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St.
Mark Newsletter |
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Elijah went before the people and said, “How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him.” The spiritual options before the people could hardly have been more distinct: -- On the one hand was the LORD. He gave the people life, taught them his mercy and forgiveness through the animal sacrifices, through his prophets pleaded with them to walk with him in obedience, and promised them eternal life through the Savior he would send. To be connected to him called for trust in his Word and living by faith in that Word of promise. -- On the other hand was Baal, the god of their vivid imagination and steamy, self-centered lusts. This was the god who supposedly churned up the rain clouds that brought moisture for the crops. To appeal to him, though, meant immoral acts in Baal’s worship centers, gratifying their sensual lusts – all in the name of “worship.” Faith? Obedience? Morality? Trust? None of these fit this brand of “spirituality.” It was all about oneself and gratifying the senses. For the people of God to whom Elijah and others had been preaching the name of the LORD for years, what was there to waver about? Yet “waver” is exactly what they did! But the people said nothing. Incredible! Well, not really. The sinful nature is strong. The unholy trinity of “Me, Myself and I” lives in every person from birth. The people of Elijah’s day – people who heard the Word from that and other prophets – still bought into the Baal worship because it appealed to their senses, their sensuality, their “selves.” Only the LORD’s mighty acts made them realize that “the LORD, he is God!” later that day. That sinful self lives in each of us, too. We absolutely need the Holy Spirit to knock that sinful self off its pedestal in our hearts. Without the Spirit working through the Word and sacraments we’re easy prey for the devil, too, and for worshiping the Baals of our age. What convinces us to trust the LORD as our God is not our feelings or emotions. No, it’s the powerful proof of God’s love for us, displayed for all to see in Jesus on the cross for our sins and risen from the dead for our life. It’s the power of the Word! Here is all the basis we need to hold a clear opinion and an unwavering conviction: “The LORD, he is my God!” God’s Word be your life’s strength and unwavering guide this month and always. - Pastor Prahl
Gwen and her husband, Orval, recently moved to Eau Claire in June transferring from Christ the Vine in Temecula, located in the southwest corner of California. They both were born and raised in Wisconsin and moved to California in 1972 where Orval took a job. Orval was called home to be with our Lord on his 82nd birthday, August 4th. Gwen is happy to be back in Wisconsin living with her 2nd son, Wayne & daughter in law, Cecilia, on the east side of Eau Claire. The oldest of 4 sons, Dennis, lives in Oshkosh, and the 2 younger sons, Dale and Ward live in California. Gwen is also blessed with a total of 6 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.
Tim, Sheri, Jacob, Abigayle and Mikayla Runge recently transferred from one St. Mark to another; St. Mark, Green Bay to St. Mark, Eau Claire. Tim owns and operates a business called Film Tech in Stanley and Sheri is a busy "stay at home mom". Before moving, Tim was an usher and he and Sheri both were involved in church activities such as the Greeter program and on various committees. The kids will attend St. Mark School this year; Jacob will be in 5th grade, Abigayle 3rd, and Mikayla 1st. The family enjoys going to their cottage near Marinette, WI, camping and their family pet, an English setter named Penny. We welcome them!!!
The Fuhrman family of 6 lives in Menomonie and has recently joined St. Mark. Paul works at the family owned business called Fuhrman Tax Service. He is a “do it yourselfer” enjoys working with wood and building things. Laurie is a Christian day school teacher, taking time off to be a stay-at-home mom. Oldest son, Nathan, 16, will be a Jr. at Menomonie H.S. His interests are playing the trumpet, basketball & tennis. Steven is in 8th grade at St. Mark & likes to swim, play trombone & board games. Kevin will be in 6th grade at St. Mark and plays all sports, his favorite is basketball. Jacob is looking forward for school to start. He will be in Mrs. Bandelin’s class this year. He plays the trumpet, likes to swim and building things out of Legos. Worship and Bible Study Opportunities for you each week Sundays: we gather to worship our Savior at 8:00 and 10:00 am Mondays: we gather to worship at 6:30 pm Wednesdays: Get an overview of Christian teaching with the Bible Information class at 6:30 pm. Saturdays: we gather to worship at 5:30 pm Sunday School registration is September 9, classes start September 16. Two pastor-led Bible studies will begin Sunday, September 16 at 9:15 am. I was glad when they said to me: "Let us go to the house of the Lord" - Ps 84 Contact Us
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News and Notes at St. Mark Four Worship Services Per Weekend In addition to worship why not pick out a Bible study group to sit in on. You can get in the discussion, ask questions or just listen. Whatever you chose, the exposure to God’s truth will feed your faith and guide your life. See the listings on the previous page. Sign up in the Commons soon. Sunday School Registration will take place between services on Sunday, Sept 9th. Contact Andy Schlafer if you have questions. WINGS (Women in God's Service) Memberships. We welcome into our Christian family … David Mattern and Brandon Poeschel - released to their own spiritual care. Baptized in a private ceremony on August 12 was McKenna Jane Mayer, daughter of Noah & Ruth (Johnston) Mayer. From the Council meeting of July 17 … • The Debt Reduction Campaign is amazing, with over $43,000 received. We thank our generous God! Over-and-above gifts may still be given through Sept 30. The key to success on this effort though is regular, as-you-are-blessed giving that adequately supports all our ministry effort week in and week out. Are you a St Mark member attending college? Send us your school address, phone no. and e-mail address so we can stay in touch with you. Do it today. A new Bible Info Class starts up Wed, Sept 12 from 6:30 – 8:30 each evening for ten weeks. Want to deepen your knowledge of God’s Word, find out what a confessional Lutheran is, anticipate joining St Mark, or all of the above? Then come. Contact either of our pastors for more information. Worship Choir begins rehearsals on Sept 5 at 6:30, followed by the Chamber Choir rehearsals at 7:30. Join in on this special opportunity to sing praises to our Lord and Savior. Flood Victim Relief Our synod’s Committee on Relief has given initial donations of $5,000 each to six churches to aid in initial cleanup efforts. We are mobilizing our Western Wisconsin District to continue to pray for all the flood victims and also to provide additional financial help through door offerings, etc. We will detail our plans on how we will help in the next couple of weeks. Synod Convention Update Arcadia Update The Builders for Christ volunteers leave Sept 9th. Because of delays much work will remain. We will provide news on these opportunities as they come up. STRETCH- GROW- STRENGTHEN Sundays @ 9:15 am – two Bible study options led by our pastors – starting September 16 Wednesdays @ 6:30 pm - Bible Information Class – overview of Christian teaching: what God has done for us and how we respond to his love - let us know if you need child care - starting Sept 12th. Contact the pastors. Thursdays @ 11:00 am – Lion Hearts – for all who can make it – starting Sept 6th. We will study from an exciting and well-written overview of the Old Testament called “From Sinai to Calvary.” Thursdays @ 6:00 pm – Campus Ministry study on campus in Davies Center – beginning Sept 13 Fridays @ 6:30 am – Men’s Bible Breakfast – returning to weekly gatherings on Sept 7th. Food and the Word. Alternating Fridays – Morning Moms – Bible study and get-together time for moms and kids – first one Sept 21st. Were not our hearts burning within us while (Jesus) talked with us … and opened the Scriptures to us? - Lk 24
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