8 - Immanuel Lutheran Church

Immanuel Lutheran Church - Olivette, Missouri
VOLUME LX I V NO. 8, AUGUST 2012
The Mission of
Immanuel Lutheran Church
is to strengthen our church
family through
Word and Sacrament,
to reach out with the saving
grace of Jesus Christ, and
to extend His love and care
one to another.
LCMS Missouri District Convention
Report
WHAT ’ S INSIDE ...
ANCHOR
DEADLINE
8
The LCMS Missouri District convention was
held June 3-5 in Springfield. The Rev. Dr. Ray
Mirly was elected to his third term as District President. Also elected were: the Rev. Dr. R. Lee Hagan, first vice-president; the Rev. Dr. Kevin Golden, second vice-president; the Rev. Alan Wollenburg, third vice-president; and the Rev. Dr. Ron
Rall, fourth vice-president.
ANCHOR
9
Delegates to the convention approved resolutions
that ask the Synod to:
 rescind Resolution 3-08A, adopted at the 2004
LCMS convention, which affirms the conclusions of the 1994 Commission on Theology and
Church Relations (CTCR) report on "The Service of Women in Congregational and Synodical Offices." And to ask the CTCR to continue
to study the issues in the 1994 report along
with the resulting dissenting opinion "in consultation with the faculties of the seminaries,"
and to respond to questions raised in the district resolution.
 discontinue the licensing of laymen to preach
POLICY
CALENDAR
11
CONFIRMATION
M INISTRY
6
CROSSED PAWS
9
DAY SCHOOL
E VENTS
5
GRACE
OF GIVING
See
Insert
GREETERS’
SCHEDULE
2
I MMANUEL
COLLEGE CARE
6
I NTERNATIONAL
STUDENT MINISTRY
8
LCMS M ISSOURI
DISTRICT CONVENTION R EPORT
1
L IGHT
OF
CHRIST
10
NOAA H EAT
W AVE SAFETY
T IPS
9
OFFICIAL ACTS
8
PASTOR’S CORNER
3
Delegates also adopted resolutions to encourage:
PRINCIPAL’ S
PENNINGS
4
 support of the Koinonia Project for harmony in
SENIOR HIGH
YOUTH
7
W ELCOME NEW
M EMBERS
5
W ORSHIP
SCHEDULE
3
the Gospel and administer the sacraments under the supervision of an ordained pastor, as
stated in Resolution 3-05B, adopted at the
1989 LCMS convention and that current licensed laymen cease these activities within
three years after the Synod acts on this resolution.
the LCMS.
 the study and practice of the proper administration of the Lord's Supper.
(Continued to Page 3)
Anchor
Page 2
IMMANUEL LUTHERAN CHURCH
Notes To Greeters: Please note
on your personal calendar, and
trade with someone if you have a
conflict. Badges are in the Volunteer Room. More Greeters are
always welcome. Please call
9733 O LIVE B OULEVARD
O LIVETTE , M ISSOURI 63132
C HURCH P HONE : (314) 993-2394
S CHOOL P HONE : (314) 993-5004
www.immanuelolivette.org
PASTORS
Rev. Paul W. Rueckert
Rev. Rory C. Karg
Judy Meyr (429-5354) if interested
in this service to the Lord.
(314) 434-2942
(314) 395-2437
MISSION PASTOR
Rev. Paul C. Shaw
(314) 997-0346
PRINCIPAL
Nathan Domsch
(314) 578-5198
August Greeters
Sat. Aug. 4:
Sun. Aug. 5:
5 pm Bob & Karen Kiehl
8 am Mark & Char Gordon, Natalie & Trudy Oleshchuk
10:30 am Dick & Betty Crane, Michael & Evelyn Irving
Sat. Aug. 11:
Sun. Aug. 12:
5 pm Bill & Betty Marshall
8 am Casey & Barb Kiehl, Dave & Janelle Leidholdt
10:30 am Judy Budner & Linda Wilson,
Ron & Brenda Olech
Sat. Aug. 18:
Sun. Aug. 19:
5 pm Grace Nansen & Roger Rue
8 am Terry Meyr & Karen Stevens, Matt & Mara Springer
10:30 am Joe & Sue Wyland, Joe Kamalay &
Paulette Pierson
Sat. Aug. 25:
Sun. Aug. 26:
5 pm Luther & Lori Lunn
8 am Vern & Juanita Peters, Leon & Carol Mittler
10:30 am Walt & Helen May, Lisa Sutkos & Nick Scotina
MUSIC MINISTRY
Paul Snyder
Betty Kusterer
Andrea Brauer
Worship Coordinator
& Choir Director
Orchestra Director
Special Music Coordinator
STAFF
Eve Brandt
Administrative Secretary
Erin Armknecht
Associate Secretary
DAY SCHOOL FACULTY
Matthew Springer
Brenda Hente
Emily Anderson
Clayton Erdmann
Pam Niewald
Linda Jackson
Chris Meyr
Beth Carter
Tove Waldmann
Bethany Greatens
Melissa King
Grade 8
Grade 7
Grade 6
Grade 5
Grade 4
Grade 3
Grade 2
Grade 1
Kindergarten
4 yr. old Preschool
3 yr. old Preschool
FIELDWORKERS
Douglas Bender, David Rolf,
James Thomas, Doua Xiong
CONGREGATIONAL OFFICERS
Dave Bunte
Clayton Klein
Natalie Oleshchuk
Sherry Miller
Gregg Knehans
Joan Marek
Kay Richmond
Mitchell Wilson
Chris Copeland
Sarah Iberg
Loren Lumpe
President
Vice President
Secretary
Treasurer
Assistant Treasurer
Financial Secretary
Sunday School Supt.
Elders Board Chairman
Day School Board Chairman
Parish Ed. Board Chairman
Stewards Board Chairman
CO-EDITORS
Rita Eckert
Karen Schrader &
Karen Andersen
MAILING COORDINATORS
Chrilla & Carl McKenzie
September Greeters
Sat. Sept. 1:
Sun. Sept. 2:
5 pm Bob & Karen Kiehl
8 am Pam Niewald & Jenny Hackmann, Mike &
Mar Croxton
10:30 am Carl & Avery Springer, Susan Green &
Nancy Kieffer
Sat. Sept 8:
Sun. Sept. 9:
5 pm Bill & Betty Marshall
8 am Natalie & Trudy Oleshchuk, Mark & Char Gordon
10:30 am Dick & Betty Crane, Linda Wilson &
Judy Budner
Sat. Sept. 15:
Sun. Sept. 16:
5 pm Grace Nansen & Roger Rue
8 am Dan & Liza Dable, Casey & Barb Kiehl
10:30 am Michael & Evelyn Irving, Ron & Brenda Olech
Sat. Sept. 22:
Sun. Sept. 23:
5 pm Ed & Virginia Kellmann
8 am Ron & Lauree Sakaii, Mary Viehman &
Karen Stevens
10:30 am Joe Kamalay & P. Pierson, Lakesha Latimore
& Lisa Sutkos
Sat. Sept. 29:
Sun. Sept. 30:
5 pm Tom & Marilyn Brockmann
8 am Leon & Carol Mittler, Matt & Mara Springer
10:30 am Joan Marek & Marilyn Weinstock,
Walt & Helen May
Names listed first will have East entrance, those noted second will have West.
S9733 Olive Blvd., Olivette, Mo 63132
Page 3
“The Lord is faithful to all His promises and loving toward all He has made. The Lord upholds all those who
fall and lifts up all who are bowed down. The eyes of all
look to you, and you give them their food at the proper
time. You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing” (Ps. 145:13-15).
“Faithful to all His promises…” What a fitting description of our God, and how He has shown us these words
are true! Last year, we worked through a capital campaign proposal together to address a renovation of our
worship space and a number of deferred maintenance
items around the church. We took a bold step of faith
together in setting a campaign goal considerably higher
than our consultant had advised. We earnestly desired
that this campaign would not only be a means to raise money, but a means to raise our faith. To that
end, we bathed the project in worship, Bible study and prayer.
And God has indeed blessed us beyond measure. Pledges last fall exceeded our goal of 1.25 million, and
the gifts toward Grace of Giving presented through the first six months of the year have been generous.
Our worship space has been renovated – the first of our projects to be funded, reflecting the primacy of
worship in our life together. Please see the Grace of Giving insert at the center of this Anchor for more
information about the progress of the campaign and the work underway.
The theme of God’s faithfulness is one repeated here at Immanuel over and over again through the year.
God is faithful when we are not. We count upon His faithful love available to us in very real and tangible
ways through the preaching of the Word and the administration of the Sacraments here each week. We
count upon that same faithful love in time of need, or as the eyes of a loved one close one last time. And
we count upon that faithful love to one day call us forth out of our graves that we might rise to join Him
in His everlasting kingdom!
What is happening around Immanuel this year is but a hint of greater things to come, but it is a hint
worth acknowledging. “The Lord is faithful to all His promises and loving toward all He has made.” May
such faithful love spur us all to faithful worship, service and generosity all through the rest of 2012 and
beyond!
+Pastor Rueckert+
(Continued from Page 1)
 witness and outreach to urban and ethnic ministries.
 support of the Lutheran Malaria Initiative (LMI), a
joint effort of the Synod and Lutheran World Relief,
Baltimore -- supported by the United Nations Foundation -- to heighten awareness of the disease and
raise $45 million for the effort to eliminate malaria
deaths in Africa by 2015.
Half of the opening worship service offering was designated for LMI; the other half was given to Immanuel
Lutheran Church in Joplin for tornado relief efforts.
Schedule
Saturday Evening Worship 5:00pm
Holy Communion Celebrated
August 4th & 18th
Sunday Worship
8:00 & 10:30am
Holy Communion Celebrated
August 5th & 19th
Sunday School 9:15am
Sunday Bible Classes 9:30am
Anchor
Page 4
MISSION STATEMENT: Responding to God’s grace through Christ, we assist families in
preparing children spiritually, academically, socially and physically that they may serve Him.
“Every year at Immanuel we see changes in our enrollment.
We have been blessed in the past few years to see growth in
our student body. Whether or not that will be the case this
ENNINGS
year remains to be seen. I do know that a few families that
by Nathan Domsch
sent their children here this past year will not be returning,
which is disheartening.
The most commonly cited reasons by families who leave are cost and convenience. It takes a great deal of
commitment from the parents of Immanuel students as they sacrifice both time and money to send their children
here rather than their local public school, and every year they must evaluate if it is worth it.
I, as you might expect, believe that it is. Our students receive a high quality education, but they also receive spiritual training that cannot be provided in a public setting. Again this year our faculty will convene on
August 10 to study God’s Word, and when the students arrive on August 22, they will also have the opportunity
to study that Word and hear it proclaimed.
I thank all the families that have entrusted their children to our care again this year and the members of
Immanuel who have so faithfully supported the school as an integral part of Immanuel’s ministry. May all that
we do this year, “in word or deed, [be done] in the name of the Lord Jesus, [as we give] thanks to God the Father
through Him” (Colossians 3:17, ESV). To God be the glory!
PRINCIPAL'S
P
Registration Day
All school families will need to complete forms, purchase necessary items, and pay fees for the new school year
before or at registration on Wednesday, August 15, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Open House/PSCE Family Night
An Open House followed by PSCE’s Family Night will be Monday, August 20. Parents and students are invited
to drop off supplies, learn about teacher expectations, and ask questions at the open house, beginning at 5:10.
PSCE will then host a meal and family friendly games in the gym as we kick off the new school year. School families, both new and returning, are encouraged to join us this evening for fellowship with several other school families!
Opportunities to Use your Gifts for Children:
1. OASIS International Tutoring Program
Immanuel needs some older adults to work with individual children, helping them improve their reading and
writing skills. We have more children who need the help than we have helpers! The training for this program
will be held in September. Volunteers in this program are privileged to see the growth in the students they
work with and know that the improvement is, in part, because of their loving effort. Please contact Mrs. Meyr
for more information about the program.
2. Early Childhood Volunteers
Can you help work with early childhood teachers one morning per month? Volunteers do multiple tasks such
as laminating materials, cutting out ‘stuff’, and grading papers. We can always use a few more parents, grandparents, or just members of the congregation to help out! Please consider serving the school in this capacity
and call the school office to sign up!
FACTS Program
Families who choose to pay member fees or tuition on a monthly basis should have already signed the FACTS
form in the school office. If you have not already done so, please see Erin immediately. Families have the choice of
payments beginning August 5th or August 20th.
(Continued to Page 5)
9733 Olive Blvd., Olivette, Mo 63132
Page 5
(Continued from Page 4)
Facility Updates
We are very thankful for the dedicated volunteers who have been making much needed improvements to our
church and school during these summer months. All of the improvements will certainly benefit staff and students
in the coming year!
Lutheran Malaria Initiative
We are excited to be supporting the LCMS’s Lutheran Malaria Initiative through our chapel offerings this year.
We pray that our gifts will be beneficial as we work together to end malaria deaths in Africa.
August 10
Faculty Bible Study
August 15
School Registration 4-7 p.m.
August 20
P.S.C.E. Family Night – Open classrooms
August 22
First Day of School!!
September 3
Labor Day – no school
September 14
Picture Day
September 21-23 Church Campout Weekend
Welcome to the Following New Members
Rachel and Jonathan Dobbs were looking for a church home and found Immanuel a friendly place and
joined by adult confirmation. They have two daughters, Elizabeth, 7, and Evelyn, 4. They live in St. John
and Jon is starting his own construction business – he does siding, roofing, remodeling – anything but
electrical. Rachel is a stay at home mom and has been called a domestic goddess. They enjoy fishing,
sports and outdoor activities.
Stephen Rutherford transferred from Trinity Lutheran Church in Morrill, NE – near Scottsbluff. He was a
classmate of Pastor Karg at the seminary and has stayed on as a graduate student working on his PhD
in Systematic Theology. He did his field work at St. Jacobi in Jennings and his vicarage at St. Paul in Union Grove, WI. Now with 1-2 years to go on his graduate degree he has come to Immanuel where he
hopes to be able to work with the Youth. In his spare time, he likes to read.
Amy and Jonathan Dunbar are former members of Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Creve Coeur and
members of the recent adult confirmation class. They came to Immanuel after sending their daughter to
Kindergarten here last year. Caleb, 8, will be in the 3rd grade; Erika, 6, will be in 1st grade and Analise, 2,
is a future Immanuel student. Jonathan is an engineer for Boeing and Amy is a part time nurse at Barnes
-Jewish Hospital. Amy likes to read and work with dogs, and Jonathan loves to play golf and basketball.
Latrice Tate joined Immanuel by adult confirmation. She wanted to send her son Emil, 5, to Immanuel
School. She is a probation and parole officer for the Missouri Department of Corrections. Her husband,
Errol, has not joined at this time, but he is a project manager for the University City Public Works Department. Latrice enjoys time with her family and wants to continue to grow in her faith.
Rev. Gregory Williamson transferred to Immanuel from Trinity Lutheran Church in Cedar City, UT. In
1986 he was commissioned as an Army chaplain and has spent the past 26 years in that field. He was a
chaplain in Korea when he was called to be the Chief Mission Officer for the LCMS where he now works
at the International Center. His wife, Jackie, is in the process of transferring her membership from Our
Redeemer Lutheran Church in Fayetteville, NC. They have two grown sons who are both married and
one granddaughter. Jackie is originally from Staunton, IL and still has friends in this area. She is a
teacher’s aid for a Christian School in Fayetteville. They are already Cardinal fans and enjoy watching
sporting events.
Page 6
+
CONFIRMA
ION
+
MINIS
Confirmation Gearing Up!
Anchor
RY
It’s hard to believe, but we are already getting ready for another great year of
confirmation ministry! What a blessing to have over 40 young adults in grades 68, and what an opportunity we have to instruct, model and grow together in the faith! We ask for your
prayers each day for the young people, boldly striving to grow towards their faithful God in a very ungodly world!
Parents! You should have received a letter (or will soon) inviting you to an orientation/information
meeting in August. If you did not receive a letter, please see Pastor Karg ASAP!
* Parents of 6th and 7th graders will meet Tuesday, August 21, at 7:00 pm in the Fellowship Hall for
dessert and coffee, orientation (6th grade) and time with the mentors for planning. We will be done NO
LATER THAN 9 pm!
* Parents of 8th graders will meet Wednesday, August 22, at 7:00 pm in the Fellowship Hall for a
dessert/coffee, and a meeting designed to inform you of important information regarding your child’s
final year leading to the Rite of Confirmation. Mentors will be present for a little calendar planning as
well.
IMPORTANT!
Please be sure to bring the activity fee
and the enclosed health form with you to the meeting,
with your insurance card copied as directed on the form!!
6th Grade Students will meet on Wednesday, August 29, from 5:30 to 7:00 pm in the Fellowship Hall
for an Orientation Meeting. We will discuss the instruction, homework, memory, exams, activities, etc.,
and conduct training for serving as acolytes. We will begin with a pizza supper (please bring $3 to help
offset costs); the youth will also meet their mentors this evening.
It is very important for you to be at these events!
*** Please RSVP to the church office (993-2394) ***
(You will be called if we do not hear from you!)
Attention All College Students (and Parents!)
Are you planning on attending college in the fall? Want to get little packages of
fun sent to you before your exams? Well then Immanuel’s College Care is looking
for you! Forward your name and mailing information and you’ll receive a little box
of snacks and fun stuff to remind you that we are thinking of you back home!
There are 2 mailings per school year prior to both semester finals. Each school
has a different exam time, winter and summer breaks, so please include that information if possible. The items sent to you are non-perishable but we would like
to see you receive it before your exam crunch-time and to not have it left at
your post office to be sent back.
(Continued to Page 7)
9733 Olive Blvd., Olivette, Mo 63132
senior high
YOU H
Page 7
The Teacher in
Ecclesiastes tells us,
“There is a time for everything,
and a season for every
activity under heaven…
(Eccl. 3:1)
…a time to study…
Sunday Morning Study: Sundays in the Youth Room (East Building), 9:30 – 10:15 am. We don’t take a break just
because it is summer…come and get your spot on the couch for a time of sharing and Bible study with your peers.
…a time to serve…
To Anderson, Indiana and back. That is where 29 youth and four adult leaders went the week of July 8-15. Anderson, Indiana is the home of SonRise Camp, a ministry of Lutheran Disability Ministries. SonRise Camp is a great
opportunity for volunteers to share their Christian faith and a fun camp experience with an adult who is mentally impaired. SonRise is both a faith sharing, faith growing and a life changing experience. Watch for personal accounts by
these servant youth to be shared in an upcoming issue of the Anchor.
…a time for fellowship…
Here are a couple of the things going on in August:
R
IO
N
SE
H
HIG
Friday, August 3, 2012, is our Sr. Youth Lock-In! 7:30 pm – 7:30 am. We will meet at
Immanuel for a night of fellowship and fun! Activities will include hand-printing the wall
in the
Youth Room, free time and games in the gym, a short devotion with guest speaker, Pastor Keener, and more! Please
wear old clothes, socks and tennis shoes and bring $7 to cover pizza, snacks and a light breakfast. To RSVP or for
questions call Casey Herter at 314-651-5269.
Saturday, August 11, 7 – 10 pm, Immanuel Youth are invited to the Five 14 Revolution, featuring Mynista. This
event is being held at the Chesterfield Amphitheater. This is a huge back to school concert for teens and young adults.
There will be food; prizes and fellowship along with dedicated Christian musicians performing “live.” Five 14 is a
ministry of Lutheran Hour Ministries. For more information check it out at www.whatsfive14.com.
National Youth Gathering 2013 Informational Meeting, Thursday, August 30th, 7:00 pm, Fellowship Hall
(Continued from Page 6)
The packages that are assembled and sent to you are courtesy of Immanuel’s Women’s Guild, Men’s
Club, PSCE, and Ladies of Bazaar. They have generously contributed every year to make this happen. Sometimes a few special individuals contribute items or monetary gifts as well. Your Immanuel
family wants to keep you close to your church (and school) and we hope we have accomplished this
by sending the care packages!
Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call or email me.
I know we are all busy at this time, but the earlier the information is sent in the better
count there is for purchasing and mailing. The deadline for incoming information is
November 1st. Thank you in advance and God’s blessings to you!
Karen Schrader – 314.427.1831 or luv2escape@att.net
P.S. To the 2012 college graduates – Congratulations! We hope you have enjoyed the
packages from Immanuel! May God bless you in your future successes!
Anchor
Page 8
Invitation to Volunteer
with
“International Student
Ministry-St. Louis”
Official Acts
MEMBERSHIP UPDATE
DECEASED:
Join ISM-St. Louis as we welcome new international students with our Welcome & Furniture Give-Away. Most students arrive in St. Louis with just a
few suitcases. Upon arrival, one of their first tasks is to furnish
their apartments with basic items. ISM-St. Louis helps by collecting used furniture and household items in "ready to use"
condition. If you have articles to donate, please email your
name, address, phone number and list of household items to
Chris Culley at wufurnituregiveaway@gmail.com or call him
at 314-452-6406.
If you have small items to donate, please contact Becky
Shaw or bring it to the Shaw garage where things are presently
being stored. If you have large items or many items, please
contact Chris as mentioned above.
On Saturday, Aug. 18, volunteers set up everything in a
covered parking garage at Wash. U. Then, we distribute everything to the students and help deliver the items to their apartments. If you would like to help, please contact Chris Culley
(see above). If you have a van or pick-up truck, please bring it
on Saturday the 18th.
Suggestions for Furniture/Household Item Donations:
dressers, desks, beds/futons, mattresses, small tables, chairs,
small sofas, book cases, pots & pans, rice cookers and other
small kitchen appliances, dishes, cups, glasses, silverware,
bowls, lamps, bed linens, towels, kitchen gadgets, rugs and
bicycles.
Charles Palm on June 29, 2012
MARRIAGES:
Katherine Rueckert to Matthew
Gonzalez on June 30, 2012
Ross Carter to Amanda Jackson on
July 13, 2012
MEMBER UPDATES
Change:
Nicole Cruz
249 Crescent Avenue
Valley Park, MO 63088
314.625.0357 Zone 2
Jackie Getz
No Forwarding Address
Katherine Gonzalez
712 Revere Avenue
Bronx, NY 10465
Herter—314.651.5269
Kevin Huckshold
8681 Old Towne Dr., Apt. A
University City, MO 63130
314.304.4647 Zone 3
Delete:
Charles Palm
Deadline
SUNDAY, AUGUST 12TH
Articles can be placed in the Anchor Mailbox
in the fellowship hall or e-mailed in a Microsoft
Word document type format (*.doc) to
Anchor@immanuelolivette.org
9733 Olive Blvd., Olivette, Mo 63132
Page 9
Hi Immanuel Family. It's Angus writing in mid July. We've just
come through some of the very warmest weather I've ever experienced. Thank goodness we've had air conditioning, except for
the one day the thermostat died, and the repairman came quickly
and replaced it. Since I last wrote, I've been to Katie Rueckert's
wedding and the funeral of my friend, Charlie Palm. Angela says
that life is like that, where joy is mixed with sadness. Charlie and I had a special
bond, and the last time I saw him in the hospital, I snuggled next to him and he knew that I was there. I
gave him a stuffed yellow labrador for Christmas because he really liked me. His dog needs no food/water,
walking or outside trips. He just wanted to be loved, and Charlie certainly knew how to love him. At the
luncheon after the funeral, Angela and I met so many of Charlie and Laura's family and friends. Angela
says that Laura will be ok as long as she has lots of family and friends to support her now. I guess what
I'm saying to all of you is that we should be "Kind and tenderhearted" (Eph4:32.) Stop by for a quick visit;
maybe take a lunch to share; offer to drive Laura to church (usually late service or Saturday evening);
make a friendly call just to see how things are going. By the time you read this, the kids and grandkids will
be looking for their school supply lists, shopping for new shoes (their feet probably grew a bunch since
May) and getting excited about the prospect of a new school year. In order to help all of you get into the
mode of learning facts, here are a few interesting things which you may or may not find in your first week
of homework: a beaver's home is called a lodge. Elephants need 3 to 4 hours of sleep while mice require 14
hours per night. Humans are somewhere in between. The candy bar which was designed to taste like a
chocolate milkshake was the Milky Way. Snickers is the best selling candy bar in the world and a clumsy
customer named the Butterfinger. I know that you feel so much smarter now, and on that note, I'll say see
you next month. You know what to do, email angelaleah@sbcglobal.net or call 428-9353.
Crossed Paws
Love ya lots, Angus
Anchor Policy
Heat Wave Safety Tips from the
National Weather Service
The editors and layout team work very hard at
putting together a high quality publication for our
communication and enjoyment. The congregation is
asked to assist these individuals by adhering to the
following policies.
Slow down. Reduce, eliminate or reschedule strenuous
activities until the coolest time of the day. Children, seniors
and anyone with health problems should stay in the coolest
available place, not necessarily indoors.
1) All articles or information must either be given to
Rita Eckert or sent to the following email address:
anchor@immanuelolivette.org.
Put less fuel on your inner fires. Foods, like meat and
other proteins that increase metabolic heat production, also
increase water loss.
2) The deadline for receiving an Anchor article is the
2nd Sunday of the month unless stated otherwise
(deadlines are published in the Anchor and weekly
announcements).
3) Due to changes in personal schedules and commitments, the Anchor team can no longer assure
that an article or item received after the monthly
deadline will make the upcoming issue. Any information that is not time-sensitive will be held for the
following month.
+Pastor Rueckert+
Dress for summer. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing
to reflect heat and sunlight.
Drink plenty of water, non-alcoholic and decaffeinated
fluids. Your body needs water to keep cool. Drink plenty of
fluids even if you don't feel thirsty. Persons who have epilepsy or heart, kidney or liver disease, are on fluid restrictive
diets or have a problem with fluid retention should consult a
physician before increasing their consumption of fluids. Do
not drink alcoholic beverages and limit caffeinated beverages.
During excessive heat periods, spend more time in airconditioned places. Air conditioning in homes and other
buildings markedly reduces danger from the heat. If you
cannot afford an air conditioner, go to a library, store or other location with air conditioning for part of the day.
Don't get too much sun. Sunburn reduces your body's
ability to dissipate heat.
Do not take salt tablets unless specified by a physician.
Page 10
Anchor
Co-Worker Retreat
Light of Christ co-workers (similar to Church Council) had a retreat on July
4. Twenty adults used their mid-week holiday to learn about the Body of
Christ, brainstorm vision ideas, and have fellowship at King of Kings Lutheran Church in Chesterfield. Most co-workers have children who came for a
special program led by Doua and Sue Xiong (field worker at Immanuel and
summer cross-culture module student at Light of Christ).
The devotions, topics, and discussions for the day centered about the Biblical teaching of Christ’s Body based on a book by
Dr. Paul Brand and Philip Yancey entitled Fearfully and Wonderfully Made. Pastor Shaw led devotions to set the
groundwork for the day.
Immediately after the opening devotion, we shared our favorite Bible verses and how they impact our lives. We found that
the most favorite verses are Psalm 23 and I Corinthians 13.
The first session was led by Frank, Hui, and Xiaoye and based on chapter three “diversity”. The group shared the analogy
of a church as a tree:
Root – our individual spiritual life, devotions and prayers
Trunk – our daily lives, witnessing God’s glory
Canopy – our service and fellowship
We also shared the traits of a healthy church. They summarized the chapter and then everyone broke into three groups to
discuss questions and Bible passages. At the end of this session participants encouraged each other by sharing special qualities displayed in each other.
Xinming and Xinfeng led the second session on the topic of “unity”. They also taught the essence of the chapter and led
discussion through questions and Bible passages. At the end of the session, we read together a passage from the book:
“The process of joining Christ’s Body may at first seem like a renunciation. I no longer have full independence. Ironi
cally, however, renouncing my old value system … and committing myself to Christ, the Head, abruptly frees me. My
sense of competition fades… In my new identity my ideal has become to live my life in such a way that people around
me recognize Jesus Christ and His love, not my own set of distinctive qualities….”
Jay and Laura a husband-wife team led the third session on the topic of “service”. The group looked at key passages in the
New Testament listing the spiritual gifts. We broke into small groups to discuss God’s love. During the discussion, we found
that it is difficult to “love” people we don’t like. However, if we are to love people’s souls, their unlovable behaviors and personality become secondary. We also discussed in length the verse “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35)
Towards the end of the retreat, we broke into small groups to share our journey of spiritual growth. Sharing in spiritual
growth in the lives of Light of Christ members included:
“When I first became a Christian I read the Bible but it was difficult to understand. Now, I love to read God’s Word and
find many precious passages.”
“When I first became a Christian, only I went to church. Now my husband is baptized also and goes too. We have developed
family-like relationships with church members and enjoy serving.”
“I would like to not only have family devotions but also teach my children to memorize Scripture.”
“Since my husband began doing translation at church he has had to read the Bible more to prepare for the translation. It is
really encouraging to me when I hear him sharing some things he’s learned with the family.”
We also shared the history of Light of Christ, how the mission has grown, and how God has blessed the ministry.
We witnessed God’s grace as we wrote down the co-workers’ visions for Light of Christ during the last session: Each coworker share the gospel and invite at least 1 person/family to Light of Christ; more Bible study classes, more coworkers, members
starting prayer meetings and Bible studies at work, mission trips to China,….
The retreat ended with a devotion led by Pastor Shaw. We are all part of the church. We are Light of Christ. We left the
retreat fully charged, knowing that God’s blessings are overflowing at Light of Christ.
9733 Olive Blvd., Olivette, Mo 63132
CALENDAR PAGE
Page 11
IMMANUEL LUTHERAN
CHURCH & SCHOOL
9733 OLIVE BOULEVARD
SAINT LOUIS, MISSOURI 63132
NON-PROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
PERMIT NO.1576
ST. LOUIS, MO.
Address Service Requested