Calvary Courier - Calvary Lutheran Church

Calvary Courier
Calvary Evangelical Lutheran Church
September 2015
Upcoming Events
Wednesday Evening Bible Class
September 2, 9, 16, 23, & 30
7:00 p.m.
Thursday Morning Bible Class
September 3, 10, & 24 | 9:30 a.m.
No class on September 17
Church Council Meeting
Thursday, September 3 | 7:00 p.m.
Ladies Guild
Thurday, September 17 | 9:30 a.m.
Evangelism/Stewardship Meeting
Thursday, September 17 | 7:00 p.m.
Marriage Retreat at Mariposa Manor
September 18 & 19
Elder’s Committee Meeting
Thursday, September 24 | 7:00 p.m.
Triple Crown Potluck and
Ice Cream Social
Sunday, September 27 | 11:30 a.m.
Inside this issue:
Meet Some of Our Newer Members 2
September Birthdays
2
Your Ladies Guild at Work
3
Calvary’s Gamenites
3
Calvary’s Lunch Bunch 3
Marriage Retreat
3
Friendship Circle Outing
4
Friendship Circle Retreat
4
Through My Bible in a Year
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Worship Schedule
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Calendar
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1270 N. Dobson Rd. Chandler, Arizona 85224
Ask a Stupid Question Day
On September 30 we have a special holiday.
What is it? From the title of this article you
can guess. Yes, it’s “Ask a Stupid Question
Day,” which is celebrated in many schools
on the last school day in September, as an
encouragement to learn by asking more
questions. In honor of “Ask a Stupid Question Day,” here are some whoppers from
the Bible—but they’re not really stupid.
Their answers make a life of a difference!
“Did God really say?”
Satan, appearing in the form of a snake,
planted a seed of doubt in Eve’s mind (Genesis 3:1). It was the first step of his successful temptation: If Satan can get believers
to misinterpret God’s words or, worse yet,
put words in God’s mouth that he hasn’t
spoken, he has dangled the bait and set the
hook. How important to know God’s Word.
“Where are you?”
After Adam and Eve corrupted the world
by introducing it to the evil of sin, the Bible
says that God made a personal visit to the
Garden of Eden. We might think he’s more
than a little upset that his perfect creation
has been ruined. But think about it. God already knows where Adam and Eve are hiding. He’s God. He knows everything. Then
why ask (Genesis 3:9)? It’s his seeking mercy and showing his love for sinners like us.
“Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh
and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?”
After God announced to Moses from the
burning bush that he was sending him
to rescue the Israelites from Pharaoh’s
clutches of slavery, Moses wonders if he’s
really the man (Exodus 3:11). God basically replied, “I know what I’m doing. And
don’t worry, I’m going with you.” You may
doubt that you’re the person to perform
Phone: 480-963-9397
the role God has assigned you in life. But
faith thinks much of God, and answers
his call, knowing that an assignment from
God is not just a command, but a promise.
“Am I a dog, that you come at me with
sticks?”
Goliath, the giant Philistine, mocked David, the shepherd boy, who confronted his
foul-mouthed threats (1 Samuel 17:43)
with a sling, some stones, and his own
gigantic trust in the Lord. David knew
“it is not by sword or spear that the Lord
saves; for the battle is the Lord’s” (v. 47).
The world’s weapons are nothing. It’s okay
to use them—medicine, leadership strategies, statistical research, psychology, engineering, MVPs, and political giants—
but not to rely on them more than God.
“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”
You may recognize these words as a questioning cry from Jesus, dying on the cross.
Centuries before that moment, however,
David penned them in Psalm 22:1, and
continued, “Why are you so far from saving me?” David and David’s greater Son
both had the same concern—where is God
when it hurts? The rest of Psalm 22, and
the resurrection of Jesus Christ three days
later, gives answer to that cry. God is there;
we just can’t always detect him in our hopelessness, can’t see him through our tears, or
hear his Word through the threats of this
world pounding our ears. We can learn
to look to his promises, however, so that
even when we walk through the valley of
the shadow of death itself, we fear no evil.
– continued on page 2
Website: www.calvarychandler.net
Calvary’s Mission Statement:
As members of this congregation, our constant aim is to
share the saving Gospel of Jesus
Christ with all people based on
the inspired, infallible Holy Scriptures and
to exemplify our faith through Christian
living as commissioned by our Savior.
Calvary’s Church Leaders:
Pastor Martin Spaude
480-963-9397
Pastor Roger Sprain
480-883-8529
Staff Minister: Charlie Kuether
480-204-4297
President: David Gannon
480-821-5008
– continued from page 1
“Who is a God like you, who pardons
sin?”
The triune God of salvation in the Bible
makes the exclusive claim of being the
only one who can truly save sinners. Because he saves totally without relying on
anything the sinner can contribute. Why
would any sinner want to trust in any
other god? Why would a person, proven by sin to be imperfect, prefer to believe that he or she can do any amount
of good to earn the favor of some other
religion’s god? How do you know it’s
good enough? Rather, put your sure
hope in the pardon of the only true God.
“Who do people say the Son of Man is?
Who do you say I am?”
Jesus often asked his disciples about his
identity (Matthew 16:13,15). Not that he
was confused. The crowds were confused.
Was he John the Baptist reincarnated? Elijah risen from the dead? a great prophet?
a madman? Those who paid attention to
the prophecies knew, and believed, that
Jesus was the promised Christ, the Savior
of all. In today’s confused world looking
at Jesus as a good man, a philanthropist, a prophet with good things to say,
or even a fabled religious figure—who
do you say he is? And how does it show
in your life decisions, your reputation
among peers, what worries you, how
you take care of your health, and where
you spend your money? Jesus is Savior.
Love him for it. Live for him above all.
– Pastor Martin Spaude
Secretary: Scott Clegg
480-516-8758
Financial Secretary: Philip Nick
480-460-9258
Treasurer: Phil Denisuk
480-821-0055
Evangelism/Stewardship Director:
Gary Warskow
480-759-5261
Education Director: Ben Coker
480-584-6858
Property Director: Mark Mundt
602-743-3707
Sunday School, Christ Teens and Confirmation Classes are beginning on
Sunday, September 13! Parents, make
sure your children are involved in these
opportunities for their faith to grow and
be strengthened. How they need this in
a world that is moving further and further away for the Lord.
Take a picture of this with
your phone to visit:
www.calvarychandler.net
Like us on Facebook:
CalvaryLutheranChurchChandler
Calvary Courier page 2
Meet Some of Our
Newer Members
Clarine and Rick
Hartnell are two
of Calvary’s newest members. Rick
and Clarine have
indicated that they
love being at Calvary and you will see them regularly in
both Sunday worship and Wednesday
Evening Bible Class. They both cherish
that the Lord has brought them together
in marriage, and even though they have
no children, they are truly thankful for
each day they spend together.
Clarine describes herself as a good listener, is a fourteen year cancer survivor,
likes puzzles, and solitare. Rick is very
easy going, friendly, loves to work with
wood, plays guitar to relax, camps, and
very much enjoys cooking. Together
they love to play canasta and travel
when given the opportunity. Two really
nice people, who love their Lord, and
know that He loves them. We pray their
time at Calvary will be a lasting blessing.
September
Birthdays
Best wishes to the following
who celebrate birthdays this
month:
Marilyn Matter
Dianne Wolf Dorothy Converse
Lucky Kauffman
Alena McClelland
LuVerne Johnson
Noah Schroeder
Karen Swain
E.J. Moore
Allen Kaniasty
Justin Kossmann
Clarine Hartnell
R.J. Jahnke
Shane Zorn
Sept. 2
Sept. 4
Sept. 5
Sept. 6
Sept. 6
Sept. 12
Sept. 14
Sept. 14
Sept. 15
Sept. 23
Sept. 24
Sept. 26
Sept. 29
Sept. 29
(If your birthday is not listed, tell the
Office Manager, Randi Rasmussen,
so your records can be updated.)
Your Ladies Guild at Work
Calvary’s Gamenights
This group is open to all women of Calvary. We will be meeting
on Thursday, September 17, at 9:30 a.m. Our meetings consist
of a Bible study with Pastor Spaude and a business meeting.
This is a good opportunity to be involved in your church activities. For information, call Jan Enderle at 480-899-0662.
Out with Friday night television and video games. In with once
-a-month fellowship with your Calvary friends. How? Check
the bulletin for the scheduled date of each month’s gamenight.
As the year advances, you are sure to play games of yesteryear
and fond memories will start to flow. Or perhaps you will encounter games you loved playing with your kids. Maybe, just
maybe, you will be lucky enough to come upon a new game to
learn. Whatever, you are guaranteed to miss a fun-filled evening if you don’t attend. Players went down Memory Lane in
August when they played “Michigan Rummy”.
Food Bank
Ladies Guild has set up a separate savings account with dollars received from Thrivent Grants. The current balance is
$2,405.73. Debit cards have been issued to Nadine Dankert
and Jan Enderle. These dollars will be used to purchase groceries and perishables and grocery store gift cards. Our congregation is blessed to be able to share with our sister churches
and, through other avenues help feed those less fortunate. The
annual rotation was completed in August. We used $274 of
Thrivent monies to restock. Items were donated to the United Food Bank’s annual food drive and to Chandler Christian
Community Center.
Aluminum Cans
Funds received from aluminum are used to keep the Calvary
kitchen supplied. Please be aware we cannot use other foil
products like pie or casserole pans or aluminum foil. Thank
you for your support.
Alpha Pregnancy
In keeping with their mission statement “Spread the Gospel
while emphasizing the sanctity of life” Alpha Pregnancy has
begun adding Bible story books when distributing diapers,
formula, clothing, blankets, etc. to mothers-to-be. In support
of this project, Ladies Guild is asking for donations of the
small Bible story books. They are available at most of the dollar stores and Wal-Mart as well as other stores. We will keep a
box in the Narthex for donations. Thank you for the support.
Greeting Cards
Your Ladies Guild has stocked boxes of Christian all-occasion
greeting cards. These cards are provided as a service to the
congregation and are sold at cost. The cards are displayed on
a rack during fellowship time on the patio, as well as in the
fellowship hall. For more information, you may contact Cora
Schroeder at 480-892-5153.
Church Snacks
Refreshments for after service fellowship are provided by
members who donate and serve snacks. If you are celebrating
a special occasion and wish to bring a cake or other goodies,
please give Sue Schroeder a call. This will eliminate doubling
up. Anyone who wishes to volunteer may call Sue at 480-8203431. A big thank you to all who have helped out.
On Sunday, September 27, beginning at 11:30 am., there will
be the first annual Calvary Triple Crown. The event will begin
with a sandwich potluck (bring a plate of your favorite sandwiches to pass around) followed by a short game of UNO. The
final event will be an ice cream social. We hope this will be a
great time of food, fun and fellowship. There will be a sign up
sheet for this on the back counter at church. Of course in October, the harvest month, “Apples to Apples” is the only game
to play! Piqued your interest? Give it a try! You are sure to be
hooked!
Calvary’s Lunch Bunch
If you were otherwise occupied and missed our very first luncheon together at T.C. Eggington’s, have no fear as September’s
outing will be to Passage to India. Check the bulletin for the
date and details. Toss out your “diet” for one Saturday a month
and join your Calvary friends for some delightful dining experiences. In October, we will head towards Chandler Fashion Square to Cheddars. Kneaders in Tempe is our November
destination. Can’t miss the holidays, so join us for a Christmas Progressive Luncheon in downtown Gilbert. Remember,
all couples and singles, male and female, are invited to join in
the dining fun. Be sure to sign-up in the back of the church to
reserve your spot for the month’s dining choice. If you have
questions, call Sue Schroeder at 480-820-3431.
Marriage Advice from the Guy
with a Thousand Wives
A marriage retreat will be held on September 18 and 19 at
Maricopa Manor in downtown Phoenix (this Bed and Breakfast is owned and operated by Calvary members Scott and Joan
Eveland). Cost for this will be $100 per couple, which includes
the cost of the materials, lodging and meals. There is a sign-up
sheet on the back counter at church. You can also sign up at
Calvary’s website or by emailing pastor@calvarychandler.net.
We held this retreat a couple years ago and it was enjoyed by all
in attendance. There are six lodgings available, so it will be on a
first come, first served basis.
Calvary Courier page 3
Friendship Circle Outing
On Saturday, August 15, a group
of Calvary ladies toured the Alpha Pregnancy Counseling Center. They enjoyed seeing how
important our gifts to Alpha are.
We continue to ask for diapers
and gently used clothing for this
special mission. If you have any
questions, see Anne Kelsey.
The tour was followed by a delicious lunch at the Old Spaghetti
Factory.
Friendship Circle Retreat
In July, several Calvary ladies enjoyed a
weekend getaway at the Maricopa Manor
Bed and Breakfast Inn in Phoenix owned by
members of Calvary, the Evelands. It was a
luxurious stay in private casitas, with sumptuous breakfasts delivered to their doorways
each morning. The days were spent in the
pool, playing games, or just relaxing. On
Sunday morning they enjoyed breakfast
outdoors and a devotion together.
Words can’t describe the
wonderful and beautiful location of Maricopa Manor!
We had beautiful morning walks in the historical
housing district a block
away! Some of us frequented the Dairy Queen next
door for late night snacks!
And we can’t forget to mention
the suprise birthday party we had
for Kay Nelson! Peggy Denisuk
surprised Kay by joining us for
dinner and brought the birthday
cake. Fran Carmen surprised us
all by being in town and joining
us for dinner and cake!
photos and captions by Debbie Spaude
Calvary Courier page 4