July 1, 2007
Vol.1, no. 2
Beloved Saints of God in Christ Jesus,
Part of our Communion liturgy says that we sing “with angles and archangels and all the company of heaven.” What a beautiful image! When we come to the altar and receive God’s good gifts of Christ’s body and blood for the forgiveness of sins, we do so with all the company of heaven. “Our churches teach that the remembrance of saints may be commended to us so that we may imitate their faith and good works according to our calling,” Augsburg Confession XXI.
On the calendar of the Christian Church a number of special dates are noted as commemorations, opportunities to remember special people of God from centuries past. Lutherans have always understood that there is great benefit in remembering the saints whom God has given to the Church. The Apology of the Augsburg Confession (Article 21) lists three reasons for such honor. First, we thank God for giving faithful servants to His Church. Second, through such remembrance our faith is strengthened as we see the mercy that God extended to His saints of old. Third, these saints are examples both of faith and of holy living to imitate according to our calling in life.” *
On July 6 we remember and give thanks for the faithful proclamation of the prophet Isaiah. From the LCMS website: Isaiah son of Amoz is considered to be the greatest of the writing prophets and is quoted in the New Testament more than any other Old Testament prophet. His name means “Yahweh [the Lord] saves.” Isaiah prophesied to the people of Jerusalem and Judah from about 740 B.C. to 700 B.C. and was a contemporary of the prophets Amos, Hosea, and Micah. Isaiah was a fierce preacher of God's Law, condemning the sin of idolatry. He was also a comforting proclaimer of the Gospel, repeatedly emphasizing God's grace and forgiveness. For this he is sometimes called the “Evangelist of the Old Testament.” No prophet more clearly prophesied about the coming Messiah and his saving kingdom. He foretold the Messiah's miraculous birth (Is 7:14; 9:6), his endless reign (Is 2:1–5; 11:1–16), and his public ministry (Is 61:1–3), but most notably his “Suffering Servant” role and atoning death (52:13—53:12). The apostle John's description of Isaiah, that Isaiah saw Jesus' glory and spoke of him (John 12:41), is an apt summary of Isaiah's prophetic ministry.
May our Good Shepherd strengthen us through the faithful service and proclamation of the Prophet Isaiah. “Comfort, comfort my people, says your God.” (Isaiah 40:1)
May the Lord be with you!
Pastor Jim
*http://www.lcms.org/pages/internal.asp?NavID=867
Worship Practices
(Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: What’s the deal with that poncho thing Pastor wears?
A: That “poncho” like vestment is called a chasuble and it is worn by celebrants (that is, the clergy that consecrates the elements) at the Lord’s Supper. A chasuble, called a phelonion in Orthodox churches today, and a phelones in 2 Timothy 4:13, is an ornate circular garment with a hole in the center for the wearer’s head. When worn, it reaches to the wearer’s wrists, so that if the wearer holds both arms straight out, the chasuble forms a semi-circle when viewed from the front or the back. The chasuble is the descendant of a first-century paenula that was worn as a coat by both sexes. Today it connotes solemnity and formality. The chasuble can be worn by the celebrant during a Eucharistic (communion) service. Sometimes the celebrant puts the chasuble on over other vestments as part of the Eucharistic ceremony. Chasubles are used in Lutheran churches, particularly outside the United States, as well as in Anglican and Roman Catholic churches.
The chasuble is always worn with a stole. Generally, the stole is under the chasuble. The stole and chasuble combination is the first-century equivalent of wearing a necktie and jacket. It is not appropriate to wear a chasuble in a service that does not include Communion (except for Good Friday and Holy Saturday services).
The Roman Empire had two modes of execution: non-citizens were thrown to wild animals, but citizens were beheaded with the sword. Therefore when Paul says that he escaped the lion’s mouth in 2 Timothy 4:17, he means he had successfully proved his Roman citizenship. In 2 Timothy 4:13, most translations vaguely refer to a garment or a cloak, but in the Greek, Paul asks Timothy to bring him the chasuble he had left behind in Troas. Since the chasuble was the mark of a Roman citizen, Paul apparently wanted to go out like one.
Therefore, when the celebrant is dressed in a chasuble, he is dressed like a Christian martyr who is ready to have his head chopped off for Christ.
Be sure to come to the Bible Study on July 8th to learn what the symbols on the chasubles, stoles and paraments mean. These things are not just worn because that’s how it’s always been done, they have meaning that is meant to enhance and aid in creating a worshipful atmosphere and set your minds on things above.
Bible Study Opportunities
This week, July 1 will be your opportunity to share with me your past, present and future hopes and goals for Good Shepherd, as well as any questions you may have about practices, how I may better serve you and to tell me about yourselves.
Next week (July 8) we will look at how we “dress” the church with art, paraments, and vestments (and what those things are!) Why is it important to make our place of worship and the house of God a place of beauty? What are the theological and Biblical commands for and against adorning our house of worship? And how can beauty in the church aid your worship?
Finally, (July 15) we will look at how we are dressed by the church. We have been washed in the blood of the Lamb and clothed with righteousness through Christ. It is the church’s purpose to clothe you in that righteousness.
Also, don’t forget the men’s Bible study Thursday mornings at 6 am. I would also appreciate your input about a Wednesday morning Bible study with Matins as well as a possible evening Bible study with Vespers.
Vacation Bible School
VBS will be July 15-19 from 6:00-8:30. This is a great time to reach out to the community and share with the children the love of Christ given freely for them.
"Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven."
Matthew 19:14
Pastoral Visitation
In an effort to better know the flock to which God has called me, it is my goal to visit with each of you personally, either in your homes or in my study. I do not want this to be a stressful or anxiety-filled thing, but rather a time of joy in our fellowship together under the cross. In the coming weeks, there will be a sign-up sheet in the back of the church. Please take a moment to sign up for a visit! This is not a Leviticus 26:16 kind of visit! (Look it up to see what I mean!)
If you have any questions about this, please call me at the church: 269-795-2391, at home: 269-509-0293 or my temporary cell number: 314-703-7774.
Next week`s readings
Psalm 66:1-7
Isaiah 66:10-14
Galatians 6:1-10, 14-18
Luke 10:1-20
The Lord be with you!
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, 908 W. Main Middleville, MI 49333 +269-795-2391+ goodshepherdlcms@gmail.com