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CALVARY COMMENT October 2017

Stewardship Corner

Luther’s Take on Stewardship As we approach the 500th Anniversary of the beginning of the Reformation, All Saints’ Eve, 1517, when Martin Luther posted the Ninety-Five Theses to the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, it is a good time to hear from Luther himself on the topic of giving and stewardship.  In the Small Catechism under the Table of Duties, Martin Luther gives specific Bible passages to help Christians know their duty in their various vocations as members of their family, society at large, and in God’s family, the Church – check it out.

from the Pastor

Reformation is About Jesus, Not Martin October 31, 2017 stands as the 500th Anniversary of the beginning of the Protestant Reformation. So far this year, we have marked this quincentennial with activities highlighting the work of Martin Luther as a reformer of the Church. Over the summer, we held the Sunday morning studies using the curriculum produced by Lutheran Hour Ministries about Luther and the time in which he lived. Some of you may have watched the new documentary “Martin Luther: The Idea That Changed the World” that recently aired on our local PBS station.

More events this month will be part of that commemoration. On October 29, we will use a special order of worship in our Divine Service modeled after the reforms that Luther made. We will also have the opportunity to join our fellow LCMS parishioners in Myerstown later that afternoon for Evening Prayer.

Marking the beginning of the Protestant Reformation is worth our attention. But as we recall the event that helped spark the movement—Luther’s drafting of 95 points of academic debate concerning the sale of indulgences—that is not ultimately what we are honoring. We are not rejoicing at the beginning of a new Church. Nor are we hallowing every act that Luther performed. This joyous commemoration of the Protestant Reformation is focused on revisions of teachings and practices within the Western Church to abide by the Scriptures and to properly recognize Jesus’ role as our Redeemer.

The primary document of the Lutheran Confession of faith—the Augsburg Confession—makes that point clearer. If you’ve never read this document, please do so (https://www.lcms.org/about/beliefs/lutheran-confessions). Of particular interest are two summary statements made in that credal text [emphasis added]:

This is nearly a complete summary of the teaching among us. As can be seen, there is nothing here that departs from the Scriptures or the catholic church, or from the Roman church, insofar as we can tell from its writers. Because this is so, those who claim that our people are to be regarded as heretics judge too harshly. The entire dissension concerns a few specific abuses, which have crept into the churches without any proper authority. Even if there were some difference in these matters, the bishops should have been so lenient as to bear with us on account of the confession we have now recounted. For even the canons are not so severe as to demand that rites should be the same everywhere, nor have the rites of all churches ever been the same. Nevertheless, the ancient rites are, for the most part,

continued on page 2

Calvary Evangelical Lutheran Church

The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod English District

208 Woods Drive, PO Box 374 Mechanicsburg, PA 17055

The Rev. Luke T. Zimmerman, Pastor

Church Office: 717.697.9771 Preschool: 717.796.1369

Email: CalvaryLutheranChurch@verizon.net

Parish Web Site: www.calvarylutheranmechanicsburg.org

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diligently observed among us. For the accusation is false that all ceremonies and ancient ordinances are abolished in our churches. Truth is, there has been a public outcry that certain abuses have become fused to the common rites. Because such abuses could not be approved with a good conscience, they have been corrected to some extent. [AC, Conclusion of Part One]

We have recounted the chief articles that are regarded as controversial. For although more abuses could be mentioned, we have included only the principal ones to avoid prolixity. There have been grave complaints about indulgences, pilgrimages, and the misuse of excommunication. Parishes have been vexed by preachers who sell indulgences. There have been endless quarrels between pastors and monks concerning parochial rights, confessions, burials, and countless other matters. We have omitted matters of this sort so that the chief points, having been briefly set forth, can be more readily understood. Nothing has here been said or related to insult anyone. Only those things have been recounted which seemed to need saying. This was done in order that it may be understood that nothing has been accepted among us, in teaching or ceremonies, that is contrary to Scripture or the catholic church. For it is manifest that we have most diligently been on guard so that no new or ungodly doctrines creep into our churches. [AC, Conclusion]

What started as a debate over the sale of indulgences morphed into something greater. At the heart of the reforms of teaching and practice made by our Lutheran forefathers was removal of anything contrary to what the Scriptures taught, particularly what they spoke concerning the person and work of Jesus. Though some individuals may support the Reformation for other reasons, the goal of Luther and the other Reformers was not a revolution or the start of a new Church.

Various historical interpretations of the Reformation exist. But we should not turn Reformation Day into an ecclesiastical analogy to our American Independence Day. Most definitely it should not be treated as equivalent to Bastille Day! Instead, we should commemorate the Reformation as a gracious act that the LORD has allowed His Church to participate in, but which is only beneficial if it is received under His divine guidance that He provides in the Scriptures. That graciousness is most highly expressed in giving salvation and new life to those who place their trust and reliance in Him. This is the central doctrine that we as Lutherans hold, as stated in the first six articles of the Augsburg Confession:

[I] The churches among us teach with complete unanimity that the decree of the Council of Nicea concerning the unity of the divine essence and concerning the three persons is true and is to be believed without any doubt. That is to say, there is one divine essence which is called God and is God: eternal, incorporeal, indivisible, of immeasurable power, wisdom, and goodness, the creator and preserver of all

things, visible and invisible. Yet, there are three persons, coeternal and of the same essence and power: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. And the term “person” is used for that meaning which the church’s authors used in this case: to signify not a part or a quality in another but that which subsists in itself.They condemn all heresies that have arisen against this article, such as that of the Manichaeans, who posited two principles, one good and the other evil; likewise, those of the Valentinians, Arians, Eunomians, Mohammedans, and all others like them. They also condemn the Samosatenians, old and new, who contend that there is only one person and cleverly and impiously argue that the Word and the Holy Spirit are not distinct persons but that “Word” signifies a spoken word and “Spirit” a created movement in things.

[II] Likewise, they teach that since the fall of Adam all human beings who are propagated according to nature are born with sin, that is, without fear of God, without trust in God, and with concupiscence. And they teach that this disease or original fault is truly sin, which even now damns and brings eternal death to those who are not born again through baptism and the Holy Spirit.They condemn the Pelagians and others who deny that the original fault is sin and who, in order to diminish the glory of Christ’s merits and benefits, argue that human beings can be justified before God by their own powers of reason.

[III] Likewise, they teach that the Word, that is, the Son of God, took upon himself human nature in the womb of the blessed Virgin Mary so that there might be two natures, divine and human, inseparably conjoined in the unity of one person, one Christ, truly God and truly a human, being “born of the Virgin Mary,” who truly “suffered, was crucified, died, and was buried” that he might reconcile the Father to us and be a sacrifice not only for original guilt but also for all actual sins of human beings. He also “descended into hell, and on the third day he was” truly “resurrected.” Thereafter, “he ascended into heaven” in order to “sit at the right hand of the Father,” and he will reign forever and have dominion over all creatures. He will sanctify those who believe in him by sending into their hearts the Holy Spirit, who will rule, console, and make them alive and defend them against the devil and the power of sin. The same Christ will publicly “return to judge the living and the dead…,” according to the Apostles’ Creed.

[IV] Likewise, they teach that human beings cannot be justified before God by their own powers, merits, or works. But they are justified as a gift on account of Christ through faith when they believe that they are received into grace and that their sins are forgiven on account of Christ, who by his death made satisfaction for our sins. God reckons this faith as righteousness (Rom. 3 and 4).

[V] So that we may obtain this faith, the ministry of teaching the gospel and administering the sacraments was instituted. For through the Word and the sacraments as through instruments the Holy Spirit is given, who effects faith where and when it pleases God in those who hear the gospel, that is to say, in those who hear that God, not on account of our own merits but on account of Christ, justifies those who believe that they are received into grace on account of Christ. Galatians 3: “So that we might

continued on page 6

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Upcoming Dates

Saturday, October 7 Clothing Closet 11am-1pm

Sunday, October 15 LWML Sunday

Sunday, October 29 500th Anniversary of Reformation Service & Dinner at Myerstown 4pm

Tuesday, November 7 Election Day No Preschool

Wednesday, November 22 Thanksgiving Service 7:30 pm

Sunday, January 28 New Member Welcome Dinner 6 pm

Church Council Report: September 2017 Deacons: The Board of Deacon approved an updated funeral guidelines. It approved a resource for home visits that includes administering Communion to homebound if the Pastor is incapacitated. All these items will be included in a book to make smooth transitions among Deacons.Education: Sunday School started September 10 with 22 students participating.Evangelism: Operation Barnabas will now provide minutes of their meetings to Chair Bob Gaffney. Pastor will let the Board know of new members in preparation for a New Member Welcome Dinner. Postcards about Calvary will be made up and given to those who visit the Clothing Closet. Alanna Sullivan and Pastor Zimmerman will coordinate on updating the church’s Facebook page and Calvary Website. A letter to frequent visitors will be drafted and sent.Stewardship: Greg Foster is now a member of the Board. Presentation of pledge/commitment cards is under discussion.Trustees: HL Bowman is being contacted about a heat pump issue. One lawn mower is being repaired and there is discussion on the purchase of a lawn mower at discounted cost. After inspection by a professional, there will be no need to repair or replace the pavilion roof.Youth: Two upcoming events are planned for the fall: a hike on September 24 and a ping-pong or hayride event in October 22 along with a showing of the Luther movie.Other Business: Hurricane relief collections will continue to be made known via inserts and digital media.

Preschool NewsFall is here and October brings another month of Preschool fun.

This month our Bible Stories begin with The Ten Plagues. We will be discussing the lengths God went to for the Israelites to be free from Egypt and what God does for us today.

Moses’ Dry Feet will be our next story. During waterplay this week we are going to try and part water like Moses’ did to the Red Sea. That should be interesting!

The last story for this month will be Jericho’s Tumbling Walls. We are going to build domino trains and watch them fall.

We are also going to have a visit from the Fire Department mid-month for Fire Safety Week and a Halloween Parade for the kiddos at the end of the month.

In Christ’s Love,

Ms. Valora

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CelebrateOctober Birthdays

5 Stephanie Yerger 6 Sara Neagley 9 Timothy Rogers 10 Wade Friedrich 24 Fred Issel

October Anniversaries 2 Woody & Susan Flickinger 17 Fred & Linda Issel 24 Robert & Dorothy Gaffney 24 Earl & Mary Ellen Soliday

Baby Bottle Blast ResultsAlthough there are still 6 bottles out, Calvary donated a total of $1,116.29 to the Capital Area Pregnancy Center for their annual fund-raiser. That was an increase of $210.37 over last year’s collection.

As of August 11, the CAPC received over $103,000 in donations to continue this life and death ministry.

If you still have a bottle, give it to Linda Goheen, full or empty. That will help the cost of buying new bottles next year.

Praise to God for the gifts He gives us which can be used for His work.

LWML/Ladies’ Aid Activities LWML Sunday is set for Sunday, October 15. The ladies will serve as ushers, greeters, and provide the social hour on that day.

Wreath Fundraiser Ready to Start: The Ladies Aid Society runs an annual Wreath Sale to help defray expenses for Brett Witmer, our current Seminary student. By asking your neighbors, Facebook friends, colleagues at work and other family members, you can brighten

up the season with a lovely live wreath and help train another minister to spread the Gospel. Take orders during October and submit the total number (with payment) by November 5. Wreath

delivery will be on Sunday, November 19—the Sunday before Thanksgiving. See the flyer in the Narthex. Questions about this fundraiser can be directed to Kay Ardner (717-682-8991).

NHM Christmas Blessings Collections will take place in November. Unwrapped

gifts are given to New Hope Ministries for distribution in December. More info next month.

����������� CHOIR NOTES ������������� Much has happened in the Choir Room over the summer and into the fall. Donna Foster, Edith Pallman, Sherry Prensner, Diane Trimmer, and Elsa Quanbeck have taken inventory of all the music, cataloged it and made a master list of the octavos and collections. Donna Foster entered all of the titles into the computer and so we now have an electronic copy available. Thanks to all who helped with this project.

The room has been rearranged to accommodate the singers who have signed up for fall. Christine Milbrath has agreed to accompany us. She is a freshman at Messiah College. Some folks have agreed to sing with us for certain festivals. See Elsa Quanbeck if you would like to sing for festival services.

The Children & Youth in the Sunday School will be learning some hymns and songs throughout the year. They will bring some of them to the Worship services from time to time. If you are a parent of one of these young persons, please encourage them and help them learn the words at home.

We continue to use supply organists for our services. Many have remarked about how well the congregation sings and your enthusiasm for the liturgy. This word has permeated the music community around us. Thanks for your witness to the community in this way.

Your encouragement and prayers of thanksgiving are helpful to all who give the gift of music in this congregation. Thank you!

It’s Apple Dumpling Time!THURSDAY, October 19 - There will be a crew working at Saint Stephen Lutheran Church in New Kingstown to give the apples their first cleaning using the old-time apple corer/peeler machines and then transporting the apples to Calvary.  This group will start at 8am.

Also at 8am volunteers at Calvary Lutheran Church will measure Crisco and dry ingredients and then mix that into dough for the apple dumplings. These activities are usually completed in a half-day.

FRIDAY, October 20 - Final prep of the apples, rolling dough, and then constructing the apple dumplings at Calvary beginning at 8am.  Baking will take place at Calvary and at the New Kingstown Fire Hall.  This process takes all day and lunch is provided.

The proceeds from the Community Apple Festival are earmarked for local families experiencing special needs.  Neither church retains any of the profit from the Apple Festival.

Sign up sheets for volunteers are posted in the Narthex. See Linda Goheen for more info.

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Contemplating Commitment It’s important that every member have an opportunity to express their commitment to the Lord in time, talent AND treasure.   We are called to give of all three. The things that God gives us are not to be pitted against one another. They are given to us and we are to press them all into God’s service for benefit of His church and our neighbors in need. Thus we give all three.

PARISH CASH FLOW REPORT (January 1-August 31, 2017)

INCOME GeneralOffering $111,638.89 MissionOffering 8,363.00 BuildingFund 9,840.00 PlateOffering 6,397.00Memorial 350.00 MyNeighbor 0.00IniGalOffering 137.00LentenOffering 1,820.00ThanksgivingOffering 0.00AdventOffering 0.00ChristmasOffering 35.00BuildingUse 250.00AscensionDay 70.00RefundIncome 641.00EasterOffering 1,190.00OtherIncome 4,890.00Epiphany 377.00AshWednesday 490.00GoodFriday 410.00MaundyThursday 275.00 ThriventChoiceDollars 1,224.00 LutheranWitness 209.00SundaySchool 36.00OperaGonBarnabas 3,020.00YouthGroup 310.00Preschool 28,484.86

TOTALINCOME $180,458.86

EXPENDITURES 1000 PastoralExpenses $61,032.73

(Salary&Benefits)2000 PersonnelExpenses 10,895.44

(Secretary,Organist)3000 RealEstateExpenses 21,869.07

(Insurance,U8li8es)4000 OperaGngExpenses 27,278.91

(Maintenance,Supplies)5000 MinistryExpenses 2,398.74

(BoardAc8vi8es)6000 MissionSupport 8,700.00

(DistrictPledge,NewHope,Seminarian)7000 MortgagePayments 3,880.968000 Non-BudgetedExpenditures 34,203.86

(Revolving,MyNeighbor,Memorial,Preschool)

BudgetedDisbursements $136,054.35

Non-BudgetedDisbursements $34,203.86

TOTALEXPENDITURES $170,258.21

NETCASHFLOW +$10,200.30

lcms ministry to the armed forces

OPERATION

New initiative underway Operation Barnabas has partnered with the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank to distribute food to active military families, veterans and their families in need. On the third Wednesday of each month, Calvary will be a distribution center for fresh foods from 2-4 pm. Please help the cause by getting the information below out to military families you may know so that they can register for this aid.

We could also use volunteers to sign up to work during distribution time. See Bob Ardner or Tam Lukens if you can help.

Calvary is the first church authorized to be a distribution point for this program, and we are looking forward to helping active military families as well as our veterans in need.

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CALVARY EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH208 Woods DriveP. O. Box 374Mechanicsburg, PA 17055-0374

Address Service Requested

Next Calvary Comment Deadline is Sunday, October 22, 2017.

If possible, send info to CalvaryComment@Verizon.net

receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.”They condemn the Anabaptists and others who think that the Holy Spirit comes to human beings without the external Word through their own preparations and works.

[VI] Likewise, they teach that this faith is bound to yield good fruits and that it ought to do good works commanded by God on account of God’s will and not so that we may trust in these works to merit justification before God. For forgiveness of sins and justification are taken hold of by faith, as the saying of Christ also testifies: “When you have done all [things]…say, ‘We are worthless slaves.’” The authors of the ancient church teach the same. For Ambrose says: “It is established by God that whoever believes in Christ shall be saved without work, by faith alone, receiving the forgiveness of sins as a gift.”

This is the heart of our Lutheran confession of faith, drawn from the Scriptures. That’s what the Reformation helped make clear again. It’s the worthy foundation for commemorating that movement within the Church’s history. Let that be what we treasure and truly celebrate, not just during this quincentennial year but until our Redeemer Jesus returns and we receive the fullness of everlasting life in the world to come.

…from the Pastor (continued from page 2)Voters Assembly ReportDuring the Special Voters AssemblyMeeGng held on Sunday, September10,members in a]endancediscussedand unanimously approved the hiringof a church organist and proposedsalary recommendaGons ($14,268 to$20,500) The Organist Commi]eecomposed of Jim Blockus, JoanneLamm and Bonnie Schulte will beginthe adverGsing, interviewing andhiring process. Please conGnue tokeep this need and commi]eemembers in your prayers, as well asthe individualwhowillulGmately joinCalvaryasourorganist.

CouncilPresidentRayMillerexpressedhis appreciaGon on behalf of Calvaryto Elsa Quanbeck for her dedicaGonand efforts to fill the vacant posiGonwithsubsGtuteorganists.