Holy Cross Lutheran Church
1495 Underwood
Atwater, Ca. 95301 Tel. 209-358-3471
Sunday Service 10:15 Sunday School 8:45
E-mail holycross@[Link]
Web site: [Link]
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Volume 36
No. 01
Jan 2016
Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries
"Preaching Christ Crucified and Risen ~ Period" November 9, 2015
But we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, but to those
who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For
the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
1 Corinthians 1:23-25
Olaf Latzel is a pastor who works in the German city of Bremen. In many circles Latzel is
not very popular. In the last few years, he ...
1. has been denounced by 70 German pastors who marched behind a banner celebrating
"diversity";
2. was investigated by the community public prosecutor for having committed the crime of
"hate speech" (he was found innocent of that charge);
3. was the subject of a State Parliament resolution passed against him. Those who know,
say it is the first time that has happened since World War II;
4. has been condemned as being "bigoted, hateful and un-Christian."
Now when I heard about all those negative comments being directed against Pastor Latzel,
I simply had to see what terrible things he had been saying. I was shocked to find Latzel
believes "the God of Christianity and Islam are not the same." Now I know no one in Islam
would ever say such a thing, but in Germany such an idea is not out of line for many
Christian pastors.
Talking to a news crew, Pastor Latzel said, "If you speak out loud and clearly about the truth
of the Bible -- that there's only one way to heaven and this way is Jesus Christ -- there is only
one God, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and there is no other god beside Him, then you
have a problem."
Well, I didn't have a problem with that. Indeed, I thought Preacher Latzel
was pretty much right on the money. I kept reading. After all, I thought,
there has to be something wrong here.
I discovered Pastor Latzel had said, "The Bible is the Word of God; it's
our law, chapter by chapter, book by book, sentence by sentence, letter
by letter." The pastor also commented, "If you preach the Gospel of
Jesus Christ and everyone is clapping his hands, then you have a
problem. Because, if you're telling the truth from the Bible, then the
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devil will come and he will fight against you in several ways; he will fight against the Word
of God."
That's the way it is in Germany today. And, folks, it's getting that way in our country too.
In 1680 Joachim Neander served at the same church where Pastor Latzel is today. Neander
wrote the familiar hymn, "Praise to the Lord, the Almighty." The sixth verse to that hymn
reads "Praise to the Lord, Who, when darkness of sin is abounding, Who, when the godless
do triumph, all virtue confounding, Sheddeth His light, chaseth the horrors of night, Saints
with His mercy surrounding." Today we pray that verse may prove to be true and the Lord
will protect all who preach God's Word, God's truth.
THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, Satan attacks Your message in many different ways. Grant that
Your pastors and people may stand firm and share the Savior's story of salvation so sinful
souls might be won and granted eternal life in heaven. This we ask in the Name of our
Savior. Amen
"But He Did" November 26, 2015
And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were
called in one body. And be thankful. Colossians 3:15
A number of years ago I had the opportunity to perform a wedding
service for a very special couple. Although the family was relatively
well known, the wedding itself was very small. When I asked the bride
why, she replied, "I'm not going to hug somebody I don't know."
That feeling was not shared by Greta Peske who married Tony
Hokanson at Celebration Lutheran Church in Sartell, Minnesota, this past October 10th.
Indeed, Peske reserved a dance at the reception for a man whom she had met only once in
her life. Even so, that man was, in some ways, responsible for that wedding taking place.
Let me share: the name of the 51-year-old man from Arkansas was Danny Daniels. In 2007,
he was contacted by medical personnel. They told him the tests showed he was a good bone
marrow match for a high-school girl who had come down with leukemia. They wanted to
know if he would consent to helping her out.
Peske thankfully acknowledges, "He didn't have to do what he did, (that is help her), but he
did."
Because of his donation, Peske survived, fell in love, and was married, and she had a dance
with Daniels to show her appreciation.
When I read that story, I couldn't forget the line, "He didn't have to do what he did, but he
did."
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That line described Danny Daniels, and it most certainly describes the work of the Savior.
After Adam and Eve's disobedience and sin, they -- with all of their descendants -- were
doomed to die. There was no escape; there was no cure; there was nothing they could do
other than wait for a bitter and terrible end.
It was then that the Lord decided to help us.
He would do what was necessary to save us. Nobody asked Him to make a sacrifice. He
did what He did because -- along with being a just God -- He is also merciful. It was that
attribute, along with grace, which had Him send His Son to save us.
Of course, this was not a simple bone marrow transplant.
Not at all.
This procedure which would save us -- the process which would rescue us -- called for Jesus
to give up His life in a most painful manner. This He would do after having been rejected by
His country, His religion, and even His own hometown.
He didn't have to do what He did, but He did.
Now all who are given faith in the Redeemer, with repentant hearts, are forgiven and saved.
Now, those who are redeemed and rescued show their thanks to the Lord, not with a dance at
their wedding, but by living every day of their lives as if it were a real Thanksgiving Day.
THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, You didn't have to do what You did, but You did. May my life
reflect the thanksgiving I feel in my heart. This I ask in Jesus' Name. Amen.
"Do Not Forget God" October 23, 2015
For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have
wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs. 1 Timothy 6:10
Ronald was a young man who was leading a very hectic life.
This was due to the fact he was looking for action and
forcing into each day as many activities as he could.
Now, normally there would be nothing wrong with such
a frantic life, but in Ronald's case none of those activities
included the Lord. Indeed, Ronald had almost completely
forgotten the existence of God.
Oh, there is one other thing which was a motivating force
in Ronald's life. Ronald wanted to be financially stable.
No doubt, that's something you and I also want.
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But in Ronald's case the desire to live in a comfortable condition and make sure his future
was completely taken care of became an all-consuming force. You would be quite right if
you guessed that, once again, the Lord did not enter into Ronald's thoughts or consideration.
He was ready to prepare for the future financially, but not spiritually. And it never occurred
to him that from life we do not take anything.
The Bible tells us that the love of money is a root of all evil.
We all need money to live, but when the love of cash becomes all-consuming, well, our
Bible text is quite clear when it says in such a pursuit some have strayed from the faith in
their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
Thanks be to the Lord that Ronald participated in one of our workshops which we call
Equipping the Saints. That program, with its restructured priorities, touched Ronald's heart.
Ronald followed up and had some meetings with our pastor that truly opened his eyes to the
futility of his mad searchings.
At the same time, those meetings were used by the Holy Spirit to open his heart to the Savior
who had given His life so Ronald might be forgiven and granted eternal security.
Today, Ronald understands that it is best to put God before all other needs and desires.
He knows the Lord responds to our requests in a timely manner and according to His will.
More than that, believers can be sure the Triune God will do what is right and best for us.
If Ronald were writing this devotion he would tell you, "Remember that the best wealth you
can have is trust in Jesus Christ and the forgiveness He gave us by dying on the cross and
through His resurrection."
THE PRAYER: Lord, our God, I thank You for all that You give me every day. Help me to
not put the love of money before the love I have for You. Grant that I
may also give thanks for the love You have for me. In Jesus' Name.
Amen.
Biography of Author: Today's international devotion was written by
Murel Ballestero who is a young woman who volunteers to teach
Bible courses for children. She is part of our Nicaraguan Lutheran Hour
Ministries team which visits clinics where she shares the Savior's story
of salvation. She is also one of the speakers in our FM and online radio
programs.
In Christ I remain His servant and yours, Pastor Ken Klaus
Use these devotions in your newsletter and bulletin! Used by permission; all rights reserved by the Int'l LLL (LHM).
BIBLE QUIZ
According to the Gospel of John, which disciples
led others to Jesus, and whom did they lead?
A. Matthew led Judas.
B. Andrew led Simon-Peter.
C. James led John.
D. Philip led Nathanael.
E. All of the above.
F. B and D.
A rib tickler
After her husband was out late for a few nights,
Eve was upset. Are you out with other
women? she asked.
Dont be unreasonable, replied Adam. Youre
the only woman on earth.
The quarrel ended when Adam fell asleep.
When he awakened with pokes to the chest, he
asked, What are you doing?
Counting your ribs! Eve said.
Answer: F (See John 1:40-42, 45ff.)
Where in the World Is Your Shoebox Going?
Thank you for blessing children in need through Operation Christmas
Child and for donating online to discover the destination of your
shoebox gift.
Your shoebox has begun its journey and will be delivered to a child
in a hard to reach area. The gift-filled box you packed will share the love of God in a
tangible way and can impact not only the boy or girl who receives it, but also their family
and community.
Many children who live in nations that are difficult to reach with the Gospel are able to
hear about Jesus Christ through specially packed shoebox gifts designated for restricted
areas. In hard-to-reach areas, these shoeboxes provide a platform for local believers to
share Christ in a safe and culturally sensitive way, and allow ease of entry through
customs.
Shoebox gifts collected in the United States in 2015 will be delivered to 388,885 children
living in restricted areas in 17 countries. Many of these will be shoeboxes that were built
online. For the safety of our ministry partners living in these restricted areas, we cannot
divulge the names of the countries.
One of our international representatives described the power of these simple gifts:
In the very restricted environments, we cant have local believers out being vocal about
their faith. A shoebox becomes a key to a closed door. I desire to be involved in the work
of love. In the remote areas where people have nothing, where people are dirt poor, this
box gives them hope. This is love. True love. This opens the eyes of the people. Jesus said,
I am the light of the world. He who follows me will not walk in darkness but have the light
that leads to life (John 8:12). Through Operation Christmas Child, God has given us the
opportunity to penetrate the darkest places in this world and share the Gospel.
Most important, please remember to pray for the child who will receive your gift.
Questions about following your box? Find answers here.
Thank you, and may God bless you!
Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of
heaven. MATTHEW 19:14, NKJV
Operation Christmas Child is a project of Samaritan's Purse.
Franklin Graham, President
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Always doing a new thing
In 2015, scientists discovered more than 18,000 new species some ancient and
extinct, others contemporary. They include a cart wheeling spider; fossils of a feathered
dinosaur; a beautiful sea slug that photographs in brilliant blues, reds and golds; a
Christmas-colored plant that grows in near isolation in Mexico; and a puffer fish whose
males make intricate seafloor crop circles as spawning nests.
Such discoveries regardless of how old or new the species are demonstrate the
ongoing creativity of God, who both does new things and gives people new abilities to
discover them.
Recently, we began a new church year with Advent. At Christmas, God did a new thing by
becoming human. Now we launch into a new calendar year, in which scientists will surely
discover more new creatures. The newness all around us reminds us that God is always
doing a new thing in our lives, too!
Kindness counts
Make blankets or scarves for homeless people.
Send a care package to someone whos in college or the military.
Collect coins for a charity or cause.
When you cant attend an event, give the tickets to
strangers.
Provide tutoring or mentoring in your field of
expertise.
Offer to babysit or pet-sit for free.
Send a note of appreciation to someone whos made
a difference in your life.
Share your gifts of music, reading or conversation
at a nursing home.
Donate old sports equipment to schools.
Give someone the benefit of the doubt maybe
even a family member or yourself!
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Before all else fails ...
In Too Busy Not to Pray (InterVarsity Press), Bill Hybels cites reasons that prayers may
seem to go unanswered (unconfessed sin, selfishness and so on). The most common cause,
though, is prayerlessness:
People often tell me how they have attempted to address a pressing need, Hybels writes.
They have gone to counselors, read self-help books, claimed biblical promises, practiced
self-discipline, confided in Christian friends, practiced assertiveness or submission or selfdenial or positive thinking, even read books about prayer and their need is still not met.
But when asked if theyve prayed fervently and regularly about the matter, the answer is
usually no.
James 4:2 says, You do not have because you do not ask God. So instead of thinking
When all else fails, pray, try this: Pray before all else fails.
Resolve to revitalize
Church revitalization is a hot topic, and ideas for
congregations can bring fresh energy and meaning to
personal and family life, too. Consider the following tips:
Have a clear vision. Its easy to go along day to day without
considering what youre moving toward. Beyond the everyday
routine, what bigger vision does God have for you? This year,
take specific steps toward living that out.
Ask questions. What gets you excited even passionate?
What issues or situations break your heart? What are you good
at? Resolve to use a talent or something you enjoy to help heal
hurts.
Balance history with innovation. Honor your past as Gods gift that makes you who you
are, but be open to change. Dare to step out in faith for the sake of your lifes mission. Try
something new in the spirit of the God whos always doing a new thing (Isaiah 43:19;
Revelation 21:5).
The best way to revitalize a church might be to revitalize the lives of its individual members!
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LCMS Stewardship Article January 2016
In all things I have shown you that . . . we must help the weak and remember the words of the
Lord Jesus, how he himself said, It is more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35). And
indeed it is. Does this not strike a chord that resonates in us all? Which of us cant recall the look
of surprise and thanks for the Christmas gifts that we labored to give to those whom we love?
And the joy written on their face when that gift is received with thanksgiving means more than
all the gifts we have received. It is more blessed to give than to receive.
Our Lord knew this because He practiced it. He gave of Himself, sparing not even His life in
death, in order to give us back to our Father in heaven. He knew that in giving, you get more
because in giving joy is multiplied: the one who receives and the one who gives both rejoice in
what is given and received. What is more the one who receives is thankful and only wants to give
back to the one who gave so generously.
So also with our tithes and offerings in church. We want to give because we have received from
God all that we are and all that we have. Our giving does not originate in what we must do to
earn Gods favor. We have Gods favor because of the gift of His Son which we receive through
Word and Sacrament. Thus, we are made free from the compulsion of giving. Now our tithes and
offering are freely given in thanksgiving for what God has so generously given to us.
Why then does the church struggle to make budgets? Why does the church always seem
stretched so thin? After all the Church is the place where God not only gives to us once, but
continually again and again. And what gifts He gives! He gives us the forgiveness of sins,
generously pouring out His grace and mercy because He loves us. So why does the church
struggle?
It is because sin still clings to us. Our fallen nature makes us selfish and miserly. It leads us to
believe that we can have our cake and eat it too. Because of sin we want to receive, but not give.
We want God's blessings, but we dont want to share them with those around us. We want to
remain comfortable in our own self-contained, neat, and tidy lives, without the headaches of
loving those around us by helping them in their time of need.
Remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, It is more blessed to give than to
receive. Remember that God has placed you in a church, not only to receive His grace and
mercy, but also to use you to bless others. Your tithes and offerings ensure that those around you
have a pastor to preach the life-saving and life-giving Word of God. They ensure that the lights
and heat and air-conditioning are working. They ensure there is water for Holy Baptism and
bread and wine for the Holy Communion. Everything the Church does, she is able to do by and
through the generosity of the members of the Church.
So remember the words of the Lord Jesus. It is more blessed to give than to receive. And
remember the joy that attended the gifts you gave at Christmas. This same joy attends your gifts
to the church.
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REDEEMING LIFE MATERNITY HOME $100,000
Over 25 years ago Rev. Edward DeWitt and his wife, Sheryl, dreamed of opening a maternity
home for women who chose life for their unborn babies but who lacked the resources to live
independent, healthy lives. Redeeming Life Maternity Home (RLMH) became a reality in 2013,
started by Lutheran Church of the Redeemer. Since that time the Sanford, Florida crisis
pregnancy ministry has served as a home to 15 women and referred some 60 more to other
service agencies. Four women currently live at the home, including three mothers with infants.
At RLMH faith, family, and education are upheld as keys to living a healthy, hope-filled life.
Residents live together as family, learning to support and accept one another. Whether a
resident chooses to parent or to lovingly place her child for adoption, she works toward finishing
her education and/or obtaining the job skills necessary for success. Spiritual growth is fostered
through daily prayer and devotions, worship and Bible study, and active involvement with the
congregation.
The Lutheran Womens Missionary League (LWML) grant will support the homes programs for
educational and vocational learning, instruction in financial management, parenting skills, and
life skills. Individual, group and specialized counseling is also available. What a blessing it is for
the LWML to be able to support this organization, upholding the value of human life and sharing
the message of Christs salvation.
Monday, December 7, 2015 10:27 AM
This note is to let you know that Lois Ellison
Dear Lord, You have called us to share the love
passed on Thursday, December 3,
of Christ through the proclamation of the
2015. There will be a Celebration of Life
Gospel and acts of mercy. The residents of
and reception on Friday,
Redeeming Life Maternity Home face the fear worship service
th
December
18
at
1:30 p.m. at Good
and uncertainty of unplanned pregnancies.
Shepherd
Lutheran
Church , 1180 Lynwood
May this safe haven, offering Christian love
Drive , Novato , CA 94947 .
and mercy, help to replace their feelings of
hopelessness and helplessness, with the
Our thoughts and prayers go to Jolene
forgiveness, hope and love that only You can
McPherson (her daughter) and family.
provide. In Your Holy Name, we pray, Amen.
In Christ, Karen Mauer, LWML CNH
Mailing Coordinator
Monday, December 7, 2015 11:02 AM
Please pray for Doreen Keesler's friend, John Tuesday, December 08, 2015 5:49 PM
Cheney. He is in the hospital again at age
Please pray for the family and friends of
88. Had a second fall, two seizures, and
Suzanne Cecile Marie Grenier Malia, my
doctor thinks heart attack he has been part of friend and mother of my best friend, who
Doreen's family since early 1970's.
passed away between 12/6-7/2015. She will
LWML Grant Prayer
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be greatly missed by all. Also, my friend
who is still in the hospital, John Cheney. I
got his age wrong, he is only 82. still in
hospital, growing a beard even, and is man
enough to know to stay there for now as he
may have other issues. Thank you, Doreen
Saturday, December 12, 2015 9:57 AM
I just got the recent news on my friend John
in San Diego, they tried to do the pacemaker
surgery on Wednesday but found his arteries/
veins were too small by either age or defect.
they then did the surgery yesterday and we
had been waiting for news since then. i got
this from Darren this morning: Not good
(news). Cheney's heart is in real bad shape
and hospital staff said he may not leave the
hospital. Thank you, Doreen
in the hospital in Turlock with alcohol
poisoning. Prayers of healing.
2) Prayers for Inie Meidlinger's neighbor,
Danny Maningo. He is in the hospital. He
has had a knee replacement. He caught a
cold. Doctors are checking his heart and
lungs. Prayers for the doctors treating him
and for healing.
3) Prayers for Inie Meidlinger's neighbor,
Nadine Walter. She is having surgery to
remove cancer on her ankle on
Thursday. Prayers of healing.
Wednesday, December 30, 2015 9:54 AM
John Cheney has had the lung tube taken out
Tuesday morning and a feeding tube put in
that same day. John was kind of
unresponsive yesterday. At 8:36 PM Darren
Wednesday, December 23, 2015 5:41 PM
sent out the group text message that John is
My friend, John, in San Diego is getting
back in ICU, on a breathing machine. Darren
worse. Several issues have become worse
is staying by his side and trying to comfort
and it is hard to read. Darren is his assistance him through the various tests; so please add
with the decisions to be made, so this is for Darren Hughes to the pray list to give him the
not only John, but for Darren. This morning I strength to give strength to John during this
also got a text from Darren on our
time frame. Thanks, Doreen
Grandmother Irene Jaquish. She is still in
her full sleep mode since Saturday; when
you speak to her she does not respond, and
according to the border care staff she still is
in some pain. Also continue to pray for her
along with my uncle Martin Jaquish as he
is the decision marker as far as my
grandmother goes. Doreen
Monday, December 28, 2015 5:48 PM
1) Pray for (Lillian Hopkin's) grandson
Michal Hopkins's friend, Angela. She is
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JANUARYS SPECIAL DATES
OF OUR
MEMBERS
BIRTHDAYS
HAZEL IKEN
1/10
SHARON ROPER
1/14
JENNIE CALLAGHAN 1/23
EARL PHILLIPS
1/26
IRENE IKEN
1/28
SERVING IN
AT
HOLY CROSS LUTHERAN CHURCH
Please Remember: It is up to YOU to arrange coverage if YOU are UNABLE to serve on your
scheduled day. Please contact the church office with any changes.
THANK YOU FOR USING YOUR STEWARDSHIP TALENTS
BY SERVING DURING WORSHIP!!!
Elders:
Aron Schmidt
Larry Rogge
Acolytes: Volunteers
Lay Readers: Volunteers
Stewardship: See Earl
Ushers: Volunteers
Altar Guild:
Gail & Irene Iken/
Anna Bautista
Altar Flowers/Before &
After Worship Greeters
Please sign up on the
sheets in the fellowship
hall for 2016 flower/
greeter lists.
Doreen Keesler
Richard & Lillian
Hopkins
TBD
TBD
TBD
1/03
1/10
1/17
1/24
1/31
If you would like to help with
any of these committees,
please call the church office.
358-3471
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