The Lamb's Pen, May 2012
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Transcript of The Lamb's Pen, May 2012
May 2012
The Lamb’s Pen
A monthly publication of Abiding Shepherd Lutheran Church
“BRING them in...LIFT them up...SEND them out”
I planted the seed...
...but God made it grow.
So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God,
who makes things grow. 1 Corinthians 3:6-7
Abiding Shepherd Lutheran Church
406 W. Cottage Grove Road
Cottage Grove, WI 53527
(608) 839-3770
Pastor Nathan Krause
Vicar Nathanael Abrahamson
MISSION UPDATE (Ruthann Mickelson)
58% of Peru is Amazon jungle. There are 25 tribes living
there. The largest of these tribes is the Chayahuita
tribe. Our Evangelical Lutheran Synod (ELS) has
thirteen congregations among the Chayahuita tribe.
Mission work began in 1999 in a village called
Tarapoto. Presently there are 738 members, and we
have ten Chayahuita seminary students taking classes by extension. These
men are being trained to teach, preach, baptize, confirm and perform
weddings. This extension seminary is called “Project Philip”: “The eunuch
asked Philip, ‘Tell me, please, who is the prophet talking about, himself or
someone else?’ Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and
told him the good news about Jesus.” Acts 8:34-35
Pray that God will bless this work among our brothers and sisters in the
Amazon jungle.
“When you have THE SHEPHERD…
...you have everything you need.”
Visit our website at www.AbidingShepherd.org The Lamb’s Pen - 2
NEWS AND EVENTS
3 - May 2012
Piper Violet McGowan was
baptized on Sunday, April 22 at the
early service. We celebrate with
her family as she is adopted into
God’s Christian family.
Reesa Evelyn Wegner was
baptized on Sunday, April 22.
We thank God for His
gracious gift of Holy Baptism!
We enjoyed the music of
Steeple Chase Brass Band on
Sunday, March 25.
Jonathan and Jorgi Madson were
married on Friday, March 16 in
California. Pastor Krause
officiated at their wedding.
As you work on spring cleaning projects, please pack
up items you no longer need or use and mark the box
“Abiding Shepherd”. We will begin accepting
donations in early summer.
VILLAGE-WIDE
RUMMAGE SALE
Friday, August 3
Saturday, August 4
The Lamb’s Pen - 4
FYI… (Pastor Krause)
Spiritual information… “There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under heaven.” Most of us
are familiar with those words. They are some of the few we
may know from King Solomon’s inspired book of
Ecclesiastes where God taught him the difference
between human knowledge and divine wisdom. Most of us also are familiar
with the next few verses that are part of chapter three. They are the
“seasons” verses… “a time to be born, a time to die; a time to weep, a time
to laugh; etc.”.
But most of us are unfamiliar with what comes next… “What does the worker
gain from his toil? 10 I have seen the burden God has laid on men. 11 He has
made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of
men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end. 12 I
know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while
they live. 13 That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil -
this is the gift of God. 14 I know that everything God does will endure forever;
nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that men
will revere him“ (verses 9-14). It is these words that come to mind now that we
are in the season of spring. It is now that season when it is time to plant.
As the weather turns warm and we begin to tend
our lawns and gardens, we cannot forget a very
fundamental truth - this all grows because of
God’s grace. While He has created us to subdue
the earth and to care for the beautiful creation
He has made, if we are not careful we will soon
believe it is our green thumb, or weeding and
feeding, and our watering that accomplishes the
miracle of this cycle of growth.
There is one other thing in the less familiar words of Solomon that we may too
quickly overlook and too soon forget - God has set eternity into our hearts.
We get temporary happiness from a beautiful sunset. We enjoy the smell of
blooming flowers. We like a thick green lawn and a bug-free evening on the
deck. But none of these things that bring us joy now will last. They are only a
small blip on the screen known as eternity. God has created us for more, and
even in the springtime we long for it. We want to be with Him, in heaven,
forever.
I bring these thoughts to your attention before the
days turn too hot and humid and the mosquitoes
start their bloody summer war with us because it is a
time to give thanks. It is a time to appreciate the end
of another season of winter and another chance at
new life to spring forth. It is a season when we can
give God the glory for His creation and His blessings.
Solomon offered that as a final thought to the less-
than-famous part of Ecclesiastes chapter three…
“God does this so that men will revere him.” Now, more than ever, is the time,
the season, to thank God for who He is and what He daily does for us.
Congregational information… There are only a few items to bring to your
attention regarding administrative and congregational activity:
The newly designated Strategy and Planning Team is moving forward as it
works to complete its job description and specific duties. Soon it will hold
its first formal meeting and begin plotting what items need to be
evaluated and strategized concerning our future.
We move ever closer to the Seminary call day (May 10). Everything
required of us to call Vicar Abrahamson as our second pastor has been
officially submitted. Now we wait, but please continue to keep this
important matter in your prayers.
The AV upgrades have been completed (and just in time for Easter). Many
people have commented on the better quality of the projector and the
larger monitor available in the lobby. Please thank God for having
provided the necessary funds to accomplish these important upgrades.
The first Direct Mission and Ministry support project has been completed
and the final numbers are available in the financial report on page 15.
Thank you to all who helped with supporting the Ukraine VBS program.
Our second quarter project is Salty Earth Pictures of Fort Atkinson,
Wisconsin. Since we are a visually savvy congregation, we can
appreciate the benefit of communicating God’s Word in the era of
modern media. Please keep this project in your prayers and make your
contributions to this project as you are able and moved to do so.
5 - May 2012
MONUMENTAL MAY (Vicar Abrahamson)
I’m not sure you’re aware of it, but we are heading into a monumental
month! It’s monumental for at least three reasons.
The first has to do with my call here as Vicar. The
vicar call is a twelve-month call that includes
eleven months of service. The final month is a sort
of transition month for the vicar. Being that my
vicar call began in July, we are now entering the
eleventh and final full month of me serving as a
vicar here at Abiding Shepherd! While I’m sure I
will never stop learning, my last official year of
training is almost finished and graduation is in sight!
The second reason May is so monumental is that this is the month that we will
find out if I will continue serving Abiding Shepherd into the future as Associate
Pastor. The synod will announce its decision on whether or not to place me
here during a 3:15 pm worship service on May 10, in Mankato, Minnesota.
Please continue to pray that the Lord’s will be done in this placement
process and that I might continue to serve here. Also, please do keep Stella
and myself in your prayers. As that day approaches, the stress level will
definitely increase a bit as we anticipate their decision. God willing May 10
will be the day that Stella and I begin formally planning our future here in
Cottage Grove!
The third reason May is monumental is that, as many of you know, Stella and I
will be getting married this month. The big day is May 27 but I will be heading
to Minnesota a few days before that to help with the preparations. We’re
planning an evening ceremony in a park in Mankato and then on May 29 will
head to Greece for 2-1/2 weeks for our honeymoon! Yes, I know, I’m spoiled.
It’s one of the many benefits of marrying a beautiful woman who has family
in Greece!
As I think about the exciting events ahead in May and about all that has
occurred these past months, I am so thankful. I especially want to say thanks
to all those who are taking part in our wedding shower. As you read this the
shower is either about to happen or will have recently occurred. We
appreciate so much your gifts, your support and your friendship. Now, let this
monumental month of May begin!
The Lamb’s Pen - 6
E.P.I.C. YOUTH MINISTRY (Vicar Abrahamson)
When fun and faith come together, it’s amazing
the things that can happen! The highlight this
month was the release of the Original E.P.I.C. Mini-
Movie. What was originally intended to be one
short film turned into The Original E.P.I.C. Mini-Movie,
The Original E.P.I.C. Interviews and The Original
E.P.I.C. Outtakes. These three videos had their world
premier on the big screen in the sanctuary during
E.P.I.C. on April 15. If you haven’t seen the videos
yet, just search “epicyouthwi” on YouTube to find our channel. Pastor Krause
even makes a special guest appearance so you’re definitely going to want
to check them out! I also wanted to thank all the youth who took part in the
filming of the video. What a fun way to tell your friends about your church
and your Savior!
It’s hard to believe, but summer is almost here! As we approach June, July,
and August, the E.P.I.C. schedule changes just a bit. Starting in June, plan to
meet Wednesday nights at 6:30 pm instead of Sundays. Stay tuned for
special announcements regarding summer activities, especially for the
month of June when Ed Wren and Dan Samuelson fill in while I’m out of town!
In thinking about summer, there is a special event that I especially want to
draw your attention to. July 26 - 29 is the annual LYA convention for youth
who have been confirmed through those having just graduated. It’s an
event that will give you memories for the rest of your life! Check out page 11
for more info!
7 - May 2012
MEN’S FOXHOLE MEETINGS (Vicar Abrahamson)
Each Wednesday, 7:00 am
It’s probably not a secret or surprise to many, but I’m not exactly a morning
person. However, I just can’t stay in bed on Wednesday mornings because I
know something pretty awesome is going on at church. Every Wednesday
morning men come together for some coffee, rolls and a casual discussion
about faith. Each week we’ve been using one of the resolutions from the
movie “Courageous” to get started and then God guides our discussion from
there. It really is a fun and empowering way to start your day. Whenever
you’ve got a free Wednesday, stop on by!
EVANGELISM (Paul Perkins)
Evangelism is a word most of us are not
comfortable with, and for many years I felt the
same way because I don’t like knocking on
doors to share my faith. I’d rather knock on the
doors of someone’s heart, and I’ve found I do
that best by just being me, going about my
daily life and activities. However, as I’ve
gotten older, my sense of urgency to share the
Gospel as often as I can has ramped up.
Let me tell you about my friend Lance. We worked in the insurance industry
together for many years. A few years ago he was diagnosed with his third
bout of cancer which would eventually take his life. I’d always assumed that
Lance was a Christian. Mark my words, never make assumptions. I had
heard that he was not doing well, and I still remember calling him on my way
home, on my cell phone, and could tell you exactly
where I was on the Beltline when I got him on the
phone. He sounded like death warmed over, but I
was calling to remind him that he was going home,
that he had so much to look forward to and that I’d
be stuck schlepping insurance for who knows how
many more years. To be honest, I envied him. So, I
said to Lance, “You are a Christian right?”. He didn’t
miss a beat and said “No, Paul, I’m not”. I felt like I’d just been punched in
the stomach. I knew that I could not change his heart, that was up to the
Holy Spirit and all I did was tell him that I was going to keep him in my
prayers. Lance died three days later. There is not a day that goes by that I
don’t think about that conversation. I’ve shared that story with many people.
I believe God had me experience this so I would share Lance’s story. While
we cannot judge hearts, only God can, I must admit that I did not have any
comfort in Lance’s passing as the likelihood is that he is in hell. That thought
has never left me and I won’t know until I get to heaven. How I hope the
Holy Spirit changed Lance’s heart.
The Lamb’s Pen - 8
9 - May 2012
Whenever anyone dies that I know, the very first
question I ask is “Was he/she a Christian?”. Matthew
7:13-14 states "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide
is the gate and broad is the road that leads to
destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the
gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a
few find it”. I’m afraid that my buddy Lance entered the wide gate and it
breaks my heart. Did you know that roughly 56.5 million people die each
year? That’s 155,000 people a day. I wonder how many of them are
Christians? Based on what Christ tells us in Matthew 7:13, only a few
probably are. How soon will it be before we are part of the 155,000 or
someone close to us is?
So why am I sharing this story with you? As the Evangelism
Coordinator for Abiding Shepherd, I wanted to break the
mold of what we thought evangelism had to be. There is
a phrase I love that says “The definition of insanity is doing
the same thing and expecting different results”. While
there is nothing wrong with knocking on doors, I wanted
to give each of us an opportunity to share God’s word
without the need to memorize Bible passages or be a
great speaker.
We have some very nice travel thermoses with our church logo printed on
them. Each will be stuffed with a flier that talks about our church. The flier
includes a mini bio on me, not that I’m anything special, but because I lead
by example. My hope is that you will check out the flier and be interested in
sharing your story. Holly Freund has already submitted a bio on herself that I
hope to put into use shortly. Ideally, I’d like fliers on several people from our
church so that the outside world can see that Abiding Shepherd is filled with
everyday, normal, sinful people that are in need of redemption as much as
they are. If you are interested in being on one of our fliers, please let me
know.
These thermoses are for you to use at your discretion. Do you have a Lance
in your life that needs to know the saving truth of Jesus Christ? Then get him
or her one of these mugs. The goal is not to grow our church, but rather to
grow the body of believers in Christ. If you are interested in getting your
hands on some of these mugs, please see Pastor, Vicar, or myself.
QR CODE (Vicar Abrahamson)
You may have noticed this little symbol to the left popping up
various places. It’s called a QR code. Anyone with a smart
phone can scan this code (with the proper app) and then be
taken directly to the website it is associated with. The code
that you see here is associated with our church website and
will begin appearing on many church materials. So smart
phone users, scan away!
The Lamb’s Pen - 10
WORSHIP SCHEDULE IN MAY
Sunday, May 13
Mother’s Day and Confirmation
On Mother’s Day, Abiding Shepherd offers a special opportunity to express
your thanks to your mother and to God for His gift of life. Roses will be
provided on the altar. Please help yourself and present one to your mother
(or someone special). There is no fee for the roses, but we
do encourage a free-will gift. The proceeds are donated
to Wisconsin Right to Life as a way for us to honor God’s
gift of life and His gift of our mothers. Donations help
supply diapers, formula, clothing, support and education
on life issues.
On that Sunday we will also be privileged to witness the
confirmation of eight students during the second service.
We celebrate with them as they confirm their understanding
of the promise God made to them when they were
baptized. Please note that communion will not be offered
during that second service.
Monday, May 28
Memorial Day The Contemporary Worship Service will not be held that
evening. Please take time to remember those who have
served and sacrificed for our country and enjoy the day
with family and friends.
11 - May 2012
SUNDAY SCHOOL RECAP (Deb Galla)
Our final spring Sunday School class will be held on Sunday, May 20. Please
take a moment to thank the teachers who have dedicated their time each
week to teach the truth of God’s Word to the children of Abiding Shepherd…
Pre-School through Kindergarten:
Alyssa and Marty Scharrer and Lydia Hecht
Lower Grade (1-3):
Kathy Pohlman
Upper Grade (4-6):
Ed Wren, Vicar Abrahamson and Pastor Krause
Most recently our lessons have focused on New Testament accounts of the
life and death of Jesus as well as the missionary journeys of the Apostle Paul.
What a blessing to hear the questions your children ask as we open His Word
for study. Thanks also to the parents who commit to bringing their children to
classes each week.
New this fall… To celebrate the beginning of the fall session of Sunday
School, we will have a pig roast on Sunday, September 9. Save the date on
your calendar today - more details will be available later this summer.
SUMMER EVENTS FOR YOUTH!
Camp Indianhead
Sunday, July 15 - Friday, July 20 Kids ages ten through sixteen are invited to join other ELS youth
from Wisconsin and Iowa for a week of camp. Cost is $240*.
For an additional $20 Abiding Shepherd students can ride to
and from camp on the Holy Cross bus. Deadline May 1.
LYA (Lutheran Youth Association) Convention
Thursday, July 26 - Sunday, July 29
This year’s theme is "From Beginning to End You Are Mine”. The convention
will be held at Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio. This is open to all
confirmed youth of the ELS and their friends! Talk to Vicar about a group
going from Abiding Shepherd. Cost is $235*. Deadline: June 20.
* Should the cost prevent any family from considering these fine summer
activities, please speak with Vicar or Pastor regarding scholarships.
The Lamb’s Pen - 12
DINING TOUR TO THE WEARY TRAVELER
Saturday, May 12, 5:30 pm
We return to Williamson Street in Madison (just off of John
Nolen Drive) for another great restaurant experience.
Their menu lists an eclectic variety of sandwiches, salads
and dinner plates. Please sign up in the lobby as the
church makes a group reservation. Each person is asked
to cover the cost of his or her own meal.
EUCHRE NIGHT AT ABIDING SHEPHERD (Sue O’Kroley)
Friday, May 18, 6:30 pm
Experienced players as well as those who would like to learn are invited.
Most folks bring a snack to share. If you would like to join or find out more,
please contact Sue at 332-3622 or [email protected]. Sign up at church!
SPRING CARNIVAL
Saturday, May 19
Carnival - 11:00 am to 2:00 pm
Magician - 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm
Koiné Concert - 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm
This event will not only be fun for our members,
but it is a great outreach opportunity to Cottage Grove and the
surrounding area. And it’s FREE! Old-fashioned carnival games will be held in
the parking lot, Dave Schumacher will perform amazing feats of magic
(that’s why he is called “The Amazing Schu”!) and folks will enjoy hot dogs,
popcorn and nachos. As a special feature, the Christian band Koiné will
perform at 2:00 pm.
Volunteers will
make this a
spectacular
success!
FAMILY CAMPING AT CAMP PHILLIP
Saturday and Sunday, June 23 - 24
Three full campsites have been reserved (some with
electricity) at this beautiful WELS campground in
Wautoma. The fun of a secular camp ground with a
unique Sunday morning worship service!
AMERICAN PLAYERS THEATER, Sunday, June 24, 6:00 pm
Join us for one of the greatest comedies ever written.
Shakespeare and American Players Theater deliver a
night of laughter. American Players Theater is a
professional, classic 1,148-seat outdoor amphitheater
located just outside Spring Green (about an hour’s drive
from Madison). Please sign up at church by Sunday, May
6! The church will order the tickets but asks that each
person cover the cost of his or her ticket ($36). If you pay
for your ticket and cannot attend that performance, they
will let you exchange it for another day.
ORDINATION OF VICAR ABRAHAMSON, Sunday, July 1
If things proceed as we prayerfully hope they will, “Vicar” Abrahamson will
become our second called pastor and will be ordained “Pastor”
Abrahamson that Sunday. A celebration of “E.P.I.C.” proportions to follow.
CONGREGATIONAL MEETING,
Sunday, July 8
Enjoy a nice lunch provided by the church
and then stay for the meeting. The wording
in the Constitution By-Laws as well as several
other items will be discussed at this
important meeting.
13 - May 2012
BETHANY COLLEGE AUXILIARY
Grace Lutheran Church, Madison
Tuesday, May 1 at 7:00 pm
Men and women are invited to the next Bethany Auxiliary meeting. The
keynote speaker will be Dr. Jon Bruss. He will discuss “Lutheran Higher
Education: What It Is and Why You Should Care.” You do not need to be a
Bethany alumna to attend - just have an interest in Christian education!
The Lamb’s Pen - 14
CHURCH PICNIC, Sunday, July 15 Travel to Cambridge for good food and water fun at Richard
and Holly Freund’s pond. This is a private pond so you can
fish without a license. Try the “zip” line, hop on the paddle
boat for a tour around the pond or have fun on the water
trampoline. The church provides the meat and beverages,
everyone brings a dish to pass.
MALLARDS GAME, Sunday, August 5
Tailgate at 3:00 pm, Game at 5:05 pm
This annual event draws a big crowd. We’ve
already ordered the tickets. Again the church
provides the food, all you have to do is come and
enjoy an afternoon of fellowship and baseball.
ROOKIES, Sunday, August 26
This place has an “Authentic Regulation Wiffle Ball Field” - really! We’ll take
the beautiful drive to Mazomanie for lunch and a pick-up game of Wiffle Ball.
SUNDAY SCHOOL PICNIC, Sunday, September 9
To celebrate the start of Sunday School as well as many of the
other Christian education programs, a fall picnic has been
planned. Chef Ed has offered to prepare a special pig roast!
WOMEN’S MINISTRY MEETING (Regina Kolbow, Adult Ministries)
Wednesday, May 16, 5:30 pm
brain-storm-ing [breyn-stawr-ming] noun: A creativity technique
designed to generate a large number of ideas to solve a
problem, amass information, stimulate creative thinking and
develop new ideas through unrepressed and/or spontaneous
discussion.
Women - please join us for an evening meal and brainstorming
session as we ask, “What do women want from Abiding
Shepherd”? Is it a place to develop friendships, grow spiritually,
heal from life experiences, serve others, build mentoring relationships, get
radical about our relationship with Christ? Can it be more?
YOUR input is needed! Come and offer suggestions, ask questions or just
listen. The hope is to set three or four attainable goals for ministries designed
specifically for women. Come see what the excitement is all about!
15 - May 2012
FAMILY CHRISTIAN STORES
We recently saved $40 on communion wafers and
cups by redeeming Ministry Builders stamps at a
Madison area Family Christian Store! For every $5.00
spent in a Family Christian Store, customers get a small
stamp (you must ask for the stamps at check out). The
stamps are collected at church by placing them in the
blue envelope on the bulletin board. Even one or two
stamps helps. Thanks to all those who participate in
this program.
The Lamb’s Pen - 16
SUMMER BIBLE CLASS (Pastor Krause)
July 10 through August 7, 6:30 pm
Do you find it difficult to commit to a Bible
study during the school year? Enjoy Family
Education Night or attending a small group
study and miss meeting during the summer
months? Please consider joining our study of
the Book of Revelation this summer. Sessions
will be held on Tuesday and Thursday
evenings at 6:30 pm. Childcare and snacks
will be provided each evening.
The schedule below outlines the study topics as well as the dates for all
sessions. This is an aggressive schedule, but necessary to complete the study
and keep continuity from session to session. Come to any or all, but please
sign up for dates you anticipate being able to be present. For those who
would prefer to study on their own at home, or for sessions you may be
unable to attend, materials and recorded sessions will be made available.
Session Date Study Topic Text
1. Tuesday, July 10 Final Daniel Review, Intro to Revelation 1:1 - 11
2. Thursday, July 12 Vision of the Seven Letters 1:12 - 3:22
3. Tuesday, July 17 Vision of the Seven Seals 4:1 - 7:17
4. Thursday, July 19 Vision of the Seven Trumpets 8:1 - 11:19
5. Tuesday, July 24 Vision of Seven Visions 12:1 - 15:8
6. Thursday, July 26 Vision of the Seven Bowls/Plagues 16:1-16:21
7. Tuesday, July 31 Vision of Christ and the Antichrist 17:1-19:21
8. Thursday, August 2 Vision of the Church’s Final Victory 20:1 - 22:5
9. Tuesday, August 7 Conclusion and Final Review 22:6 - 22:21