October brings colder weather. I hear that the harvest better be finished by the end of October also, since sometimes the snow comes in this month. Instead of thinking these "cold" thoughts, I am reminded of something in the month of October which warms my heart. October is the month we celebrate Reformation Day. October 31 is Reformation Day, which is that day in 1517 when Martin Luther began publically questioning the teachings of the established Roman Catholic Church by posting the 95 Theses. The Holy Spirit subsequently led Luther to see the truth of the Gospel which has been obscured by the church. One of the verses in God's Word which particularily struck Luther was Romans 3:21. Please look it up. This verse speaks of the "righteousness of God" or the "righteousness from God." The point for Luther was, it is not our own righteousness or goodness which saves us, but the righteousness which God gives us, through our Savior Jesus Christ. This righteousness was a result of Jesus living the perfect life as a man, and then being the perfect sacrifice for our sins. It warms our hearts to know that our sins are forgiven. It warms our hearts to hear this truth that had been obscured by the church. Today we must be constantly on alert so that we can fight for this Gospel truth. We must avoid all efforts to have it be obscured again. We must work against the sinful nature inside of us which wants to put away the righteousness from God, and try to substitute our own righteousness. We must work against groups which would also try to put away the Gospel. We must fight to keep it alive and avoid the tricks of those who would deceive us. Remember that Satan is on the prowl, a wolf in sheep's clothing. May the Holy Spirit bless each of us as we work to keep the Gospel truth clearly visible.
May you be blessed by our Savior, Jesus Christ.
Pastor Buchs
This month we will begin an Adult Instruction class. This class is useful for ALL adults as an introduction to what our church teaches and a review of confirmation. Anyone who is not a member of our churches but is interested in learning more about us is most welcome to attend. There is no obligation to join our churches, so just come to learn more about us. The class will meet initially on October 19 at St. Paul's at 7 p.m. We will decide subsequent meeting times and places at that first class meeting.
SEPTEMBER MINUTES
Bethlehem LWML met September 4, 1997, at 7:30 p.m. with ten members present. Pastor Buchs had for our topic, Psalm 146. We learned how much we miss by having this in English instead of Hebrew. We read hymn #445 together as our topic closing. Secretary's minutes were read and approved. Joan Miller gave the Treasurer's report, and committee reports were given. For Mission Service it was stated that Dakota Boys' Ranch will be here on October 28 at 10:00 a.m. On September 18 we will be taking most of our quilts to Breckenridge to be used for people who need them as a result of the spring flooding. We will be leaving the church at 10:00 a.m. Anyone is welcome to ride along. LWML Sunday is on October 5. There will be a special service and a pot-blessed dinner. We are having a German Fellowship Dinner on October 26. Gayle Hoffman will look into getting someone to provide music during the dinner. Pastor Buchs had some questions as to what we want in Bible study. Pastor Buchs asked us if we could serve a Circuit Pastors' Conference for about 15 people on December 4. It involves serving morning coffee and a noon meal. After some discussion, Joan Miller made a motion that we do this. The LLL Board of Governors will hold their Christmas party at our church on Sunday afternoon, December 7. Our Congregational Christmas Party is that evening, but it should not be a problem. Ladonna and Edna Mae closed our meeting with a Christian Growth Feature, "A Tribute to L.W.M.L." Edna Mae and Ladonna served a tasty lunch. Our meeting on October 2 will have election of officers. Gayle Hoffman and Garnette Bruns will be hostesses. Peggy Horning, Secretary
Lutheran Island Camp is going full blast this month. There is a Clean-up Weekend October 10-12, which is an opportunity for you to enjoy a free weekend at the camp and use of the facilities while at the same time helping out with the maintenance. The next weekend (17-19) is the Men's Retreat with the Mom's retreat the following weekend (24-26). Finally, on October 31, Reformation Day, there is an overnight event for young adults which is called a Hoop-La. You are encouraged to see the flyers for each of these events in the church narthexes, either on a bulletin board or on a table. As always, Lutheran Island Camp welcomes financial contributions to help with their ministry. Please keep the camp in your prayers.
This month features another joint ACT activity. This will be a Movie Night, sponsored by St. Paul's group. The movie was chosen to be "Preacher's Wife." High school youth are invited to bring their bean-bag chair or other device to sit/lay on and a soft-drink. The popcorn will be provided. It all gets underway at 7 p.m. on October 29 at St. Paul's.
Lois Fickes 2 Delano Meyer 5 Mark Lubben l0 Graham Groth l4 Jaylene Volker l6 Paul Findlay 18 Mark Oachs 2l Amy Schmidt 22 Andy Miller 23 Willard Giese 24 Melvin Brunkow 26 Janelle Werk 27
Donn Steenbock 5 Brandon Miller 7 Julie Dozak 8 Brandon Hensch 8 Joshua Dozak 9 Mildred Monk 9 Clara Stargel 9 Meighan Sather 9 Wanda (Toelle) Conley 11 Donna Rogahn 13 Craig Barth 15 Duane Rogahn 15 Gail Hansen 20 Ben Loeks 23 Hansen 24 Henry Hansen 29
Wildy & Delight Loeks 1 Rick & JoDee Loll 6
Oct. 5 Alice Fleischfresser & Marilyn Englund Oct. 12 Virginia & Curt Fickes Oct. 19 Floyd & Joan Miller Oct. 26 Jerry & Harriet Amundson
October 5 Ben Loll & Mitchel Mann October 12 John & Kathy Qualley
October 5 Tara October 12 Matt October 19 Rahn October 26 Jaylene
Cross Candles October 5 Nate Charles November 2 Charles Nate
October/November: Gayle Hoffman & Peggy Horning
Mark Oachs