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The Voice of Hope 1
The Voice of Hope
Hope Lutheran Church
1750 SE Lennard Rd., Port St. Lucie, Fl. 34952
Rev. Dr. Earnest E. Tate
Deacon Susan Spee
Office: 772-335-4673
www.hopelutheranpsl.org
October/November 2016
Rev. Dr. Earnest E. Tate, Pastor
To the People of God here at Hope:
After killing more than one thousand in Haiti and other Caribbean nations, Hurricane
Matthew's frightening power led to the deaths of four people in Florida. We want to
keep the family of those who died and those who are suffering from the effects of the
hurricane in our prayers. Many people are asking about how to help with the situation
in Haiti following Hurricane Matthew. The Lutheran World Relief and Lutheran
Disaster Response are providing humanitarian assistance in the hardest hit areas.
Several church buildings suffered damage and some church member families lost their
homes. Developing a coordinated response plan will be part of the work that ELH
(Eglise Lutherienne d’Haiti) President Livenson will engage in with FB Synod and
ELCA representatives at the meeting in Peru Nov. 9-13. We want to lift up in prayer
our brothers and sisters in Haiti, Cuba, Guyana, Suriname and the seminary in
Jamaica. Financial contributions can be sent to the Synod office.
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PASTOR’S PAGE
The Voice of Hope 2
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On Friday and Saturday, I was part of a conference call with Bishop Schaefer and staff
(Connie and Michelle) along with several Deans. This was an opportunity for me to give the
Synod an update of Hurricane Matthew in our area. I shared with them the effect that
Hurricane Matthew had on our church and community. At Hope, we had branches from 4
trees broken, debris on our parking lot, and campus. Our phone system was down. We are
blessed that Port Saint Lucie did not have a direct hit from the hurricane.
The Florida-Bahamas Synod gave Pastor Aaron Schmalzle, author of the book
"The 7 Habits of Jesus," a grant to hold a discipleship workshop for each conference
in the Florida-Bahamas Synod. All are welcome, but we want at least one or two key
lay people who would potentially spearhead a new discipleship group in our
congregation. On November 19, 2016, St. Michael will be hosting this event and
refreshments (starting at 8:30). It is free.
The Annual Tradewinds Conference will be held at Holy Spirit Lutheran Church,
13301 Ellison Wilson Road, Juno Beach, Florida on Sunday, November 20, 2016 at
3:00 p.m. The theme for the Conference is: “How we live into Re-Form, both locally
and globally”. The clergy of the Conference is asking congregations, if they are able,
to consider increasing their suggested annual contribution to the conference from $100
to $200. The notion is that some, though not all congregations, could help increase the
financial impact we could have for mission that our conference supports. This year the
Conference has chosen to distribute funds to both Hope Lutheran in Port St. Lucie and
the ELCA Global Mission Fund. PJ May will be speaking at the conference about the
Global Mission that our denomination is up to, and by all accounts, we are in the thick
of some important and exciting work.
To help make this event a success, the Pastors of this conference have been asked to invite
members of our congregation to attend, particularly those that have participated in synod
assemblies in the past and those interested in local and global mission. The agenda includes
space for three congregations to highlight how we're participating in reform:
• Is your congregation in the middle of something exciting?
• Share a new outward facing mission that is picking up steam.
• Share a renewal of how you do church together?
The chairperson will add our highlights to the agenda. The presentations can be short and
sweet, can be spoken or use video, and no longer than five minutes each.
The Voice of Hope 3
Bishop Schaefer nominated our congregation to participate in the DreamLeaders
Initiative that was launched in the Florida-Bahamas Synod last fall. It is designed to
complement and enhance our ministry efforts, so please take a moment to learn more
at www.BeDreamLeaders.com. Thanks to a second grant from the Synod's Together in
Mission Campaign, all costs will again be covered except for the meals Friday night
and Saturday which can be as simple or as elaborate as we choose.
If our congregation feels blessed by the weekend and would like to extend the blessing to
another congregation by making a "pay it forward" donation, we are certainly welcome to do
so. There are truly no strings attached. Pastor Jeff Linman will be spending the weekend,
February 17-19, 2017 with our congregation. He will also be preaching during both Worship
Services. Here is a quick overview of the DreamLeaders Initiative weekend to aid in our
planning:
Friday: Dinner with church council members and spouses along with other leaders who wish
to invite. This will be a relaxed and informal time to get acquainted and build some trust,
anticipation, and momentum for Saturday. We are planning to have a potluck, pizza, or
sandwiches. This informal meal works best for conversation.
Saturday: 5 hour workshop, 9am -2pm, with a lunch around noon. We want our church
council, ministry team leaders, staff, and other members in the congregation who would like
to dream a bit together about our congregation's future. The more the better.
Sunday: Pastor Linman plans to preach during both Worship Services and lead an Adult
Forum at 10:15 a.m. During the forum, his presentation will be based on Ephesians 3:20 and
how its witness has been confirmed through what God has done at Spirit of Joy. According
to Pr. Linman, we are not perfect by a long shot but we are a good witness for those who
have doubts about the future of the church.
We have begun our Confirmation Class for children in the 5th grade and above. The
class meets on the first Sunday of each month during Sunday school, 10:15 a.m. –
11:00 a.m. During this time, students can share their understanding of the assigned
readings. The adult class will also meet during the same time with Bert Cain, adult
teacher. The assigned readings are available on the information table in the Narthex.
During the 1st year, students will study Luther's Small Catechism and the Old
Testament. The New Testament, Lutheran Theology, and Doctrine will be part of the
curriculum during the 2nd year. Our Confirmation Class is open to other Lutheran
congregations.
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The Voice of Hope 4
We have created a Homework and Date night at Hope, Tuesdays, 3:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Parents can drop off their school children while running errands or to enjoy an early
dinner out. The children will be able to study and receive help with classroom
assignments or participate in wholesome activities. This service is free. Volunteers are
welcome to chaperone and assist the children with homework. Our desire is to give
parents an opportunity to have their children in a safe educational environment for 3
hours. Steven and Gayle Gambill are the facilitators of this program. Volunteers are
welcome to chaperone and assist the children with homework. It is also an opportunity
for us to reach out to our congregation and community.
We are saddened by the loss of Margaret “Marge” L. Yager. Marge passed away
October 21, 2016. She was born March 10, 1931 in New Brunswick, New Jersey to the
late Walter and Louise Spiegel. Marge and her family moved to Port Saint Lucie in
1990 coming from Somerset, New Jersey. Marge was an avid bowler, a member of the
Orchid Society and along with her late husband enjoyed their membership at the Port
Saint Lucie Yacht Club.
I attended the Dean Workshop and the Conference on Ministry at the Life Enrichment
Center in Fruitland Park, Florida. The Conference on Ministry is where colleagues all
come together to worship, converse, inspire and learn. This year, the Conference
welcomed Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton and Father John Dear.
The Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton was elected to serve a six-year term as ELCA presiding bishop
at the 2013 ELCA Churchwide Assembly in Pittsburgh. Bishop Eaton served as pastor for
congregations in Ohio and as bishop of the ELCA Northeastern Ohio Synod from 2006 until
her election as ELCA presiding bishop. Eaton is married to the Rev. T. Conrad Selnick, an
Episcopal priest, and they are parents of two adult children, Rebeckah and Susannah.
Fr. John Dear, is a Roman Catholic priest, activist, organizer, lecturer and retreat leader. He
is also the author/editor of twenty books on peace and nonviolence. Dear has been
nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize by Archbishop Desmond Tutu and most recently by
Senator Barbara Mikulski. He has traveled the war zones of the world and has been arrested
75 times for peace. He has served as the director of the Fellowship of Reconciliation. After
9/11, he served as a coordinator of chaplains for the Red Cross at the New York Family
Assistance Center. He lives in New Mexico.
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The Voice of Hope 5
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October was Stewardship Month. A pledge card was placed in the bulletin. We asked
for prayerful consideration of your pledge. We are grateful for those who completed
the pledge card and returned it to the pastor's office.
-Pastor Tate
Preparing for Advent
Advent begins this year on November 27. The
lectionary readings of Advent all point us to signs of
God coming—whether we are ready or not—of
days and times advancing toward us, of hopes and
expectations for a future held in the promises of
God. . Advent is not a four-week exploration of
waiting only for a baby. Advent is rather an annual
time to consider God’s coming in every way and
time possible: in a meal, by a word, as a light, in the
assembly gathered, as a complete surprise, following a long wait, suddenly, or as a child.
We will be having our Advent soup suppers starting on Wednesday, November 30, and
continuing the following three Wednesdays, December 7, 14, & 21. There will be a sign-up
sheet in the Narthex.
The Voice of Hope 6
Growing Healthy Kids - What’s Happening in the Garden?
After removing the spent Seminole Indian
Squash plant from the garden bed to
prepare the garden bed for planting a
winter crop, kids armed with rulers
measured the length of the prolific squash
plant. Working in teams they recorded a
total of 184 feet! The squash was
growing EVERYWHERE!!!
Veggies that thrived through the summer
and will remain in the garden are garlic
chives, basis, collards, sweet peppers,
eggplant and Manihot hibiscus (large
leaves are used as a veggie “tortilla” wrap
or to eat in salad). New veggies that will be planted soon are Swiss chard, beets, Okinawa
and Surinam spinach, rattlesnake beans and various herbs and lettuces.
This winter one garden bed will be planted and maintained by Rhema Word Christian
Academy. A second garden bed will be shared by Diane Roma and Ellen King. The third
garden bed will be planted and maintained by Margaret Eubanks. The forth garden bed will
be a tropical demonstration garden hosting sugar cane, pineapples, bananas and a coconut
tree. The existing garden beds will continue to be planted and maintained one by the
Growing Healthy Kids gang and the other by Pastor and Dorothy Tate. If you are interested
in “adopting” a garden or sharing with someone contact Nan Billings.
Look for updates in November and December when Nan takes demonstration gardens to the
community!
Working in the garden is the easiest way to learn what grows successfully in our sub-tropical
climate and year round growing seasons. Anyone wishing to learn about what’s growing
and/or would like to help maintain the gardens can contact Nan Billings 772-812-1682.
The Voice of Hope 7
Hope’s Library
Proverbs 18:15- The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, the ears of the wise seek it out.
Read and study God’s word. Galatians 5:22 Fruit of the Spirit
Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
Check out the books in your church library if you are having any trouble being all
the God wants you to be and find a book that will help you all that you and God want
to be. There are sections on prayers, self-help and growth, history, health, Bible
character novel books, children books and Bible reference books.
There are books on health – Top Screw-ups Doctors Make and How to Avoid Them.
Self-help – Power of the Plus Factor by Norman Vincent Peale. Prayer – Prayers for
Life. Comfort & Grief – Book of Comfort and Joy. A Debbie Macomber novel
Angels at the Table.
Members of the church have donated Christian books, especially from the library of
Barbara Flinn and some from Nan Billings. The bookcase has been moved into the
Narthex. Books may be borrowed except for the Bible Reference books. They may
be used to answer bible questions if you are a teacher or seeker of God’s word. It is an honor system. On the top shelf is a clipboard, write your name and the name
of the book on the sheet of paper provided. When you return a book place it on the
top bookshelf in the provided box. The library is located in the narthex and you can visit it before services or after the
service or during the week. The church is open Monday through Friday from 10
a.m.-2 p.m.
-Jean Beldin
The Voice of Hope 8
Confirmation Class
We have a Confirmation Class for children 5th
grade and above. The class meets on the first
Sunday of each month during Sunday school,
10:15 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. During the 1st year the
students will study Luther’s Small Catechism and
the Old Testament. The New Testament, Lutheran
Theology, and Doctrine will be part of the
curriculum during the 2nd year. Our class is open
to other Lutheran congregations.
Day Light Saving Time Ends
An extra hour of sleep is coming your way as
Daylight Saving Time ends, but it also means
sunset will be early. Remember to put your clocks
back Saturday November 5th as daylight saving
time ends at 2 a.m. Sunday November 6th.
Luther’s Small Catechism The 500 year commemorative edition of Luther’s
Small Catechism are available for $5.oo each
from Pastor Tate.
Bible Study
Every Tuesday at 12 noon we will meet for Bible
study. We will be following the lectionary in our
Adult Bible Study.
Dream Leaders
Bishop Schaefer nominated our congregation
to participate in the DreamLeaders Initiative
that was launched in the synod last fall. It is
designed to complement and enhance our
ministry efforts, so please take a moment to
learn more at www.BeDreamLeaders.com
Thanks to a second grant from the synod’s
Together in Mission Campaign all costs will
again be covered except for the meals Friday
night and Saturday, which can be a simple or
as elaborate as we choose. If our congregation
feels blessed by the weekend and would like to
extend the blessing to another congregation by
making a “pay it forward” donation, we are
certainly welcome to do so. There are truly no
strings attached.
Jeff Linman will be spending the weekend,
February 17-19 with our congregation in 2017.
He will also be preaching during both Worship
Services. We hope to see you at the gathering.
Veteran’s Breakfast
This month’s Veteran’s breakfast with be at a
new place on November 26th at Perkins
Restaurant at 8:30 a.m. Come and join us in
this wonderful fellowship. All are welcome!
The Voice of Hope 9
Young People’s Concert
Peter Jones narrates the timeless story of
PETER & THE WOLF accompanied by the
Treasure Coast Symphony for one night
only, November 5, 2016 at 7:00 p.m.at the
Starstruck Academy & Theatre New in
Stuart. Our own Karen Harris will be playing
in the orchestra.
Children will enjoy hearing the characters
come alive through the different sounds of
the orchestral instruments. Following the
performance, children are invited into
StarStruck's lobby to enjoy an interactive
"Instrument Petting Zoo" where they will be
invited to touch the instruments. This 45
minute event will serve as a wonderful way
to introduce your family to live classical
music! Tickets are $14.99 for adults and
$5.99 for children.
Lego Club Lego Club is open to everyone from ages 5 to
105, and there is no charge to attend. Even if
you haven’t attended any of our other sessions,
you are welcome to come! Bring a friend if you
wish to share the fun! Join us for Lego filled
adventure on Saturday November 26th at 5:00
p.m. We look forward to seeing you there.
Homework Help
Hope Lutheran sponsors a Homework and Date
night. Feel free to drop off school children
while running errands or to enjoy an early
dinner out. The children will be welcomed to
study their school work with someone to help,
or participate in wholesome activities. This
service is free. The hope is to bring families a
child free period to shop, or bring couples
some “together time” during the week. It is
also hoped to bring the church families
together and provide a respite for busy couples.
It will be on Tuesday afternoons between 3:00
and 6:00 p.m.
The 2017 Enjoyment Books are now available.
They will be on sale on Sundays and will also be
available during the week at the office. They are
$35.00 a book payable by cash or check which
should be made payable to Hope Lutheran
Church. Hope gets $10.00 back on each book.
Thank you!
The Voice of Hope 10
10/1 Sharon Mack
10/3 Bill Huggins
10/5 Carmen Faillaci
Mika Fowler
10/6 Ramona Frano
10/8 Bette White
10/10 John King
Frank Harris
10/11 Cynthia Carrero
10/13 Nikito Fowler
10/14 Savannah Billings
10/17 Brad Barr
10/18 Maryann Prell
10/21 Thomas Jameson
10/22 Carol Radish
10/23 Johnathan Hocker
10/31 Emerick Witkowski
Wynter Jackson
Rochelle Hanson
October Birthdays
October Anniversaries
10/15 Bill & Annemarie Huggins (27)
10/08 Carol & Carol Radish (22)
10/19 Tina & Scott Kasten (2)
The flower chart is in the usher area. Pease select your favorite date. We have several openings for the next few months. Flowers can be sponsored for $30.00 per Sunday. If you want to pay for only one bouquet you can do so by contacting Diane in the office. The cost is $15.00. Two families can sponsor flowers on the same Sunday. Please place your money in the offering clearly marked for flower’s including your name, or turn it into the office. If you have any questions please contact Diane Calain in the office on Wednesday or Thursday.
The Voice of Hope 11
11/06 Michael Gentry Ingrid Hammen 11/08 Amberlee Crimmins 11/10 Pauline Granda 11/12 Jindo Fowler 11/13 Mary Bergerman 11/16 Carin Crimmins 11/19 Sandra Kutsner
Ryan King 11/23 Clemmie Vincent 11/24 Bob Hendertilo
Scott Kasten 11/26 Nan Billings 11/27 Harry Keat III 11/30 Jason Billings
November Birthdays
November Anniversaries
11/02 Frank & Ingrid Hammen (13)
11/20 John and Maryann Prell
11/29 Brian & Kate Stack (7)
Memory Verse of the Month: How blessed is the man who fears the Lord,
Who greatly delights in His commandments.2 His descendants will be mighty on earth; The
generation of the upright will be blessed.3 Wealth and riches are in his house, And his
righteousness endures forever.4 Light arises in the darkness for the upright; He is gracious and
compassionate and righteous.5 It is well with the man who is gracious and lends;
He will maintain his cause in judgment.
6 For he will never be shaken; righteous will be remembered forever.
Psalm 112: 1-6
The Voice of Hope 12
Micheline Berthaut, John King, David Christensen, Becky Schnorr, Ron Beldin, Jean Beldin, Cody Jones, Lee Fowler, Kathy Bogan, Bette White, Hella Cushing, Gatlin Riedel, Brooke Blake, Maddie Demers, Rita Mc Henry, Thomas Faillaci, Norman & Paula Schultheiss, Kasten Family, Dom Aloise, Clemmie Vincent, Scott Harris, Karen Keat, Jennifer Knight & Family, Charlie McCracken, Tom Bacik, Chris & Carole Arcoleo, John G. Prell, Eric Weston, Bob & Lucy Barnette, Harmony Geske, Judy Geske, The Luhrs Family, Jean Carroll, Chelsey Olson, Eleonor Colon, Faith McCracken, Jimmy Back-Galpin, Pat Maranscio, Gloria Iaccabelli, Ed Forella, Bob Hendertilo, Josh Paradoa, Josef Glass, Nancy Larsen, Dolores Hart.
Members in Residential Care Inge Brooks-Lakeforest Park Pricilla Carpenter- The Gardens
Members of Our Armed Forces
LC Scott Strickler - USA
SPC Cody Allen USA - Afghanistan
Tech Sgt. John King -USAF Kuwait
Siayai Tankoon - USN
Reece Tucker - USMC
2nd Lt. Sierra McCrae – USA
Ryan Killing - USAF
The Voice of Hope 13
Salient Points in the Sermon
Rev. Dr. Earnest E. Tate, Pastor
Luke 14:25-33 on September 4, 2016
In Bonheoffer’s book The Cost of Discipleship, he states that “costly discipleship and
costly grace confronts us as a gracious call to follow Jesus. It is costly because it compels
us to submit to the yoke of Jesus and follow him; it is grace because Jesus says: "My
yoke is easy and my burden is light." Bonheoffer challenges us to understand that being
a follower of Jesus requires full commitment of our life under any circumstance. Just as
Daniel Berrigan was being led into a federal prison to begin his sentence for resistance
to the Vietnam War, he smiled at reporters and said, "If you follow Jesus, you'd better
look good on wood." Yes, we may be crucified.
The teachings in today's text offer us the opportunity to reexamine our commitment to
Jesus. Would an outsider describe you and me as a disciple of Jesus? When we look in
the mirror, are we looking at ourselves and seeing a devoted follower of Jesus? What or
who is more important to us than our relationship with Jesus? a family member, a friend,
our material possessions? Can these questions help us do a self-evaluation as we attempt
to evaluate our own commitment to Jesus?
The demands of discipleship are costly. Just as Jesus gave His life for us, He expects us
to give our lives completely to Him. Jesus warned that we should count the cost before
deciding to be His disciple. He demands no less than complete obedience. Our trust in
Jesus should allow us to be people who are willing to take up our crosses. Maybe it is
time to tell the whole truth: Christianity is not for the wimps or for cowards. Faith
demands bravery and endurance.
Luke 15:1-10 on September 10, 2016
In times like these, 9-11, we should to be in prayer, praying without ceasing for our
President and Congress as they address crises around the world. In times like these,
we should to be grounded in our faith; grounded in our creed; pray for our enemies;
release the imprisonment of hate for our enemies of 911, so that we can receive our
blessing. It is hard. Matthew 5:11-12 reminds us, “Blessed are you when people revile
you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.
Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they
persecuted the prophets who were before you.” Matthew 5:11-12.
The Voice of Hope 14
Jesus told these two parables in response to their criticism. The two parables are very
similar. They both tell of losing something and the joy of finding it again. All of us
have lost or misplaced things. Both of these stories are about someone seeking the lost.
The first story is about a good shepherd who seeks the one sheep, one out of one
hundred, that has been lost. The analogy is that God is likewise seeking the lost. Those
outcasts that Jesus is entertaining are the lost sheep.
The parable of the lost coin is about a woman who lost a coin. It is clearly something
of value and she turns the house upside down to find it. The message is that God is
seeking the lost, just as these two people will not rest until the lost is found. In these
parables, Jesus is teaching about the persistent seeking of God. Jesus is using a woman
to illustrate the point. God is reaching out, eager to reclaim those who have fallen
away.
Luke 16:1-13 on September 17, 2016
• In these days during the Presidential Campaigns, hacking of emails and cars, robberies
of stores and banks, do we defend dishonesty? Then, why would Jesus offer a parable that
seems to be praising dishonesty? We notice that this parable is just one in many stories that
Jesus tells about how to handle wealth. One story in particular, when Jesus turn over the
money tables. The story was about dishonesty.
• This parable is not just a lesson on shrewd preparations for the future. This parable is a
story that recognizes the character of Christian discipleship as it challenges us to be prepared
for the future through the use of the world's goods. It is possible to misread and to misuse
this story while paying attention to matters within our Christian life.
• The manager in our text used all his resources to secure his future. We must use our
resources also. At our disposal, we have hope in God’s justice, faith in God’s peace, and trust
in God’s grace. These are some of our resources. We must use them so that it will be said of
us, "And the master commended them because they acted so shrewdly." Are we being
trustworthy (shrewd and wise) with the wealth given to us by others?
• If we cannot properly care for the spiritual riches we receive from others, how can we
be trusted with the spiritual riches that belong to us? Are we being trustworthy (shrewd and
wise) with the goods of this world? Are we demonstrating that we can also be trusted with
the riches of eternal life?
Luke 16:19-31 on September 25, 2016
• Sometimes the reading of the Scriptures is not pretty. In this case, one person is rotting
in hell, the second is living it up in the heaven, and the third is telling it like it is. The rich
man seems not to have practiced mercy in his relationships while he was alive, so why
should we expect that he should suddenly catch on and be saved? Even in Hades, the rich
man asks for mercy, but not forgiveness. He asks for water, but not life. The rich man seems
to care for his kinfolks. He believes that his brothers were just like him.
The Voice of Hope 15
• The advice of 1 Timothy for us is simple. We are not to be haughty nor set our hopes
on the uncertainty of riches but instead rely on God. "Do good" (not well!) and be "rich in
good works. This story really is not about the afterlife. This story is all about this life. It is
about what we do or do not do with our wealth. The story clearly implies that if we ignore
the poor, we will go to hell. In following Christ, are we all excited about the redistribution of
our wealth?
• If a bunch of rich people read this text, they may get squeamish, and avoid the intent
of the parable. If a bunch of poor people read this text, they may stick out their chests, and
ridicule whoever has large sum of money in the bank. But if we read this text together, we
open a door. The problem is the door, not the wealth, not the poverty, but the door.
Sometimes when we open door and step outside of our comfort zone, we discover somebody
is on the other side of the door. Is it Christ on the other side of the door who is the poor,
despised beggar, waiting for us to be caring and sharing?
Luke 17:5-10 on October 2, 2016
What exactly is faith? The author of the book of Hebrews writes, "Faith is the
assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen" (Heb 11:1). Eugene
Peterson's translation of this verse explains faith as "the firm foundation under
everything that makes life worth living." (Eugene Peterson, The Message [Colorado
Springs: Navpress, 1993], p. 471.) What is our foundation? On what or whom do we
stand for? Do we stand on the assurance of our bank account and our stocks for
retirement?
We are reminded in Eph. 2:8 that “For by grace are you saved through faith; and that
not of yourselves: it is the gift of God. Faith is a gift. It is not something we earn or
work for. God gives it freely. So how does all this relate to mustard seed faith?
I believe that Jesus is telling us, “I forgave you of everything, so why can’t you
forgive your brother?” “I can forgive, but I cannot forget, is only another way of
saying, I will not forgive. Forgiveness ought to be like a canceled note–torn in two,
and burned up, so that it never can be shown against one.” Henry Ward Beecher
Some of us have been badly hurt or unjustly treated. It is hard for us to pardon those
who tell lies about us, treat us badly, or cause harm to our loved ones. And yet, their
behavior towards us is not a reason to withhold mercy. God calls us to forgive just as
God forgives us. I believe that with God’s help, we can forgive others. If we really
want God’s best for us, we must humble ourselves, draw closer to God, and allow God
to fill our lives with love. Jesus loves us. Yes, I know because the Bible says so.
The Voice of Hope 16
Luke 17:11-19 on October 9, 2016
• In our Gospel lesson, ten lepers called to Jesus as he entered a village in the area
between Samaria and Galilee. As with Naaman and Elisha, Jesus did not meet directly
with the men but told them to "show yourselves to the priests." The ten lepers displayed
faith as they left Jesus. They went to find the priests. They were not healed at once. The
healing came on their journey. As they walked, they suddenly found themselves cleansed.
Can we imagine the joy that they felt as their strength returning to their body. They may
have leaped with excitement as they examined their hands and faces and saw that they
were no longer disfigured by leprosy.
• Are we aware of God's blessings throughout the year in our life? Are we going about
our faith journey with the assumption that God works within our expectations? Do our
obedient to God's direction grant us special privileges? Do we say, I am a church leader, I
have spent time praying and doing God's will, I know that God will do exactly what I
expect? Do we believe that we receive what we have coming to us? Do we say, "I worked
for everything I have ever received? I earned all of it. Nobody ever gave me anything!"
When we are not conscious of grace, we are not in an attitude of gratitude. It is sad but let
us keep it real, gratitude is not a way of life for some people.
• Is it possible to treat ingratitude? Ingratitude is deeper than what we see on the surface.
It is interconnected with our spiritual body. Our spiritual body consists of receiving and
giving thanks. Ingratitude festers on the illusion that we have something coming.
Ingratitude festers on the illusion that someone owes us. And if we do not get what we
believe belongs to us, do we complain about it? If something is given to us that we are not
expecting, do we believe that we got it because we had it coming to us in the first place?
This may be a disturbing description of ingratitude, but is it true? I believe that ingratitude
is more destructive to our body than leprosy, cancer, or aids. Ingratitude destroys us
spiritually, emotionally, and also physically.
Luke 18:1-8 on October 16, 2016
Scripture teaches us that patience is a fruit of the Holy Spirit. Are we always very
patient when we sit in our car on Interstate 95 or the Turnpike when we see that one
lane is closed, and the cars are backed up? What about the time when we stood in line
at the grocery store where the clerk and the customer ahead of us were having a
conversation? Were we very patient? Do we remember when we were listening to
someone rambling on and on? In our mind we are thinking, "Get to the point!" Were
we very patient? Patience, a fruit of the Holy Spirit, sometimes eludes us. We want it
now, a minute ago, yesterday. And sometimes that spills over into our spiritual life.
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Persistence is the key that brings deliverance in our lives. The widow who wanted
justice from an unjust judge had no other weapon with her except a persistent attitude.
She kept on asking the judge until he finally agrees to grant her request. Are we
persistent in our prayers? Prayer is the key that can open a door. In the New Luther’s
Small Catechism, it lists an example of several prayers for morning, evening and prior
to eating a meal.
Unanswered prayers may test our faith. We meet that test when we keep praying and
don’t lose heart, in spite of our frustration, our disappointment. Persistence demands
patience, waiting. I believe that persistence is the ground of our spiritual growth! Jesus
loves us.
Luke 18:9-14 on October 23, 2016
Last winter, two of our snow birds, Diane and Richard Woodcock led a 4-week Bible
Study in their home on prayer by Max Lucado. Although we were encouraged and
challenged, we are not the first to struggle with prayer. The first followers of Jesus
needed guidance on prayer too. Jesus gave them a prayer, not a lecture on prayer, not
the doctrine of prayer. He gave them a quotable prayer, The Lord’s Prayer. In our
Bible Study with Diane and Richard, they shared Max Lucado’s short prayer, “Father,
You are good. I need help. They need help. Thank you. Amen”.
Both of the men in the parable went to the most prominent place to pray, to the temple,
the house of prayer. There is no better place to pray, no better place to seek God's face.
Both men were seeking God's face. Both men went to pray in order to please God.
They were both seeking God, wanting God to accept them and to be present with them
throughout all their life. Quoting Deuteronomy 4:29, "But if from thence thou shalt
seek the LORD thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and
with all thy soul".
The major lesson of these verses is justification. The words of Jesus are shocking,
contrary to what the world teaches, contrary to the opinions of many believers, and
even contrary to the way they behave. The sinner is the one "justified" in the sight of
God. Justification means that we acknowledge our unworthiness. We cry for God to
have mercy on us. We, being justified, are not righteous, but we are counted as
righteous by God, assuming that we sincerely cry to God for mercy. We are displaying
a mind-set that we have turned from our sinful way to God. Because of our cry,
because of our repentance, I believe that God takes our cry and counted it as
righteousness. Then, God accepts us because our heart is set upon God. Jesus loves us.
Amen.
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John 8:31-38 on October 30, 2016
Today is Reformation Day. This day was originally celebrated on October 31 in
remembrance of the Reformation. On this day in 1517, Martin Luther posted a
proposal at the doors of a church in Wittenberg, Germany to debate the doctrine and
practice of indulgences, popularly known as the 95 Theses. This event created a
controversy with Luther and the allies of the Pope regarding a variety of doctrines and
practices.
When Luther and his supporters were excommunicated in 1520, the Lutheran tradition
was born. Martin Luther took an oath to promote the truth and to condemn falsehood.
John Bugenhagen declared after reading “On the Babylonian Captivity”, “The entire
world is blind, for this man, Martin Luther, is the only one who sees the truth.” True to
himself, true to the situation, and true to the text, Luther urged all his hearers to turn
away from worldly wisdom, which he characterized as “lies”, and turn to Christ and
His word.
Truth in Christ makes us free. A large part of the Jesus' mission was to set people free
from various kinds of bondage: "The Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings
unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the
captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; to proclaim the
acceptable year of the Lord" (Isaiah 61:1, 2).
Martin Luther took an oath to promote the truth and to condemn falsehood. Are we
speaking the best about our neighbor? As representatives of God, what are we saying
to the world? Are we are sending a mixed message? THE TRUTH SHALL MAKE
US FREE! Jesus loves us. Amen
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WHAT IT MEANS TO BE LUTHERAN June 30, 2016 Bishop Eaton
Lutherans don’t often garner much media attention. In this
country we don’t make up a big segment of the population.
When groups of Lutherans began arriving on these shores in the
18th and 19th centuries, they tended to stay in their nationality
and language groups and didn’t assimilate completely into the
surrounding culture. We kept to ourselves and so went relatively
unnoticed. Lutherans, with some exceptions, weren’t part of the
political or economic elite. There are both benefits and problems
because of this. More later.
Our state of relative obscurity is about to change. In 16 months
we’ll mark the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. For a brief
time a spotlight will be turned on Lutherans in this country and
around the world. Documentaries will be produced and aired, seminars will be held and,
particularly if Oct. 31, 2017, is a slow news day, the media is going to seek us out and ask us
to explain ourselves. When the local newspaper, radio or TV station comes knocking on our
door, what are we going to say?
In our church wide conversation about priorities for the ELCA, we have been asking what it
means to be Lutheran. We aren’t as good as we could be about giving a clear answer to that
question. We speak about grace, about our work in advocacy, about the relief and
development work we do, about our inclusiveness and diversity—though I believe these last
two are more aspirational than actual—about our ecumenical and interreligious dialogues
and relationships. These are true and beautiful and important. They are not exclusively
Lutheran.
Many religious and secular organizations are deeply committed to serving the vulnerable and
working for justice and peace. The ELCA couldn’t engage in ecumenical and interreligious
partnerships if there were no ecumenical or interreligious partners. What is distinctive about
us then?
When trying to define Lutheran identity we sometimes default to cultural types—northern
and central European heritage, a certain kind of hymnody, even standard entrees at church
dinners. I’m not dismissing the faithful witness of the millions of Lutheran immigrants who
left Europe to start a new life on this continent. They built churches and hospitals and
universities. They cared for the poor, the widow and the orphan.
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They also lived in close-knit ethnic communities that, at first, helped maintain the Lutheran
confessional movement. That is the benefit I noted above. The problem is that the Lutheran
movement in this country has become over identified with a particular cultural expression.
If we manage to not describe ourselves by a particular culture, we have the tendency of
describing Lutheranism as a set of behaviors—we are inclusive, we work for justice, we
stand with the vulnerable, we are an inviting church. Please, God, let it be so.
But the danger is we can slip into what scholasticism called “fides formata.” Today we might
say faith formation: not in the sense of a living faith that has first been given as a gift, but
that correct action leads to faith. Either of these expressions—cultural or behavioral—can
result in what Martha Stortz, a professor at Augsburg College, Minneapolis, calls the
“presumptive we” that leads to the “othering you.” Those in the majority assume their
experience is universal and those outside of that experience aren’t fully part of the tradition.
Neither culture nor behavior define what is distinctive about the Lutheran movement. It’s our
understanding of the gospel. The gospel word creates faith. The gospel word is judgment and
promise. Faith created by this gospel word sets people free to serve the neighbor. The
church’s proper work is to proclaim the gospel word. You know, in the end, it’s all about
God’s fierce and tender love that drives us to the cross, and there, at the very point of death,
gives us life. The world deserves to hear the gospel—when the spotlight is
on us, and when it is not.
A monthly message from the presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in
America. Her email address: [email protected].
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Martin Luther's Seal
or the Luther Rose
The Luther Rose, also known as the Luther Seal, is easily the most recognized symbol for
Lutheranism, and for good reason. Martin Luther personally oversaw the creation of this symbol.
It provides a beautiful summary of his faith, a faith that is common to all Christians, of every place
and every time. Here is how Luther explained the meaning of his seal:
Grace and peace from the Lord. As you desire to know whether my painted seal, which you sent
to me, has hit the mark, I shall answer most amiably and tell you my original thoughts and reason
about why my seal is a symbol of my theology.
The first should be a black cross in a
heart, which retains its natural color, so
that I myself would be reminded that faith
in the Crucified saves us. For one who
“believes from the heart will be justified"
(Rom. 10:10). Although it is indeed a black
cross, which mortifies and which should
also cause pain, it leaves the heart in its
natural color. It does not corrupt nature,
that is, it does not kill but keeps alive. "The
just shall live by faith" (Rom. 1:17) but by
faith in the crucified. Such a heart should
stand in the middle of a white rose, to
show that faith gives joy, comfort, and
peace. In other words, it places the believer
into a white, joyous rose, for this faith does
not give peace and joy like the world gives
(John 14:27). That is why the rose should
be white and not red, for white is the color
of the spirits and the angels (cf. Matthew 28:3; John 20:12). Such a rose should stand in a sky-
blue field, symbolizing that such joy in spirit and faith is a beginning of the heavenly future joy,
which begins already, but is grasped in hope, not yet revealed. And around this field is a golden
ring, symbolizing that such blessedness in Heaven lasts forever and has no end. Such blessedness
is exquisite, beyond all joy and goods, just as gold is the most valuable, most precious and best
metal. This is my compendium theoligae [summary of theology]. I have wanted to show it to you
in good friendship, hoping for your appreciation. May Christ, our beloved Lord, be with your spirit
until the life hereafter. Amen.
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The Ultimate Beauty Salon and Barber Shop
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The Ultimate Beauty Salon and
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772-224-9829
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`
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We are asking anyone interested in singing with the ADULT CHOIR to please see Karen Keat or any choir member for information. Please come out and sing with us. We practice on Thursday’s at 7:00 p.m.
For information please call Karen Keat: 772-237-5363.
Worship the Lord with gladness. Come before him, singing with joy. (Psalms 100:2)
If you would like to be in the BELL CHOIR, please see
Karen Keat for information. If you are interested in
learning about the bells, please call Karen Keat, 772-
237-5363.
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1750 SE Lennard Road, Port St. Lucie, Fl. 34952 772-335-4673 www.hopelutheranpsl.org
Rev. Dr. Earnest E. Tate, Pastor [email protected]
If you do not have an e-mail address or access to online we will gladly mail you
an issue. Please contact the church office.
Click & go to www.hopelutheranpsl.org