Newsletter from Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and School

June 2020

Is God Up There? This month’s favorite Bible verse is Genesis 1:1

“God, if You are up there, please show Yourself to me.” Have you ever said that to God? Wouldn’t it be great if God just came down and showed himself to us?

God does show Himself. In the first line of the Bible, God reveals Himself to us. He tells us that He made all things. He made the huge gal-axies of the universe. He made the tiniest atoms. He made you and me. His creation displays His power, creativity, wis-dom, and tender con-cern for us.

Take time to notice and to marvel at all God made—the colors of the sky, the light of the sun and stars, the mosaic of leaves outside your window, the beauty of the landscape within your view.

Consider how God made you. Think of how your body works—your eyes and ears, your arms, legs, fingers and toes, your brain.

However, God did not make the world and then stand back as a disinterested observer far removed from it all. God is watching over it all. He continues to care for us by providing for all our needs.

Sadly, we often don’t thank him for what he has done for us. We forget him. For that, God has eve-

ry right to turn his back on us. Amazingly, God still cares for us. More than that, God came down to us and saved us from our wayward ways. He came down in love in the person of his Son, Jesus, and res-cued us.

Jesus lived the per-fect life of thanks that we

should live. On the cross, Jesus died the death we should die for our sins. Jesus promises a new and perfect world where all who believe in Him will live forever in perfect joy.

Is God up there? Yes, He is! And, thankfully, He

was willing to come down here to save us so that,

one day, we will see Him face to face.

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”

2) Karl and Karen Kuenzel

3) Walter and Haley Tuttle

5) John and Terri Haase

Gary and Karen Heiman

7) Joe and Amanda Grant

9) Tammy and Edgar Spees

10) Conrad and Karen McGarry

11) Ben and Bridget Melke

14) David and Chris Ryun

16) Al and Julie Bunt

19) Bruce and Linda Mohns

Brad and Tambi Prey

22) Ron and Fern Fregien

25) Bill and Sue Atwood

30) Peter and Sue Danielsen

1) Mary Cline

2) Stacey Berdan

Elaine Harrington

4) Amanda Grant

5) Jayme Brahmsteadt

Kennady David

Dan Rech

Tom Thiele

6) Norm (Dub) Hanson

7) Debbie Bauman

Vi Powell

Marliese Thiele

9) Elise Irwin

Madison Roberts

14) Bill Harrington

16) Andy Bunt

18) Paul Davis

23) Brad Davis

25) Noah Kammueller

27) Bill Atwood

Jon Mittelsteadt

29) Elmer Loechler

Rose Marie & Tom Adams

Erik & Leah Alair

Ron & Diane Bannerman

Family of Sharon Bauer

Dale Brahmsteadt

Roger Beyer

Julie Bunt

Pauline Cattanach

Mary Cline

Elaine Craig

Dave & Jill

Mandy Ehlke

John Estlund

Pastor Robert Hartman

Karen Heiman

Scott & Debbie Heiman Family

Connie Heitl

Ben Holberg

Sean Jenkins in TN

Katie & Lily

Baby Oliver Kisewski

Elmer Loechler

Donna Marks, Jerry’s wife

Jonathan Mittelsteadt

Dr. Roger Newman

Becky & Sam Piper

Violet Powell

Elliot Przybylski

Rodney & mother, Ruth

Cassie Ross (Malawi)

Pat & Alan Rozelle

Family of Duane Ryan

Jackie Ryun

Ryan, Betty H’s grandson

David Seidler

Family of Eugene Sigmund

Lorna Skicki

Loren Tullberg

Pastor Mike Wolff

Elton Zuege

ONLINE REQUESTS

Sarah Allerding’s Grandmother

Dyde in France

Forrest & Elizabeth in CA

Pat Hunziker in IN

Janet in CA

Junita in Hong Kong

Family of Jennifer Koniar

Kristin in US

Rev Dr Karl & Karen Kuenzel, Ecuador and niece

Dr. Cheli & DeeDee Marichal & Family

Markka, Joanne Farrington’s daughter

Melissa in England

Dan Raney in IL

Robert in Ecuador

Pastor Nathan Schulte in Ec-uador

Sonia in India

Pastor Philip & Kathryn Strackbein in Ecuador

Dr. Shannon Straszewski

Syed Gul in Pakistan

Gloria Walters in NY

Welcome to June. The weather in Wisconsin is improving and we are ventur-

ing out. After being safer at home, we want to be safe when we are not at home.

It is important to remember God says “Do not fear, for I am with you. Do not be

overwhelmed, for I am you God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you. I will up-

hold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10). God does many things to pro-

tect us. We know we are “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14.) One of

our wonderful parts is our immune system. The immune system is vital when it comes

to protecting us from infections.

Words used to describe what the immune system does can sound like a mili-

tary campaign. Our white blood cells or leukocytes play an important role in pro-

tecting us. There are two basic types. The phagocytes chew up invading germs,

while the lymphocytes allow the body to remember and recognize previous in-

vaders. Lymphocytes make antibodies. Some lymphocytes help coordinate the re-

sponse.

You may wonder what you can do to maintain a healthy immune system. Re-

search, found on the National Institutes of Health website, shows that both activity

and diet play a role. Controlling stress is another important factor.

The relationship between physical activity, immunity, and susceptibility to up-

per respiratory tract infections (URTI) has been well investigated. A moderately ac-

tive individual is less likely to contract an URTI than someone with a sedentary lifestyle

or a person engaged in activities with a strenuous workload (e.g., endurance ath-

letes). Moderate exercise, 3 to 5 times per week for 30 to 45 minutes, is a good goal

for a healthy immune system. Aim to get your heart rate up a little when you exer-

cise. Taking a walk or participating in an aerobic activity are two good options.

Good nutrition is important for all of the cells in the body to function properly

and this includes the cells of the immune system. When it comes to nutrition, there

are some things to consider. Malnutrition is a leading cause of a weak immune re-

sponse, but malnutrition is typically not a concern in America. Instead deficiencies

or insufficiencies of certain nutrients may occur simply as a result of poor dietary

choices. Research is limited on the impact of obesity on the immune system. Obesi-

ty is associated with a state of chronic low-grade inflammation and a greater risk of

developing infections, particularly those of the respiratory tract. The simplest strate-

gy to benefit immunity and reduce infection risk is to consume a healthy and bal-

anced diet. Supplements are not required and you do not need to focus on a spe-

cific nutrient. Aim to have a colorful plate with foods from all the food groups.

Avoid excessive saturated fats. Instead, eat healthy fats like those found in fish.

For a long time it has been said that students get sick shortly after completing

final exams. The negative impact of stress on the immune system is blamed. There is

a lot of research out there that shows the link between stress and immune dysfunction.

A few tips in dealing with stress include being observant to your body’s response to

stress, such as difficulty sleeping, increased alcohol use, being easily angered, feeling

depressed, and having low energy. Try a relaxing activity, explore wellness programs,

which may incorporate meditation, muscle relaxation, or breathing exercises. Set

goals and priorities. Decide what must get done now and what can wait. Learn to say

“no” to new tasks if you start to feel like you’re taking on too much. Get regular exer-

cise as discussed earlier. Stay connected. You are not alone. Keep in touch with peo-

ple who can provide emotional support and practical help. Talk to a health care pro-

vider or health professional when you need assistance.

In summary, exercise, eat a healthy diet, and control your stress. Don’t forget to

wash your hands. Avoid touching your face. Avoid people who are sick. Keep a dis-

tance of six feet between yourself and others outside of your home. Cover your

cough. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces regularly.

God keep your wonderfully made immune system strong,

Kathy Lee, RN

“In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you

have been distressed by various trials... 1 Peter 1:6

God the Holy Spirit creates faith in people. It is certainly as great a work and it as though He

recreated heaven and earth! Wherever this power of God’s Word is missing, there is neither genuine

faith nor genuine good works. God’s Word reveals that when we suffer and are persecuted for Jesus’

sake, the very real sadness that sweeps over our hearts and lives shall last only a little while. Afterward

you and I will be happy beyond all measure. God’s salvation is won and done and well-prepared for us

to receive. So, Christians are encouraged to be patient under sufferings.

...that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable,

even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at

the revelation of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 1:7

Why turn up the heat? What is God doing and why? These are plague-born questions of our

violent culture today. People demand God reveal to them the reasons behind His actions, (as if God

owed them that). With this picture of heats, we see how

our heavenly Father directs us. He long ago revealed His

plans to any who take the time to read and hear His

Word. In the first letter He taught to Peter, God uses

trials to help His children distinguish between false and

real faith.

God knows our faith, nothing is hidden from

Him. But God our Father lays His hand on us so that

we may see our own faith. In fact He wants the world

see our faith. Others may be moved by Him to look in-

to His Word, to trust, praise and honor Him.

Afterwards, when we are safely in heaven, God promises all our trials will result a noble and

unexpected reward. Before we join the pessimism of the world, God’s children pause to see and re-

flect on God’s surprising bonus. Word-worked faith is the genuine thing, not fake faith, but the pure

and bright faith in God’s words and promises.

What is that great gift? Hold onto your seats! Ready? It is nothing less than the praise and

glory from God Himself when He proudly lifts me to Himself and points to me as His dearly loved

child, chosen and safely at last in heaven. What a great and Last Day when Jesus returns!

God speaks His Word to us: the lost, hate filled rebellious souls of creation; God adopts; God

strengthens; God sustains; God keeps His Word through various trials; God allows into our lives. Fi-

nally God joyfully and proudly escorts us into His heaven. And safely there, God praises us for what?

for being His children?! Wow! And the whole thing—from beginning to end— is a God-gracious thing.

...and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see

Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and joy

full of glory, obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls.

1 Peter 1:8-9

One Christian wrote: Do not always be inquiring how you may be freed from the trouble of

this world. Rather think this way: “My divine inheritance is a gift held to me by God Himself. It is

only a short time before my temporal suffering must cease.” All of us are to lay aside temporal anxie-

ties and temporary reliefs. Do we think on and place our hope in the eternal peace and comfort that is

ours in God our Savior. An unspeakably glorious joy shall that be from which we shall have

honor and praise. The world has such a fleeting and tainted joy that we receive nothing from

it but shame. And in that sinful world-view we are compelled to be ashamed.

Here in First Peter, the Lord Jesus has openly spoken of future joy — and there is scarcely so

clearer a passage on the subject of the future joy as the one in this place! God designed faith to be

tried and purified by difficulties, reverses and sufferings. None of this happens by chance. All of life

is directed with compassionate purpose of God the Father blessing His children. Which brings us to

Mr. Severus Gastorius (1647-1682).

He was the son of a Christian school teacher. He grew up to be a well-known church cantor.

He got married and lived in Jena, located in central Germany. Severus had a few good friends, one of

them was Mr. Samuel Rodigast (1649-1708). Sam was born Groben, Bavaria, Germany in 1649.

Sam’s dad was Christian, a Lutheran pastor. Sam attended the University of Jena and eventually

taught philosophy there. Cantor Gastorious and Prof. Rodigast became solid Christian friends.

In 1675 Mrs. Gastorious sent word to Sam that her husband was really ill. After visiting

him, Samuel Rodigast wrote a poem “to cheer up his friend”. He used this poem-devotion during his

recovery. And as Severus was getting better,

he in turn crafted a melody for this poem to

be sung.

Afterwards other Christians titled his

little melody “CANTOR”. They recalled what

he did for a living, serving Jesus with his

voice. About 33 years after this whole event,

the souls of both men were released from

this life to go home to heaven. But wow!

What a legacy these two families left for us!

The whole Christian church on earth

still benefits from the golden faith God polished in the trials of sickness. We have a poem, a melody, a

well-known hymn and a history that came out of that brief trial four centuries ago. The trials of the

moment moved one Christian to reflect God’s gift of faith with these words. This may be a good de-

votion to sing before this day is done:

What God ordains is always good; His will is just and holy. As He directs my

life for me, I follow meek and lowly. My God indeed in ev'ry need knows well how

He will shield me; to Him, then, I will yield me.

What God ordains is always good; He never will deceive me. He leads me in

His righteous way and never will He leave me. I take, content, what he has sent; His

hand that sends me sadness will turn my tears to gladness.

What God ordains is always good; He is my Friend and Father. He will not let

me suffer harm Though many storms may gather. Now I may know both joy and

woe; Some day I shall see clearly that He has loved me dearly.

What God ordains is always good. Though I the cup am drinking which sa-

vors now of bitterness, I take it without shrinking. For after grief God grants relief,

my heart with comfort filling and all my sorrow stilling.

What God ordains is always good; this truth remains unshaken. Though sor-

row, need, or death be mine, I shall not be forsaken. I fear no harm, for with His arm

He will embrace and shield me; so to my God I yield me.

From my family to you and yours, happy yielding. Alive in Jesus!

Pastor T

Pentecost Miracle

It seemed that no matter where I visited historic sites with my wife and 3 sons, I would

notice people from other nations who had come to witness them as well. People from

Mexico were speaking Spanish, people from Japan were speaking Japanese, and peo-

ple from Europe were speaking German and French. Like the rest of my family, I could

understand English quite well, but when I ‘eavesdropped’ on the foreign visitors, I

couldn’t understand anything. That included German and Spanish though I had a few

classes in those languages not that long ago.

On Pentecost, people from all over the world were in Jerusalem, including Jesus’ disci-

ples. Before Jesus was taken into heaven (Ascension was observed on May 21, 2020),

He promised to send the Holy Spirit to His disciples. Now, 10 days after He ascended,

He kept His promise.

The disciples heard the sound of blowing wind and saw flames of fire on their heads.

They were filled with the Holy Spirit. Then they began to speak. Since there were peo-

ple present who spoke languages the disciples had never learned in the classroom or

in the streets, the Holy Spirit gave them the ability to speak in all of these languages so

the people could hear the gospel.

What happened on Pentecost Sunday shows that the Holy Spirit is active. He wants all

people, no matter what language they speak or color of their skin, to hear God’s Word.

He works among us whenever God’s Word is spoken, read, or even thought about.

With His power, the Holy Spirit is able to make us sinners believe in Jesus so that we

are saved.

We have experienced the same Pentecost miracle as the 3,000 people came to be-

lieve in Jesus that first day of Pentecost in Jerusalem. It is a wonderful miracle be-

cause, in our unbelief, we were enemies of God and blind to the saving truth of His gos-

pel. Through Holy Baptism and the Holy Scriptures, the Holy Spirit changes our unbe-

lieving hearts to hearts that believe in Jesus as our Savior. He promises that more peo-

ple will come to believe today. We can be bold when we speak God’s Word, knowing

the Holy Spirit will keep that promise.

Despite a pandemic, the Means of Grace are still in full use and changing people’s

hearts and lives. Whether it is a private baptism, one-on-one counseling or group Bible

study through zoom, or live streaming worship services to well over 100 people, the Ho-

ly Spirit is still active today. While we long for a return back to ‘normal’ times, may we

praise our Lord God for His faithfulness and promises to bless and preserve us.

Because He lives!

Pastor John

Remote Schooling During a Pandemic

One afternoon in March, Good Shepherd Lutheran School and Preschool (as well as every oth-er school in our nation) was told to switch normal school operations into distance learning in order to help flatten the curve as the Corona Virus began to sweep through our country. So, we did. The fol-lowing Monday, the school families picked up their student’s supplies and books, and the ad-venture began. Little did we know at the time, this would become the “new normal’ for the re-mainder of the school year.

But God knew. The scripture from Jeremiah 29:11 constantly ran through my mind dur-ing this unusual time: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to give you peace, not disaster, plans to give you hope and a future.” And, of course, He kept His Word.

3K kept learning as Mrs. Irwin provided monthly learning packets for our littlest learners and support for their fami-lies. Parents became co-teachers with Mrs. T., as we com-pleted the school year’s remaining curriculum. The elemen-tary students, already in established routines, fell right into a new routine at home. We all had good weeks, as well as more challenging weeks, but God blessed and guided our efforts as we successfully completed the final quarter of the

school term.

Now, an equally busy summer lies in front of us. Planning is needed to make “toggling” between school and home learning better, should that come to pass. It requires a solid plan for re-opening school, putting the recommended sanitation and safety protocols into a practical applica-tion for our circumstances. We already know school will look and feel different. We already know to prepare ourselves to be flexible about where/how school will be. Most importantly, we know God will make it all turn out according to His plans for us – plans that indeed give us all “hope and a fu-ture.” All praise and glory are His!

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Coming Up …. In a Link Near You …. A Virtual Art Show

One of the many things that were postponed for another time was our Entertainment Night and Art Show. Over the course of these past weeks, our stu-dents kept on making art, and let me tell you, they did a fabulous job!

The photographs of their artwork are in the process of being compiled to pre-sent as a virtual art show. When it is ready, a link will be provided for you to enjoy their artwork!

“News from Your School” June 2020

Good Shepherd Lutheran School, 10611 Hwy 13 South, Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494

PH: 715.325.3355 WEB: 1goodshepherd.org/school/

Blessings ̴ Mrs. T

View us live at 1G OODS HEPHERD . ORG

On cable tv: Wednesdays at 4pm & Sundays at 2pm on Spectrum channel 985 and Solarus channel 3

Coffee with Christ at From the Ground Up Mondays from 11-12. Bring your cup of coffee and latest issue of the Forward in Christ.

June 21 in the year of our Lord 2020, Fathers’ Day, is our planned Welcome Back Home to our

Father’s home worship service here at Good Shepherd. By this date, our church-school facility sanitizing equipment will likely be fully delivered and fully implemented. This are in place to help protect those who may have underlying health conditions or who do not want to accidentally infect others. The Marichals and Tullberg’s gave elec-

tronic sanitizers and also hand-sanitizing stations (still being manufactured) for ongoing safety. Since this 2020-plague is highly contagious, as a congregation we each will likely continue to be in a period of extra caution and social-distancing. That’s ok.

Some will say it should have started up sooner. Others will say it is way too early to get together like before. Until then, as a flexible Christian family of faith, we serve and honor one another above ourselves. If you feel ill, or uncomfortable in crowds, or you feel uneasy worshiping in a community of faith, don’t feel guilty. Everyone handles this whole plague thing differently. Love, not guilt, not fear, Christ’s LOVE compels our actions/attitudes toward one another.

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Come and See! Go and Tell!

Good Shepherd Evangelical Lutheran Church

and School—WELS

10611 Highway 13 South, Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494

Phone: 715-325-3355

www.1goodshepherd.org

Pastor Paul A. Tullberg | Pastor John T. Melke

Educator/Principal Donna L Tullberg

NON-PROF ORG

U.S. POSTAGE PAID

PERMIT NO.7

WIS RAPIDS, WI

Or Current Resident

June Genesis 1:1

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.