importance of supporting it. There are many helpful organizations that we can turn to for support. One of those is Metro-East Area Lutherans for Life. If you would like to know more about this group and its activities contact Paul Walther (President) at pgwpaul@att.net or call 618-277-5744.    Pastor Walther

More than a year ago the congregation began looking for ways to improve our youth and music ministries. Working steadily and praying fervently, God led us to Youth Director Jaime Brinkmann. With that position filled we began work on the music director position. The elders appointed a Music Committee to evaluate our current program, define our philosophy of worship and begin looking for possible candidates. The committee eventually recommended Mr. Chris Loemker, who has accepted the position. In addition the committee has recommended Mitzi Montgomery to serve as Adult Choir Director. Next month we will tell you more about that as well other musicians who are helping to make the musical part of worship faithful to God's word and edifying for God's people.

Chris is a native of Edwardsville and holds a degree in Organ Performance from Indiana University - Bloomington. He has been involved in LCMS church music over the last 24 years in a variety of roles ranging from Music Director and Organist, to formerly working as a Production Editor in the music department of Concordia Publishing House. This summer he will serve as Kantor of the Higher Things Lutheran Youth Conferences to be held in Memphis, Tennessee and Logan, Utah. During the week, Chris is a corporate pilot that lives in Collinsville with his wife, Carmen, and three daughters - Colleen, 8; Claire, 6; and Catrina, 3.

Grief Share -2/1, 2/8, 2/15, 2/22 @ 5 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall

Braille Workers - 2/4 Meet in the parking lot @ 8:30 a.m.

Blood Pressure Screening - 2/7 in the connecting hallway

Congregational Life Meeting - 2/8 @ 7p.m. in the Fellowship Hall

Lenten Soup Suppers – 2/17 Ash Wednesday will be the first Soup Supper for Lent given by the Youth. This is an excellent way to socialize, meet new and old friends, check out the Church Library in the Conference Room, and help our organizations fund special projects with your freewill offerings. The MELHS Spanish Class will be the host on 2/24 to fund their Mission Trip this summer.

Spring Adopt-a-Bag Food Drive -It will begin on 2/21 and go through 3/24. The food helps to fill our Food Pantry, the Seminary and the local food banks. Please do not send in goods past the expiration date. If you’d like to help shelve the food, contact Kathy @ 345-5086.

Blood Drive - Coming in February

Second Annual Game Night - Friday, 2/26 @ 7p.m. Did you miss our first fun-filled game night last June? Don’t be left out this time! Bring an appetizer or dessert to share. Free baby sitting will be provided. Sign up in the connecting hallway by 2/21 so we have space for everyone.

Lutheran Women In Mission
"Serving With A Willing Heart!"

LWML Calendar:

February 4 - Pastor Paul Hemenway will provide the program entitled "Hidden Meanings in Popular Lyrics". This is a great opportunity to learn what’s really behind the songs we may be singing just because we like the tune or the beat of the music.

Please bring a couple of valentine cards (with stamps). We will take a few minutes and address these to send to our college students, our members who are in the Armed Services, and our shut-ins.

We’ll also discuss details of the Spring Retreat, Confirmand Reception and Lenten Soup Supper, all scheduled during the Month of March.

March 4: Pastor Todd Wilken, Host of the radio program "Issues, Etc." will be our guest speaker at the March meeting. Todd tackles the controversial subjects of our day, armed with the Word of God. You won’t want to miss this program…..and may also want to bring a friend.

Don’t forget that the Women’s Day of Renewal is scheduled for Friday evening and Saturday, March 12 and 13. If you haven’t signed up yet, you’ll want to do so as soon as possible.

Col 3:23-24 – "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving".

On February 16 we will meet at Bandanas’s Collinsville at 11:30 a. m. for lunch. Please call Mary Preuss (288-9525) by February 14 so we can make a reservation for you. Everyone is welcome to join in the fellowship as we support each other in our faith.

Good Shepherd and 12 other churches in the Collinsville area deliver a hot meal every week day to people who need a little extra help while living in their own home. The volunteers also brighten the day of the patrons with a smile and kind word. In 2009 the people from Good Shepherd who gave of their time to show God’s love in this very tangible way were; Elmer Burstadt, Nancy Cluck, Marcy Ford, Pastor Hischke, Tammy Lindsey,

Cliff Meissner, Mary Preuss, Ralph Schneider, Doris Wolf, and Susan Wolf. Roger Drique retired this year after volunteering for many years. We thank these volunteers for representing Good Shepherd. If you know anyone who could use this program be it on a permanent or temporary bases just call 345-7779 for more information.

 Women’s Day of Renewal

All women are invited for a refreshing, uplifting day with God and other Christian women. Come join us at the 10^th annual Women’s Day of Renewal on Saturday, March 13, 2009 from 7:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The theme, Encouraged in Heart – United in Love is based on Colossians 2:2-3. Our Keynote Presenter, Concordia University Wisconsin professor, Dr. Mary Hilgendorf, is a well-known humorous and inspirational speaker and Bible Class leader. Women will be able to personalize their experience with two workshops. A continental breakfast and catered lunch will be included at the cost of $30.00 if registering by February 28 After February 28, the registration deadline, the fee will be $35.

This year we have added a special Friday Night event to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the Women’s Day of Renewal. The WDR 10th Anniversary Tea Party will be held on March 12, from 7 to 9 p.m. Through very generous donations, this pre-WDR evening celebration is being offered for the minimal cost of $5.00 per person. Phyllis Wallace, nationally syndicated radio host of "Woman to Woman," will present, You Are a Designer Original!

For more information see the poster in the narthex or on the LWML bulletin board. Brochures with registration forms are available in the narthex or connecting hallway. Attend Friday night only, Saturday only, or BOTH!

LCMS World Relief and Human Care offers medical professionals opportunities to volunteer abroad in underserved regions. We are in desperate need of doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and other medical professionals to work with Lutherans who share Christ's mercy. Pastors also are needed to serve as team chaplains. Teams work in conjunction with LCMS partner churches and local clinics to care for both body and soul.

Since 2006, Mercy Medical Teams have provided free medical care to more than 10,000 people in some of the world’s most vulnerable communities. Teams care for people suffering with HIV/AIDS, malnutrition, parasites, dysentery, serious wounds, infections, malaria and other tropical diseases, and illnesses associated with unhealthy drinking water and sanitation. We treat both adults and children (including many youngsters orphaned by AIDS) and provide our own pharmacy for dispensing free medications. Please take a minute to watch a brief Mercy Medical Team video at :http://www.lcms.org/?16362

Metro East Lutheran High School, Friday, February 12, 2010, 7:00 p.m.

"What is the last book of the Old Testament?  Who is the quarterback for the Arizona Cardinals?  What is the airspeed velocity of an unlade swallow?  These and many more questions will be asked at the annual Lutheran High School Trivia Contest on Friday, February 12.  Gather your closest and smartest friends and reserve your table now!  Cost is $10 per person with a maximum of eight players per table.  Bring your favorite snacks to share - free popcorn and soda for everyone - monetary 1st and 2nd prizes - attendance prizes - free baby sitting!  Call 618 - 656 - 0043 to reserve your table today!" Posted

Sunday, February 21^st Potluck after late service in Fellowship Hall around 11:45 a.m. Fried chicken will be provided. Bring a side dish or dessert. You are still welcome to come even if you forget to bring something!

Mrs. Sachteben 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. Mrs. Sachtleben 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 & write to the students through email or drop off a letter at school each day. The students will then read the chapter & write back. If this sounds interesting & you have access to email or are willing to make a visit to school many days to drop off a letter, please contact Mrs. Sachtleben (344-3153 ext. 217 or ksachtleben@goodshepherdcollinsville.org). She can answer your questions & send you an information packet with a sample letter & ideas.

Trinity Lutheran Church Gymnasium, Edwardsville
Doors open 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Admission $1.00 per adult

Rent a table to sell your gently used baby and children’s toys, clothes and other items. Tables are 8 ft long and you can rent one for $15.00 or two for $25.00. Big ticket items such as high chairs, strollers, cribs etc. are considered large items that take floor space. Those items need a special large item ticket and can be purchased for $1.00 a piece when renting your table. They will then be put into a special area. Don’t have enough stuff for a whole table? Share one with a friend! All tables must be rented by February 1^st. This is also a perfect way to get your garage sale "fix on" in the middle of the winter! Clean out those old toys to make room for the new Christmas toys and clothes, then resell them at your own table!

Please contact Casey Shank 505-3868 casey_diane@yahoo.com if you would like to reserve a table or if you have any questions. Posted

Concordia Publishing House is the publishing arm of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. The service they provide to our church is very helpful for our ministry. They provide theological books, Bible studies, hymnals, study Bibles, catechisms, music, vacation Bible school and Sunday school curricula and more. Bruce Kintz, GSLC member is the president of CPH, and we have a number of other members that work at CPH. 

In November 2009 CPH received the Missouri Quality Award for its achievements in the publishing business and for its benefits to the City of St. Louis. CPH is one of the longest established businesses in St. Louis. 

• Feb 7 REFUGE 6-8pm
• Feb 13 Girls Night In
• Feb 17 Ash Wednesday Soup Supper
• Feb 21 REFUGE 6-8pm

Ash Wednesday Soup Supper

The High School Youth are serving the Ash Wednesday Soup Supper on the 17^th of February. We need 4 families to donate soup & many others to donate desserts & other items. Please see the sign up on the youth board for your time slot and what you can bring. Shifts are from 4 -6 or 5-7. Also, soups must be made in the kitchen at church. All donations will go towards the National Youth Gathering this summer.

Girls Night In

Sleepover at Jaime’s house! We’ll be discussing "Looking in all the wrong places for love". How are we specifically deceived by Satan as girls? What are we always doing wrong? How can we help guide each other back to God’s way? Bring a pillow & sleeping bag or blanket & your favorite game or movie. Meet at Jaime’s house at 6:00 p.m. and we’ll head to church together Sunday morning in time for Bible study at 9:15. Sign up on the youth board.

30 Hour Famine

It’s coming! Our 30 hour fast will begin March 5^th & continue through March 6^th. Please pick up materials from Jaime in order to begin raising money to feed a hungry child through world vision. This can be done in person or online! The sign up to attend will be posted in mid-February.

Jr. High Seminary Visit

This month we will take a tour of one of the LCMS seminaries which is basically in our backyard! After our tour of the campus, the bell tower, and rare book room we’ll head to Union Station for lunch. We will meet at church at 9:30 a.m. and caravan to the seminary. We’ll eat around 12-12:30, and return to church about 3:00. We will need parent drivers. Please sign up on the Jr. High youth board.

Feed The Hungry

Hopefully you’ve spotted the pictures and biographies of our youth and adults attending the National Youth Gathering in the Narthex last month. These are to help make you aware of the students actually attending, & to give our congregation a chance to specifically support & connect with one of the students or adults. There are forms located on the table for you to fill out in order to sponsor a youth. Sponsorship means making a total donation of $210 (to be paid at once or installments), which will cover the food expenses for our trip. Sponsorship also includes praying for your specific youth (or adult), writing a letter, & making a food care package for their bus trip! If you choose to sponsor a youth (or adult), please keep this a secret. Your letter that we will give them on the trip will reveal who you are. If you have any other questions or concerns please contact Jaime Brinkmann at the church office. This is just one of many ways to support the youth attending! Please look for our many other fundraisers coming up!

Good Shepherd is getting ready to print a new roster. If your address or phone number has changed, please call the church office at 344-3151 with the change.

Baptisms (Children): Mackenzie Brook Barton, Harrison Edward Mueller, Kathryn Grace Mueller, Ava Marie Scott

Received Through Transfer: James Preston from St. John, Red Bud IL; Jasmine & Justine Biermann from Church of Webster Gardens, St. Louis, MO; Richard & Kathleen Tiemann from Holy Cross, Collinsville; Roger Wicklein from St. John, Chester, IL; Brian, Janell & Ryan Poenitske from St. Paul, Wood River, IL; Brian Kersten from Grace, Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO; Jaime Kersten from St. Paul, Falls City, NE

Funerals: Gerald W. Williams, Hilda Lindsey

Souls: 1,627                                                    Comm.: 1,322

Christian Fiction Book Club will read "Yada Yada Prayer Group Gets Down"--Yada Yada Series #2. As usual we will meet at St. Louis Bread Co. in Collinsville on the 3^rd Monday (Feb. 15) at 7 p.m. Come early if you want to join some of the regulars for dinner.

All ladies are invited to an overnight retreat on Feb. 12. Mixed in with a couple of Bible studies will be the opportunity to scrapbook, play games, read a book, visit, or simply sleep (without interruption of little ones!). This event will take place at Camp Wartburg in Waterloo. We will leave on Friday afternoon & return on Saturday afternoon. The cost is $20 per person for the facilities. We have the use of a microwave & refrigerator & will plan our own meals. Please let Carol (344-3151 x302) know if you can attend or if you have more questions. MEN, this will make a great Valentine gift for your wife!!!!!

"A New Song—Save Me, O My God" Bible Study will only meet twice in February. All ladies are welcome to join our Saturday morning discussion even if you have not read the weekly devotionals. Here is the scheduled Psalms for the remainder of this session. January 23 will be Psalm 5, January 30 will be Psalm 6, February 6 will be Psalm 7 and February 20 will be Psalm 10.

Greetings from warm, mostly sunny South Africa. One of our friends back home wrote soon after we arrived that we "shouldn’t work too hard - it'll all degenerate after you leave anyway." His insight made us take a serious look at why we are here. He is certainly right about the degeneration: the locks that were broken last year need repair again; weeds have overtaken the flower beds and gardens; garbage is everywhere (a situation exasperated by striking garbage collectors), cockroaches jump out of the cupboards, and general untidiness and disorder seem to be the norm.

I recently read a devotion that repeated an old Puritan proverb, "God loveth adverbs; and careth not how good, but how well." Adverbs describe verbs---our words of action and activity. Whatever the activity (cleaning, repairing, pulling weeds), if we have the "mind of Christ: (1 Corinthians 2:16), we are offering our gifts to God. Even the most ordinary task can have lasting value when we are faithful to God. So, we hope that we are demonstrating our faithfulness to God in the tasks that we do here, sometimes over and over again.

We also realize that working in South Africa gives us new perspectives, and opportunities for learning and growth, keeping us young of mind if not of body. Here’s a Lee illustration: I was welcomed back to the local hardware store where at least seven employees went out of their way to greet me. My friend Andre fixed the lock I brought for repair for free saying he liked to help people who were helping people.  When he saw me, the owner said that there could be no better work than winning souls for Christ - we had never had that conversation before, so one of the employees who knew where I was working must have told him what I was doing here! (I never quite looked at our work here in just that way.) You can't imagine how heart-warming that was in a day that really hadn't seemed to go at all well to that point.  And maybe that should be part of our job every day to bolster our fellow Christians - a lesson learned today from Afrikaans (Dutch Reformed) Christians!

We’ve already met two new students. Ebora is the first student from Nigeria to attend the seminary here. He studied at the Lutheran Seminary in his home town, has been a pastor for three years, and now is at LTS for more education. Ashinafi is the first student here from Ethiopia. Both of them are very pleasant and have been of great help to us already. The seminary needed another guest room, so Lee and the students are painting and tiling a self-standing room with bath that used to be a dorm room. The transformation is quite impressive and the students are very proud of their work (even though they are a bit messy and cause Lee some consternation at times).

Thank you for your continued prayers. Pat and Lee Hoffmeier

Come One, Come All
and help support a great cause!

26^th Annual
Good Shepherd Lutheran School Auction
March 20, 2010
5:00 p.m. – 10 p.m.
K of C - Collinsville

This is a fun way to help support the school and get a great dinner and great auction items. Don’t miss out on this fun evening out and wonderful way to support a great cause!

Call your friends and get a table or come and make new friends.

Call 618-344-3153 or visit the school office for more information or to register or go to www.auction@goodshepherdcollinsville.org

The Central Illinois Community Blood Drive will be held at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church on Monday, February 22, from 2:00-6:00, in the church fellowship hall.  Please consider donating to this worthy cause.