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Mutatis mutandis - WELS, LCMS, ELS, CLC Following the Same Plunge into Nothingness - Aping ELCA and the Failed Church Growth Churches

December 31, 2014, 7:52 pm
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The frozen chosen -
having danced with the Spirit of this Age,
bound to be a widow in the Age to Come.
Mutatis mutandis is (literally) Latin for “with those things having been changed which need to be changed.” However, it is more often translated or understood to mean “the necessary changes having been made”. It essentially indicates that new terms have been substituted or that the reader should note any differences from the original and take them into consideration.

Has the Church of England Finally Kicked the Bucket?
COMMENTARY
By David W. Virtue
www.virtueonline.org
December 17, 2014

http://www.virtueonline.org/has-church-england-finally-kicked-bucket

"Is the Church of England busted flush," writes an Anglican priest.
"Of course the Church of England is busted flush and it has been so for decades: from the 1960s when it gave up believing the New Testament, the Resurrection, the Virgin Birth and Our Lord's miracles; through the 1970s and 1980s when it replaced the matchless liturgy of the English Church with trash and doggerel," writes the Rev. Dr. Peter Mullen.

Continuing into the 21st century and Archbishop Rowan Williams' last sermon before he retired wherein he stated, "The Church has a lot of catching up to do with secular mores."

Whatever happened to 'Be ye not conformed to this world...' as St. Paul urges. But of course the Apostle would be deemed homophobic by today's theological and ecclesiastical standards, deemed also hate-filled and more.
According to Mullen's First Law of Ecclesiastical Polity, which states that every succeeding Archbishop of Canterbury is bound to be worse than his predecessor, Justin "Oil" Welby has cancelled the 2018 Lambeth Conference of all the bishops from the Anglican Church worldwide.

Why?

"Because he can't face the prospect of all those wonderful, faithful, orthodox, devout and true bishops from Africa coming to London and telling him that he's got it all wrong about homosexuality and women in the episcopate."
So what will happen?

VOL believes that the Church of England is following the same disastrous trajectory as The Episcopal Church, which having brokered women and sodomy into the Church in all its forms, is now, as a result, shrinking. It will vanish within a generation.

TEC is now little more than a progressive version of a Country Club with a creed held together by a bunch of mainly upwardly mobile rich and very rich folk who keep it afloat by endowing buildings and kneelers unto the next and possibly last generation.

Witness the latest manifestation of its own decline by a group picked to tell us all about where TEC is now and where it might be going. It's an admission of failure but couched in episcobabble.

Members of a Task Force for Reimagining the Episcopal Church (TREC) recently presented a 73-page report, which says that the Church's structures and governance processes have not yet responded to the profound changes occurring across the country and around the world.

INTERPRETATION. We are out of touch with the country and world (and reality), but didn't mention the fact that they are also out of touch with "the faith once for all delivered to the saints." That never arose. No mention of sin and salvation, no mention of Scripture's authority. Nope, none of the above.

Then they made the shocking revelation that a shrinking church no longer requires two bodies to govern it; just one. The HOB and the HOD would become one voice. The fancy word is unicameral.

Then it fessed up that vast numbers of parishes are no longer financially self-sufficient with many disconnected from neighbors housed in expensive buildings. They also confessed that ordinands leaving seminary cannot find fulltime stipended parishes and face a mountain of debt. A church salary will not be enough to pay back loans or to live on, especially if the priest has a wife and a couple of kids.

Then came the Great Admission -- the inclusive church has failed to address what it calls "pressing issues." Really. The high and mighty church of inclusivity, diversity, and sodomy hasn't been able to attract new members! All the hoped for hype about gays mincing and dancing into Episcopal churches has not materialized. Oh, Crew (or is that Clay), wherefore art thou? What hath gone wrong? Speak up. Tell us please what hath sodomy wrought or done to fill empty pews! Oh Gene, Oh Otis, Oh Frank, tell us please.

And the Church of England wants to follow in the footsteps of TEC! What fools! Women priests and women bishops have not led a soul to Christ in TEC and won't in the C of E, either.

Meantime TEC and the Archbishop of Canterbury want to tell the rest of the Anglican Communion how to behave, how to be nicer to gays, and to include them in everything because the culture demands it.

Accommodating to the world is precisely what we as Christians are told not to do,.."Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will." -- Romans 12:2 (NIV)

What, if anything, about the Episcopal Church pleases God and does His will? Not much, if anything.
The Anglican Church in North America (ACNA) is now the new reality with over 100,000 members.
As Mullen observes of the CofE...it has now become a shameful, politically-correct, utterly secularized, completely compromised hypocritical, PC soft left, time-serving, contemptible shambles.

The sad truth is he only had to look across the Atlantic 20 years ago to see it coming. It's been staring the CofE in the face all that time. The Episcopal Church -- and now the C. of E. - are frankly apostate -- and proud of it.
END


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Bad News for Mark Jeske - IRS Does Not Allow a Non-Profit To Be a Den of Thieves Endless Conflicts of Interest: SynCons Are Thrivent's "Kept Women"

December 31, 2014, 8:09 pm
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Mark Jeske's deluxe home is not a parsonage.



WND EXCLUSIVE

ENQUIRER: JOEL OSTEEN CAUGHT IN FINANCIAL SCANDAL

Megapastor 'leveraging the church as a money-making vehicle'


Read more at http://www.wnd.com/2014/12/enquirer-joel-osteen-caught-in-financial-scandal/#bKT9xYAzxvzD7gCs.99
America’s most popular supermarket tabloid claims famous televangelist Joel Osteen “is caught up in a financial scandal,” using his Houston megachurch to sell his books.
The National Enquirer alleges that New York attorney Richard Garbarini – who previously helped two musicians in a lawsuit against Osteen and his Lakewood Church accusing the church of unauthorized use of a song – is charging that Osteen uses his Houston-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit to hawk his bestsellers.

No conflict of interest here -
WELS-ELS-LCMS offer their premises and periodicals to promote one business - Thrivent.
In return, LCMS alone gets 50 to 60 million dollars a year. Source: Matt Harrison.
Jeske is on the Thrivent board.
“He’s leveraging the church as a money-making vehicle! The church pays (to air) his sermons, which are just de facto infomercials to promote his books,” Garbarini purportedly told the Enquirer. “The Lakewood Church is a shell to funnel people to his website so he can sell his books.”
WND called Lakewood Church three times to ask for comment on the allegations, and each time the person answering offered to connect WND to a spokesperson but disconnected the phone call. The woman answering refused to provide any other contact information.

Time of Grace - book and non-profit program. 
The Lakewood Church website sells several of Osteen’s books, including his latest hot seller, “You Can, You Will.” The product listings do not indicate whether the proceeds of the sales go to the church or to Osteen himself. In 2005, Texas Monthly reported that Osteen contributed “a substantial portion of his earnings” from one of his books to the church.
The following is a screenshot of the Lakewood Church website:

Lakewood Church sells Joel Osteen’s books but does not indicate whether the proceeds go to Osteen or the church
The Internal Revenue Service states, “To be tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, an organization must be organized and operated exclusively for exempt purposes set forth in section 501(c)(3), and none of its earnings may inure to any private shareholder or individual.”
The Enquirer said, “Osteen’s rep called Garbarini’s allegations ‘false and baseless,’ adding: ‘For more than 50 years Lakewood Church has adhered to the highest standards of honesty and integrity.’”
The tabloid magazine also quotes Daniel Borochoff, head of the nonprofit watchdog Charity Watch, who argued that Garbarini may be right to be concerned.
“A non-profit needs to be acting in the public interest and not in the private personal business interests of Joel Osteen,” he explained. “The church should benefit from the royalties of these books when they are shouldering at least some of the cost of promoting them. If it isn’t getting something back, it oughta be. It’s too much a promotional vehicle for him.”
People Magazine reported that Osteen stopped taking his $200,000 salary from the church in 2005. His net worth is estimated at $40 million, and he reportedly lives in a 17,000 square-foot Houston mansion valued at $10.5 million. The home has six bedrooms, six bathrooms, three elevators, five fireplaces, a guest house and pool house.
Osteen home
Osteen home
The New York Times reported Lakewood Church – former home of the Houston Rockets – features a 16,000-seat arena, three enormous television screens, two waterfalls, enough carpeting to cover nine football fields, a café with wireless Internet access, 32 video game kiosks and a vault to hold the church offering. In March of this year, burglars reportedly stole at least $600,000 from the church safe, which was a portion of the donation from just one weekend of services.
Lakewood Church
Lakewood Church
According to the National Enquirer, former Illinois deputy attorney general Floyd Perkins said Osteen isn’t violating any laws.
“Typically the person who runs the church writes the rules,” he said. “My experience is that many people who participate have no idea there are no rules at all. It really becomes an ethical question rather than a legal one.”
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Read more at http://www.wnd.com/2014/12/enquirer-joel-osteen-caught-in-financial-scandal/#bKT9xYAzxvzD7gCs.99

Mark Jeske cries out - "But I am fifth generation WELS."

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Funny Sassy Stories

January 1, 2015, 6:58 am
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Christmas lasts until the Day of Epiphany, Sassy reminds you.

Sassy is getting older, but that only makes her more skilled in managing her household. Yesterday she began wagging her tail...more like thumping her tail against the bed. She looked at me, "You know what I want."

It was time for her walk, so I suited up and grabbed her leash. Our current deal is she goes without her leash on our block only. When we get back to Letha, she stops moving until I take the leash off.
She rewards my correct responses with smiles.

I did some grilling and we were going to save bones for later, since Sassy gets scraps from us and meat juice from the tray. I was cleaning up when I heard "crunch, crunch" in the living room. Sassy is not one to steal food, but this time she quietly took a bone from my plate when my back was turned. I invited her outdoors to hide the evidence of her crime and not implicate my lax supervision.

She knows how to work the whole crowd when Team Jackson is over for a cookout. Afterwards she sleeps all day.

Sassy loves car trips and knows our stops quite well. She saves her happy bark for the turn into our neighborhood.

When I buy something at the meat market, she inspects the bag with her nose. She holds it over the bag and takes an olfactory inventory of everything inside. She knows all our familiar routes, so she gets yowly when we head into the industrial part of Springdale for the meat market.

The sad look is good for starting guessing games.
The correct answer is - "Let's go for a walk."


Sassy assumes her job is to watch over us. When our helper came to the door at the end of his work, Sassy headed outside and set up a watch of our cul-de-sac. She carefully scanned everything going on, something she does if I sit and visit with neighbors on our walks. However, if I stand and talk to someone, she soon begins barking at me to get going. "Do you have an appointment somewhere, Sassy?"

"Bark, bark."

"Are you in a hurry today?"

"Bark!"

Sassy knows every sign of a potential walk, and she observes carefully. She hears me quietly sticking my feet into loafers. A walk! So I was brushing my teeth and she appeared in the bathroom doorway, laughing. I said, "You guessed it." She disappeared for a few minutes and came back, laughing again. "OK, Sassy, let's go."

Then the barking began and did not stop until we were outside the door.

Sassy has the intelligence and independence of her parents - a Cattle Dog and a German Shepherd. She is remarkably intuitive, a mind-reader and emotion-reader.

Our grandaughter tilted the easy-chair backwards and laughed.
I asked Danielle to hold the post for a photo.
Sassy walked into the frame to photobomb Dani.


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Cease and Desist Letter from Joel Osteen Ministries - Re: The Mark Jeske Post

January 1, 2015, 11:35 am
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Rev Victoria Osteen and Rev Joel Osteen

Dear Ichabod,

I am a positive person, as everyone knows, and I wanted to ignore your blog, which nobody reads. But my attorneys and my wife urged me to demand a cease and desist.

You compared me to Mark Jeske, which is cruel, slanderous, and unfair. You did not sit down with me and share your concerns with me. And why drag my name through the Wisconsin Synod mud? Or is that Missouri mud?  Vickie and I cannot figure out where this Jeske comes from. But we are all going to the same place, right?

First - I do not use my position to sell insurance. Nor would I ever use my newsletters and worship materials to promote a business like that. Can you imagine me thanking Thrivent for $14.57 in matching funds? We had $600,000 stolen from our safe. You know what we said, "There goes coffee hour for a week!"
Second - Your Thrivent people invited The Wolf of Wall Street to be a motivational speaker at their big meeting. They loved listening to a coke addict, stock fraudster, liar, adulterer. I would never sink that low or be on their governing board. I have principles.
Third - I would never beg a bunch of businesses to donate stuff we could sell, and hire attorneys to arrange it for us. And your Mark Jeske already has his schools supported with taxes. You know what we say in Texas? "How many trotters can you stick in the feeding trough? Not more than four? Haha."
Fourth - I teach and live prosperity. Your guy advocates urban ministry but lives in a luxury house away from his church. I am consistent, even though I borrowed a lot of my tips from your Wisconsin people. Talk rich, live rich - my motto.

All I need is for you to apologize for the post and stop comparing me to Mark Jeske. I will never sink to that level, I promise.

Yours In Making Every Day a Friday,

Rev. Joel Osteen.


PS - My dear husband Joel is too busy doing positive and uplifting things to write a letter to a blogster nobody reads, so I composed the letter and signed it for him. His lifelong quest is to keep me out of jail, so don't go and make me really mad.

Love,

The Reverend Victoria Osteen

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WELS Martin Luther College Plagiarizes Jerry Kimmel Show

January 1, 2015, 1:29 pm
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Did Jimmy Kimmel copy WELS verbatim - or - did WELS do it again? When a WELS member sent me the MLC link, I googled the title and got the Kimmel original.

Kimmel is one of the least funny men on TV, substituting gross porno jokes for satire.

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Zach Stowe's Friend from Martin Luther College - WELS

January 1, 2015, 1:57 pm
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Sam Birner, WELS college student, Martin Luther College









I am transgender and once this status is a couple of days old I will be changing my name on here to Amber Noel Birner.
I know it’s a confusing thing for some people, and most of you probably have never talked to a trans person. So, first of all, please feel free to ask me questions to help you understand, I’m always open to educating people 
I know people tend to skip over statuses if they don’t look interesting, so I wanted to make the point very clear and the first thing seen, and now for explanation.

I have been hiding for far too long in my life. Not just from all of you, but from myself. The feelings have always been there. I can recall feelings all the way back to 5 years old. I have had a lot of grief over the issues. I have faced harassment and depression because of them. I have been driven to the brink of suicide multiple times, both in high school and in college. And finally, I realized that if I don’t do something about the feelings, they will literally kill me.

I have never felt aligned with my gender, I have always felt uncomfortable in my body. I never knew quite why, but I just did not ever like what I saw in the mirror. It horrified me every day. I would spend nights lying awake, crying, and just self-loathing over the thoughts. It wasn’t a “gay phase” or that I’m just gay. This is nothing to do with my sexuality, this is to do with me. And it took me until a year and a half ago to finally admit to myself what was going on.

Since I have accepted this, things have improved significantly. Just the admittance itself gave me great relief and confidence. When I first came to terms with it I started exercising, I was sleeping better and more “on schedule” and was generally happier. I have had a boyfriend for the past year who has supported me every step of the way in this journey. And now, exactly 13 weeks ago, I began hormone replacement therapy so my body will produce less testosterone and run more on estrogen and progesterone. Never have I felt more like myself. It is the happiest, most confident, and just generally most content with myself I have ever felt. It was like something clicked in my brain, and it all made way more sense.

And so, it is with that that I tell you I will no longer be lying to you all, or to myself, about who I am. I will change my name on here to Amber Noel Birner. I am not a confused man, or a gay man, or someone afraid to be gay, I am not a man becoming a woman or pretending to be a woman. I have always been a woman. The only difference now is that I am one that is finally accepting who she is.

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  • 35 people like this.
  • Sam Birner Also, people I tagged in this, I tagged you because you all are just a few of the amazing support I've had this past year, and I can't thank you enough for that 
    4 hrs · Like · 4
  • Aaron Pretzer You're welcome! 
    4 hrs · Edited · Like · 1
  • Segun David Delu So i only have two questions. One why did u decide to have noel be ur middle name? And two does this mean ur no longer going to be in the WELS?
    4 hrs · Like
  • Sam Birner 1. I just like how it sounds  Like, honestly, that's literally the only reason, it just sounds nice
    2. Correct
    4 hrs · Like · 1
  • Segun David Delu Very well then..... Actually now i have a follow up question. Do u still consider urself a believer in Christ?
    4 hrs · Like
  • Sam Birner Yeh
    4 hrs · Like · 1
  • Zachary Bambach I'm so happy for you!!!
    4 hrs · Like · 2
  • Segun David Delu Well. Ok then. I wish u the best! I hope u find more peace in ur life with this decision. 
    4 hrs · Like · 2
  • Laura Natalie Hogg Okay, now I'm all teary-eyed. I'm so incredibly proud of you, Amber, and it's a privilege to know you. 
    4 hrs · Like · 3
  • Sam Birner If I get bigger boobs than you I'm gonna have back problems O.O
    4 hrs · Like · 2
  • Scott Cooper I AM SO PROUD OF YOU!!!!! Nothing in the world can be better than being who you truly are. You are a beautiful person, and loved by many. Never ever forget that
    4 hrs · Like · 2
  • Nathaniel Birner Seriously?! Not Samantha?!
    4 hrs · Like · 3
  • Sam Birner Haha, sorry to disappoint 
    4 hrs · Like · 1
  • Sam Birner But really though, the reason I didn't go with "Samantha" is because "Sam" is still kinda really tied to "guy me" which was making it harder to move on from
    4 hrs · Like · 2
  • Nathaniel Birner Makes sense
    4 hrs · Like
  • Vaun Niklaus Christiansen hell yeah buddy 
    3 hrs · Like · 2
  • Ryan Palone Very nicely spoken! I wish I could be so eliquent in my speeches!  you know im rooting for you hun!  i pretty much abandoned this account for my alt one..tho i should probably come out on this one too..
    3 hrs · Like · 2
  • Joy Fay Salzwedel Woot!!
    3 hrs · Like · 2
  • Joshua Hendricks We used to talk a lot more than we do now Amber, but I still stand with you.
    3 hrs · Like · 2
  • Celia Eats Tacos I dont know you, but I know a friend of yours and I just wanted to say YAY! Good for you, Amber. You deserve happiness and there will be support for you every step of the way!
    3 hrs · Edited · Like · 3
  • Celia Eats Tacos Oops. tagged wrong. Haha
    3 hrs · Like
  • Sam Birner Gah, Everyone's gonna make me cry! My boyfriend's sitting here with me watching the comments come in and I'm like "Ahhhhhh "
    3 hrs · Like · 4
  • Rick Scharf I have seen you grow up and I think it's hard for a lot of people to understand. I also know people couldn't understand my decisions all the time either. I think we all spend so much time trying to fit in and do what other people think we should do. At some point you lose yourself. Life is a great struggle and especially when you struggle with yourself. Im just glad you have found and accepted who you are. God still loves you and so do your friends and family.
    3 hrs · Like · 8
  • Sam Birner And a bunch of people I don't or barely know and people I haven't talked to since gradeschool! Ahhhh! Everyone's so awesome!
    3 hrs · Like · 1
  • Jordan Blythe Proud of you my friend
    3 hrs · Like · 1
  • Sandy Lane Sam, as long as you are honest with yourself and true to God that's all that matters. We all have different paths to take and different journeys to go on and, imo, shouldn't judge each other on the steps that are taken. They are your steps, and yours alone, and only you and God know what's best.  As an accepting friend of yours for a few years now I wish you all the best and peace.
    2 hrs · Edited · Like · 1
  • Celia Eats Tacos Oh my god. I want to cry. I see all of these REAL Christians being accepting and honoring your choices brings me peace. I am so freaking happy. You are all amazing. With all this Justice for Leelah Alcorn talk, it makes me so happy to see so many positive people. Please keep loving each other, because all you have is each other. Stuff goes away, but people stay. Kudos.
    2 hrs · Like · 2
  • Kaitlyn Lavaun Bannister THAT'S MY GIRL!!! I'll love you no matter what. And you'll always be the same person I went to highschool with. Your gender won't change how much i love you as a person. And i'll be here if you need me. I am so proud of you for being true to yourself.
    1 hr · Like · 1





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    The Episcopal Church Was Forgiving or Felony Stupid about the Addicted Bishop?

    January 1, 2015, 5:43 pm
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    http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/baltimore-city/north-baltimore/bs-md-bishop-20141230-story.html

    Before being elevated to a position as a high-ranking bishop, Heather Elizabeth Cook was subjected to an extensive background check and psychological investigation regarding a 2010 drunken-driving incident, the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland said Tuesday.
    "One of the core values of the Christian faith is forgiveness. We cannot preach forgiveness without practicing forgiveness and offering people opportunity for redemption," the diocese said in a statement about the search process for an elected bishop.
    Cook — who in September became Maryland's bishop suffragan, the No. 2 leader of the diocese — was driving the car involved in Saturday's fatal crash on Roland Avenue. Bicyclist Thomas Palermo, 41, a married father of two, died of his injuries.
    No charges have been filed in connection with the afternoon crash in North Baltimore, and police said an investigation was in its early stages.
    "We, too are all filled with questions for which there are still no answers, and we are all filled with anger, bitterness, pain and tears," the diocese said in its statement. "Our thoughts and prayers right now are with Mr. Palermo, his family and friends, and the bicycling community. And, we continue to pray for Bishop Cook in this time of her tremendous grief and sorrow."
    Cook, who has spent 20 years as an Episcopal priest, pleaded guilty in 2010 to driving under the influence of alcohol in Caroline County. She registered 0.27 percent on a blood-alcohol test — more than three times the legal limit in Maryland — after that incident.
    The church said in its statement, "After extensive discussion and discernment about the [2010] incident, and after further investigation, including extensive background check and psychological investigation, it was determined that this one mistake should not bar her for consideration as a leader."
    Cook received probation before judgment and was ordered to pay a $300 fine, according to records.
    Caroline County District Court records show Cook was arrested after police saw her driving under the speed limit on the shoulder of the road on a shredded tire at 2 a.m. The officer who pulled her over reported that the car smelled of burning rubber and alcohol, and he saw vomit on her shirt.
    A bottle of wine, a fifth of Irish whiskey and two baggies were inside the car, police said. On the passenger seat in plain view was a "metal smoking device." She was charged with possession of marijuana, but those charges were later dropped.
    After Saturday's crash, Cook initially drove away from the scene but returned a short time later, according to the diocese. Another bicyclist followed her to a gated apartment complex.
    Cook has been placed on administrative leave, according to church officials.
    She has had close ties to the Episcopal Church since childhood.
    Her father, the late Rev. Halsey M. Cook, became the rector of Old St. Paul's, one of the nation's oldest and most prestigious Episcopal churches, in 1961. Sixteen years later, the church's core value about forgiveness helped him publicly confront his alcohol addiction.
    At a service in May 1977, he told parishioners that he is a "sheep, and this place and you people have often shepherded me." He further said, "I am an alcoholic."
    The then-49-year-old told worshippers he would enter a Bel Air treatment center for a month, The Baltimore Sun reported in an article at the time about the service and his efforts to get help.
    Church members had already supported him when he spent a month in a Minnesota hospital, he noted. "I was embarrassed for anybody in Baltimore to know," he explained back then, "so I snuck off quietly 1,400 miles away."
    Halsey Cook, who died in 1989, served as rector at Old St. Paul's, at Charles and Saratoga streets, for 20 years. When he left to pursue a new career in business, he recalled that one of the highlights of his tenure was his family's move in 1964 — from a rectory in Guilford to the "Old Rectory" on Charles Street, which was first occupied by a St. Paul's minister in 1791.
    He used his position to help others battle addictions. Upon his death, The Sun reported: "One of the causes for which he was a dedicated spokesman and national leader within the Episcopal Church was a better understanding of and treatment of alcoholism in the ministry."
    As the crash investigation continued, area bicyclists made plans to honor Palermo.
    Bikemore Inc., which promotes biking in Baltimore, said it would hold a memorial ride and vigil on New Year's Day. The group has asked riders to meet at 3:30 p.m. at Bishop Square Park, at North Charles Street and East University Parkway. The park is near the Episcopal Cathedral of the Incarnation.
    After a moment of silence, riders will pedal to the crash scene; nonriders can meet at that location, the organization said. The group will then celebrate Palermo's life at Gallery 788 and De Kleine Duivel in Hampden.
    Baltimore Sun reporter Jacques Kelly and researcher Paul McCardell contributed to this article.
    twitter.com/MarkPuente
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    Episcopal Dylan Mass - Explore the Banal

    January 2, 2015, 5:12 am
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    Advice for a Christian Blogger

    January 2, 2015, 6:11 am
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    I told one blogger that the work is "like filling Grand Canyon, one pebble at a time. But it is worth it, because the Word of God is effective."

    Aristotle said, "Patience and courage are so closely related that one is either the daughter or the mother of the other." Most are not patient enough to blog year after year. That is where the effect builds up.

    When I get up in the morning, I think, "There is no use writing any more posts." Then I have some fresh coffee (Vanilla spice today - Christmas present) and read some news. The positive responses encourage me, and the negative ones even more so.

    The numbers are good, averaging 3,000 views per day. I began by writing for 20 people, deciding not to beat around the bush, as so many do in blogging. No one wanted to touch the big issues. They wanted to have their friends congratulate them on a brave post about the color of Advent candles or some other trivia.

    Blog Graveyard
    The most amusing blogger is now on the wagon, metaphorically speaking. Paul McCain never earned a graduate degree, but he portrayed himself as an expert in theology. He only served one parish, for about two years, as Al Barry's stealth campaign manager and leaker to Herman Otten. Although he liked to brag about his high-paying job at Concordia Publishing House, he was clearly plagiarizing the Catholic Encyclopedia and his Lutheran friends' blogs - even thanking people who liked his stolen material.

    When I proved his plagiarism, his blog rolled up with a snap, like a window shade - but without a confession of sin or apology. Exposing his fraud was simply a side venture, eliminating some toxins from the Internet.




    Research
    One benefit of serious blogging is the constant research required. Claims of the blog have to be supported with the facts, and the facts are illuminating. Most blogs are simply shared opinions, unwarranted assumptions, with friends chiming in.

    The apostates leave themselves in a bind. They love to brag about themselves, but their boasting is evidence, easily copied and cited on a blog. They can erase the evidence on their own websites, but not on mine.

    If the research is provided, the readers can reach their own conclusions. That is why so many have hysterical reactions from the basic facts being copied and cited. The PR mirage manufactured by the synods is easily dispersed like the morning fog.

    But it is a good way to get a call in the WELS.


    Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
    Google's Blogger is especially good at sending content into the Google search engine. The idea is to keep the topic and its source at the top of the search results, the way Wikipedia is often at the top. Here are some tips for SEO:

    • Long titles summarize the post and become part of the search.
    • Graphics are essential, but they are especially good when captioned and linked to other stories.
    • Links within the story are important for keeping readers on the blog and finding out more.
    • Labels also boost SEO, so the liberal use of labels is good stewardship.
    • Look at the statistics and repost popular articles from the past.
    • Promote on the margin, a method my friends call "sticky posts." I use a picture which links to an article or even a group of posts.
    • Content for its own sake is always good. A blog should be a treasure chest of useful material, such as the thousands of quotations I have copied over the years. The verbatim quotations and their citations are useful for anyone doing research. 
    • Link to good and bad stuff. Nothing makes me laugh quicker than those who want to condemn my little effort without naming the site or the reasons for disagreement. They fail to see they are the ultimate Pietists, shunning those who ruffle their starchy feathers. Generous linking leads to owning the topic and its associated graphics. I have heard that complaint from many sources.
    Most bloggers are afraid of opposition.


    Faithfulness to the Word of God
    Apostasy dominates today. As Martin Chemnitz wrote, "These are the last days of an insane, old world."

    We can listen to the flattery or threats of apostasy, or pay attention to the Word. One brings temporary peace and eternal destruction. The other brings temporary grief and eternal peace.





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    WELS Documented Blog - Shocking Truth about the Lutheran Quest for Apostasy

    January 2, 2015, 6:15 am
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    Jeske's Koine rock group expects $3,000 just to show up.



    Friday, January 2, 2015


    Contemporvant Worship: Coming Soon to a WELS Church Service Near You


    First watch the video, which is meant to be a parody on contemporary worship, then read the actual statements below that made by WELS pastors, teachers, churches & conferences and compare.

    Is this video a parody of contemporary worship or is this the future of our WELS worship services?


    When Dale Witte [WELS Composer, Choir Director, Christian Educator and Musician] first watched this video when it came out in 2010. He had to this to say about it:

    Everytime you hear the phrase "contemporary worship," ask yourself the question, like a good Lutheran, "What does this mean?", because it means something different to everyone who says it depending on their background.

    This video is an extreme, albeit humorous example. Unfortunately, this is what I think a lot of people think contemporary worship is, or should become. I hope not.There is a lot to be said for doing Lutheran liturgical worship well:
    • the musicians and pastors planning each service so well that the the same message is preached from the balcony by the choirs, instrumentalists, and organist as the pastor preaches from the pulpit and lectern,
    • that message is evident to all worshippers as they are worshiping, and
    • it is memorable enough that they can tell someone else who was not there what worship was about that week.
    There also is a lot to be said for remaining true to the heritage of the Lutheran Church, reclaiming who we are, boldly proclaiming what it means to be Lutheran,and not experimenting with whom we are not.

    Is the video still an "extreme" parody or in the four years since he wrote that has it become reality for worship services in WELS? 

    This is what we found throughout the WELS when we looked at what congregations were doing:

    Relevant - We will seek to preach and teach timeless truths in timely ways. Our various ministries are also designed for the age in which we live not for the 1500s, 1900s, or 1960s. As Luther took the German Bible and made the prophets speak German - our goal is to take the Bible and use the language and technology of today in order to speak to the heart of people, and not over the head of people.  
    One of their listed values on the church website
    Amazing Love Church
    Frankfort, IL
    The CORE exists to transform lives for Christ through faith that is Real, Relevant, and Relational. We deal with life's issues through the lens of God's Word. We come face to face with sin and the havoc it creates in our lives.
    From The Core Website
    The Core Church
    Appleton, WI
    Join us on Sunday mornings for an uplifting and relevant message focused on what God's Word means in your life.
    St Paul's Church Website
    St Paul's Lutheran Church  
    Menomonie, WI
    Casual Atmosphere – Reclining movie theater seats with cup holders. Need we say more? Modern Worship – Relevant messages, musical variety, helpful videos.
    Victory of the Lamb Website
    Victory of the Lamb Church
    Franklin, WI
    We strive to make every message and every service relevant and applicable to real life, as well as excellent in quality.  At the same time, you can come to church in your jeans, or your shorts (or even in your jean shorts) and feel perfectly comfortable in one of our services.  Grab a cup of coffee and a bagel on your way in and settle in for a high-octane hour of power-learning about God.
    From the Crosswalk Website
    Crosswalk Church
    Phoenix, AZ
    St. Matthew is a friendly, focused, family church, striving to be relevant and responsive to your needs. RELEVANT - The message of Jesus really does provide answers and hope for our generation.
    From the St Matthew Website
    ST Matthew Church
    Port Washington, WI 
    We’re relevant! Our messages are meant to apply to your everyday life. They’re practical and filled with comfort. We believe that everyone needs to know what God expects of us, and what God offers us in His love. If you come to CTR, you’ll hear just what God has to say about this – straight from His Word, the Bible! With our upbeat music and our fun and creative worship, you’ll go home encouraged and equipped each week!
    From the Christ the Rock Website 
    Christ the Rock Church 
    Round Rock, TX 
    Watch Easter Worship Music Video Clip 
    Watch Christmas Video Clip  
    May I suggest that the kind of preaching needed for the nineties and beyond is somewhat different: personal, intense, eye-to-eye, well-researched and yet down-to-earth, poured out from the heart, with the smell of spontaneity, clearly outlined, simple, logical, with real applications to real life, talking and thinking out loud with your friends rather than orating at an audience, using all the storyteller’s arts, even humor, radiating the joy of being a member of the royal family of Jesus Christ.
    Worship in the WELS: Changing Practices
    Presented to the Southeastern Wisconsin District Convention, at WLHS on June 12, 1990 by Mark Jeske
    One of the noteworthy WELS examples nationally is St. Mark Lutheran Church in De Pere. About 80% of the music that its praise band plays comes from top-selling contemporary Christian music. The church has a $150,000 audio-visual system with two big video screens.
    Old time rock 'n' roll
    Traditional hymns get fresh beat as interest grows in contemporary church services
    By Tom Heinen of the Journal Sentinel 
    Dec. 25, 2006
    There is a celebration going on.  We feel Sunday morning is the highlight of our week.  We celebrate that God loved us so much he give his life for us. We use music that helps us celebrate whether it be a Chris Tomlin (http://www.christomlin.com/home) song you hear on Christian radio or great hymns like, "How Great Thou Art."
    From the Amazing Love Website
    Amazing Love Church
    Frankfort, IL
    Our contemporary service includes some of the liturgical elements of the traditional worship service. Guitars, drums, keyboard, and vocalists lead the congregational singing of contemporary Christian songs and hymns. This service is also in the church sanctuary. The Bridge is our newest worship offering, designed with a casual, come-as-you-are worship atmosphere. Humor, video, lighting effects and contemporary Christian music combined with the pastor’s message help us all grow closer to Christ. Every Sunday a team of volunteers transforms the Trinity Gym into a modern worship environment complete with stage, large screen projectors, stage lights, and curtains.
    St Paul's Website
    St Paul's Church
    Muskego, WI 
    The contemporary worship services at St. Mark Lutheran brings together dynamic music, compelling dramas, moving real life stories, and stirring Bible-based teachings. In a sense there is something for everyone. .... (There is) a praise ensemble consisting of an electronic piano, electric guitar, acoustic guitar, drum kit, bass guitar, violins, woodwind instruments and three or four singers. The music is upbeat, vibrant and worshipful. The music is performed in a professional manner and with relevancy yet, there is always a sense that God is the focus.
    Contemporary Worship-Pro and Con
    Presented by Jeff Londgren
    Great Lakes Pastoral Conference at Holy Cross Church, Madison, Wisconsin, April 24, 2007 talking about St Mark's in Green Bay, WI
    The Bridge meets in the Trinity Gym, where you’ll find a casual atmosphere and modern music and lighting. The Bridge includes band-led singing, helpful spiritual messages, and moments for prayer and encouragement. You’ll notice that our pastors wear jeans. 
    The Bridge Church Website
    The Bridge
    Muskego, WI
    [the] first shows a decade ago, were "OK, but we had a lot to learn technically," [Mark] Jeske said. They were harshly lighted and his black-and-white clergy robes were "terrible colors" to wear on TV. They "drive the camera iris crazy," he said. A creative consultant told him to get out from behind the pulpit and to wear business clothes to "create a much more colorful, balanced image."
    Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Article
    Mark Jeske
    Time of Grace/St Marcus Church 
    Singing in a worship band is very different from singing in a choir. This session will talk about many things that are important to singing well and effectively. Although this session will focus mostly on singing in a worship band, many of the topics covered can also be applied in other vocal settings. Topics to be covered include vocal warmups, blending with other vocalists, the importance of non-verbals, proper microphone technique and handling, lead vocals vs. harmony vocals, and vocal dynamics.
    Session description for workshop conducted at the Heart and Hands of David Workshop 
    Jonathan Favorite 
    Director of Worship Arts at CrossWalk Church 
    CrossWalk Church
    Phoenix, AZ 
    Good audio is one of the most critical elements in worship today. Learn real-world, practical methods on how to get the most out of your sound system and how to apply that knowledge properly in a worship context. Topics covered include fixing common noise issues (hum, buzz and hiss), dealing with acoustical challenges, how to approach the mixing console and "put together" the mix, solving the mysteries of EQ, and plenty of Q & A time.
    Session description for workshop conducted at the Heart and Hands of David Workshop
    Craig Basten
    Systems Engineer for Koiné 
    Get an inside peek at how Koiné approaches hymn arrangement. This hands on session will demonstrate Koiné's method for deconstructing a hymn from the hymnal and rebuilding it so it is usable for congregational participation. Learn their approach to melody, meter, lyrical highlighting, and composition flow. The session will start by highlighting hymns Koiné has already arranged and will end with a live demonstration of the method in action as Koiné arranges a new hymn.
    Session description for workshop conducted at the Heart and Hands of David Workshop 
    Koine 
    Five unique artists came together in 2003 to put a new twist on traditional, Christian music.
    Kristen is responsible for planning and implementing all worship opportunities.Music is the largest part of the worship ministry at St. Andrew, but the worship ministry also includes lay readers, dramatic and visual arts, hospitality ministries and audio/visual tech support. Kristen works with Pastor Hunter to study biblical worship principles and practices, evaluate current worship practices at St. Andrew, and define future directions for St. Andrew's worship ministry.
    Speaker Profile 
    Kristen Koepsell 
    Staff Minister of Worship at St. Andrew Church 
    Modern church in a gym providing a concert setting with music and a message.
    About Section on The Bridge Church Facebook Page
    The Bridge Church
    Muskego, WI 
    The Savior of the Nations band (SON band) plays a wide variety of styles from different musical genres including: Blues, Jazz, Funk, Reggae, Rock, Soul and Inspirational! They refer to the mix of styles as their "groove style." The music from the SON band shows the need for a Savior, and that Jesus Christ is truly the Savior of the Nations. The SON band is part of the Savior of the Nations Experience (SON Experience). The SON Experience is unique. Music is provided by the band, and amazing visuals fill a giant screen with rich imagery in pictures and video, lyrics to songs, and the message of love, peace, and forgiveness found in the Bible! The environment is very casual and relaxed, as we all gather together to hear more about how real God is in our lives, and how he truly wants us to know him and his love.The SON Band regularly supplements worship at Pilgrim Lutheran Church in Minneapolis, MN.
    Band Profiles on the Christian Leader Experience Website 
    Pilgrim Lutheran Church
    Minneapolis, MN 
    [Pastor Tim] Glende said the premise behind the downtown campus was to bring The Core’s less traditional, multimedia and music-centered services to young adultsinstead of waiting for them to come to the Freedom church.
    Appleton Post Crescent Newspaper Article about The Core
    The Core Church
    Appleton, WI 
    Inside, visitors will find upbeat Christian music played by a live band in which theRev. John Backus will play acoustic and electric guitar and will deliver the sermon later. The sermons themselves will be conversational, in keeping with the informal style of the service.The idea is to be more of a concert setting that incorporates a message and a prayer, said Sally Wallner, St. Paul's community outreach coordinator."We'll be ramping the music up for The Bridge and be rocking and participating," she said.
    Muskego Now News Article
    The Bridge Church/St Paul's
    Muskego, WI
    Martin Luther wrote the lyrics centuries ago, but the eighth-note rock rhythms that pulsated through St. Marcus Lutheran Church on Christmas Eve clearly proclaimed that this was new terrain for "From Heaven Above to Earth I Come." Such sounds would have been verboten in the distant past within the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod, known for staunch theological conservatism. But new ways to deliver God's message have been evolving. Even the familiar tunes usually are there - just with a blues, pop, folk or rock 'n' roll setting, all played by the "house" band Koiné. Pete Reese, 32, a string bass player from Milwaukee, describes the music as "bombastic pop, to classic rock, to folk. Even a touch of metal, a touch of punk here and there." There has been some experimentation with full-blown praise bands in WELS churches for at least 10 years, but it is not widespread, [James] Tiefel said.
    Old time rock 'n' roll
    Traditional hymns get fresh beat as interest grows in contemporary church services
    By Tom Heinen of the Journal Sentinel 
    Dec. 25, 2006
    If you are striving for excellence in contemporary, blended or modern worship settings in WELS churches we would love to find a way to help.
    From the Mike Westendorf Website
    Mike Westendorf Musician
    St Paul's/The Bridge
    Muskego, WI 
    Wayne Mueller, first vice president of synod mission and ministry for WELS, estimates that 25% of the denomination's 1,263 congregations offer some type of regular alternative worship.
    Old time rock 'n' roll
    Traditional hymns get fresh beat as interest grows in contemporary church services
    By Tom Heinen of the Journal Sentinel 
    Dec. 25, 2006
    WELS Endorsed Entertainers [Note: they are listed as "entertainers"]
    Note on their website: (Many have CDs available at www.nph.net) 
    http://www.wels.net/women039s-ministry/entertainers
    Drive-Through Church 

    A parody that tries to please everyone. The video is meant to be the extreme but, again, how far are we from this in our WELS churches?



    The statements below are what our WELS churches are doing trying to please everyone: 

    Outward Focused - We must continue to ask and be driven by this question, “How can we reach others with the saving message of Jesus?” Driven by the needs of those outside, not the desires of those inside. Those with the food of the Gospel sharing food to the starving, not commenting, “I’m not sure I like how this meal tasted.”
    One of their listed values on the church website
    Amazing Love Church
    Frankfort, IL
    St. Andrew looked at possibilities for its new satellite location, such as storefronts in area strip malls, but instead was able to acquire an existing church building. The only problem was the interior didn’t match their “casual about church” approach. So the congregation hired a popular coffeehouse designer—coincidentally someone who didn’t attend church—and asked him to design the kind of place where he’d feel comfortable coming to hear about Jesus. Hunter says the result looks and feels like a café, complete with chairs, couches, coffee tables, and coffee machines in the back.
    Forward in Christ Article
    St Andrew's Church 
    Waunakee, WI
    But "I don't like the word" televangelist "and never use it," [Mark] Jeske said. "I don't like the words preach or sermon, either. Why would people who don't want a sermon Monday through Saturday want one Sunday?
    Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Article
    Mark Jeske
    Time of Grace/St Marcus Church 
    The goal is to reach them by keeping potentially off-putting religious symbols and practices at a minimum to let the love that is the real message shine through, [Sally] Wallner said. St. Paul's even has dropped the evangelical Lutheran parts of its full name for general purposes, she added, though it is still formally St. Paul's Ev. Lutheran Church and School.
    Muskego Now News Article 
    Sally Wallner, St. Paul's community outreach coordinator 
    The Bridge/St Paul's 
    Muskego, WI
    The only furniture with an obvious religious connection is a baptismal font donated by another church. It doesn’t fit the still spartan bar-like decor, and Reeder says Illumine will likely use it to collect aid for the poor.
    Herald Online Newspaper Article
    Illumine Church
    Rock Hills, SC
    Christ the Rock strives to be a “church for unchurched people.” That means that we’re all about meeting people where they’re at.
    From the Christ the Rock Website 
    Christ the Rock Church 
    Round Rock, TX 
    At Hope, we are here to create a church that unchurched people love. We are thrilled that we are having success in our goal of reaching unchurched people.
    From the Hope Church Website 
    Hope Church 
    Oconomowoc, WI
    Is this the way of the future beginning in Seminary already? Granted, this is a Christmas party, but is this how it starts? Watch as future pastors of our Synod sing "O Holy Night" as a bluegrass song (note the audience laughter halfway through the song).

    Posted by at  

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    Boycott the Emmaus Conference - Here Are Some Reasons Why

    January 2, 2015, 7:26 am
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    These Thrivent salesmen have been busy aping ELCA while
    pretending to be different from ELCA.
    They teach the same dogma of universal salvation.
    The Michigan Lutheran Seminary (WELS) cheerleaders
    reveal the results of 50 years of apostasy through UOJ.


    Our Righteousness Before God...
    Is Revealed in the Gospel.
    On this Righteousness Faith Relies.
    more...

    April 22-23, 2015





    Lecturers & Reactors
    (click on the pictures for each speaker's curriculum vitae)

    Lecturer

    The Reverend David Jay Webber

    Reactors

    The Reverend Dr. Herbert C. Mueller, Jr.
    The Reverend
    Jon Buchholz




    Make sure to "like" The Emmaus Conference on Facebook so you get the most updated information as it becomes available. Just click here.


    Having children put women's makeup on the pastor and council members -
    all part of the fun at a WELS UOJ congregation.
    Pastor Adam Mueller loves UOJ - and loathes justification by faith.


    Reasons to Boycott the Emmaus UOJ Conference

    • Look at the presenters. Jay Webber has no academic qualifications, except being enrolled part-time in the Pan-Lutheran Institute of Lutheran Theology - ELCA, Roman Catholic, etc.
    • Jay's UOJ catechumen, Jon Buchholz is likewise unqualified by character and academic preparation, too lazy to read anything except WELS position papers.
    • Examine the fly-by-night Institute of Lutheran Theology, which appears to be a garage sale for any Lutheran to take any course from any instructor of any confession of faith. That is Jay's part-time STM program. Ludwig Fuerbringer used to avoid giving essays so he could stay home and study Luther and the Scriptures. Those days are over in the Synodical Conference.
    • Consider the title of Jay's"essay." The agenda is already given away - everyone is already righteous, forgiven, and saved. They just have to believe UOJ dogma - pure Pietistic rationalism from Bishop Stephan STD and CFW Walther, his enabler.
    • Like all UOJ Stormtroopers, Jon Buchholz is a notorious liar. He told Brett Meyer that I agreed with his (Jon-Boy's) UOJ and disagreed with Brett, shortly after Jon and I had lunch together - at Jon's request. Jon had a copy of Thy Strong Word but never opened it. 
    • Another lie from Buchholz - he would continue to discuss justification with Pastor Paul Rydecki's congregation. 
    • Jay and Jon had no trouble scarfing up money from the Schwan Foundation. Surely they know St. Marvin was a notorious adulterer whose wife killed herself after being divorced by Marvin. Good old St. Marvin married the wife of his supervisor, thus ending two marriages. But WELS and LCMS and the Little Sect on the Prairie could not praise Marvin enough. He was a Tabor and a Just, but with money - and they exploited that guilt and absolved him for cash.
    • The Emmaus Conference is a smokescreen for their full-throated union with ELCA through Thrivent. 
    • They have never told the truth - The Chief Article of the Christian Religion is justification by faith. Justification by faith is the master and prince, the judge of all other Christian articles. To listen to their buffoonery with patience is another way to undermine the Gospel.
    They are all Thrivent salesmen, selling Irrevocable Charitable Annuities
    for a commission, pretending
    they are offering educational seminars about wills and trusts.
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    Rain, Freezing Rain, Perhaps Some Snow - Yet Wormhaven Is Frantic with Energy Beneath the Surface

    January 2, 2015, 9:22 am
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    Swans by Norma Boeckler
    We are finally getting some bad weather, the kind that keeps Creation gardeners inside, examining the pile of seed catalogs that follow the Christmas season.

    Beneath the warm blanket of Jackson Mulch, the soil creatures are still at work, if slowed down by the cold.

    The secret to Jackson Mulch is the double layer. If someone puts plain wood mulch on grass, the grass will be suppressed for a time, with crab grass or the lawn bursting through later. Too much solar energy reaches the surface with mulch alone, and the shredded wood mulch turns from absorbing nutrition to letting it go in a most encouraging way - for weeds and grass.

    Newspapers block the sunlight and absorb more nutrition at first, besides holding water above the soil and letting air through. When the newspapers overlap and are thick enough, the weeds are held down all summer and the microscopic life becomes abundant.

    Two factors contribution to decomposition, feeding plants plants at the roots. One factor is constant moisture. Jackson Mulch is designed to be a giant sponge holding water without harming the plants. The second is warmth, and Jackson Mulch accomplishes that by insulating the soil, keeping the temperatures relatively warm in the winter and never baked dry in the summer.

    Mulch is a cafeteria for soil life and therefore a banquet hall for birds. Just now I found cardinals, doves, and a blue jay feasting on the cracked corn on the bare newspapers where the leaves blew off in the wind. I have found bare newspapers to be a good place to put bird food, because the newsprint wicks away the moisture from the drizzle we have been enjoying.

    Like all matters of Creation, one improvement improves another. In this case, some warmth is good for the soil. Mulch is an insulating blanket that feed soil creatures, who contribute their own warmth to the mix.

    For example, the best way to protect roses in a Minnesota winter is to surround the garden with chicken wire and fill the wire with autumn leaves. This increases the insulation and feeds the roses all winter and in the early spring.

    Protecting the plants will protect the birds, and improving the life of birds will improve the life of plants. That is why I enjoy a long drizzly day, sipping fresh coffee and thinking about the work done by God's creatures.

    There are three parts to easy, successful gardening:

    1. Read a lot, but with scepticism.
    2. Test the claims in the garden.
    3. Assume the Creator had a plan, one far more complicated that we can comprehend.

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    Well Said - But UOJ Is the Fuel Giving Energy to Entertainment Services

    January 2, 2015, 2:24 pm
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    Pastor Paul Rydecki is standing above Pastor Steve Spencer.
    Both were WELS at the Intrepids' first and last conference.
    Rydecki's congregation is now in ELDONA;
    Spencer's DP is still promoting UOJ and
    endorsing such apostastes as Rick Johnson and Jeff Gunn.


    Based on the many documented cases you chronicled in this post, it would certainly seem that this type of thinking and these practices are not merely the "future" of the WELS, they are the PRESENT! And as this thinking is coming from many who are touted by some of our synod and district leaders as the experts in "growing" congregations, this kind of thing has the potential to spread very widely very quickly. 


    It brings the question: How long before confessional Lutherans will no longer find any WELS church in which to worship according to their consciences? It is so sad. And it is all so needless and useless. This stuff has not kept the synod from shrinking since the late 80s, and will not keep it from disappearing altogether by the end of the next decade or two. These things are all mere "proposals" of man, while the Lord of the Church will dispose matters as He sees fit, according to His honor and glory. There are so many churches who already do all this junk so much better than we could ever do; for what does God need another one? But how many have the true, historic, orthodox, and truly evangelical, confessional and Lutheran theology AND practices? It would seem to me that WELS would have a better chance at God keeping us around if we were actually DIFFERENT from the rest of the world, instead of trying to be exactly like it. Just sayin'!




    Anonymous:
    Being in the military meant constantly moving around and when settled temporarily, look for a church and service that we as a family could worship and praise our Lord in a respectful way. Most times we would settle for the military's "generic" protestant service on the installation because the offered "Lutheran" services were not conducted as we were raised. And that is the main point of this comment. The Word of God in Ephesians instructs fathers to raise their children "in the nurture and admonition of the Lord." It seems not many churches are assisting parents in this task. Bible study and instruction should be taught not interpreted into "contemporary" styles so that they are entertained. The Christian Church should stand strong against becoming more worldly in their services just to have people in the pews.
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    Heavy Coverage of Bishop Cook's DUI

    January 3, 2015, 4:13 am
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    Bishop Heather Cook - I guess we can dispense with "husband of one wife."

    http://heavy.com/news/2014/12/bishop-suffragan-heather-cook-hit-and-run-maryland-female/


    The Episcopal Diocese of Maryland’s first female bishop has admitted being the driver in a Sunday hit-and-run that killed a bicycle rider. Here’s what you need to know:

    1. Bishop Cook Initially Left the Scene


    In an email to parishioners Sunday, Bishop Eugene Sutton said that Bishop Suffragan Heather Cook left the scene of the crash but returned about 20 minutes later “to take responsibility for her actions.”
    Sutton wrote:
    “Together with the Diocese of Maryland, I express my deep sorrow over the death of the cyclist and offer my condolences to the victim’s family. Please pray for Mr. Palermo, his family and Bishop Cook during this most difficult time.”

    2. The Deceased Was a Well-Known Cyclist

    One of Palermo's custom bicycle frames. (Facebook)
    One of Palermo’s custom bicycle frames. (Facebook)
    Thomas Palermo, 41, was known for building custom bike frames, and was well acquainted with the area of Baltimore in which he was killed.
    Baltimore bicyclist Chris Merriam told the AP:
    “He was a craftsman. A lot of people owned frames built by him with loving care. He was a very talented guy, and a lot of people knew him.”

    3. Cook Was Ordained a Bishop Two Years Ago

    All Hallows Episcopal Church, where Cook was ordained Bishop two years ago. (Facebook)
    All Hallows Episcopal Church, where Cook was ordained Bishop two years ago. (Facebook)
    Though born in Syracuse, New York, Cook grew up in Baltimore and was elected in September to be the Episcopal Church of Maryland’s first female bishop.
    She was ordained with the Maryland diocese in 1987, serving in Virginia, New York, Pennsylvania and the Maryland shore before coming back to Baltimore. At the time, she said she was “finally coming home to serve in the diocese that formed me and is in my bones.”
    When Cook was consecrated a Bishop, Sutton caleld it “Glorious.”
    Sutton said:
    “This is a glorious day for the Diocese of Maryland as we welcome Heather Cook to the diocese, and I look forward to her joining with me in our Episcopal ministry.”

    4. Cook May Have Been Charged With DUI, Posession of Drug Paraphernalia


    In 2010, a woman identified as Heather Elizabeth Cook, 53, was arrested on state Route 318 in Preston, Maryland, by the Caroline County Sheriff’s Office on charges of marijuana and drug paraphernalia possession, driving while under the influence of alcohol, reckless driving and negligent driving. Police found a metal smoking device, according to reports, a bottle of wine and a bottle of whiskey.
    News site Baltimore Brew has attempted to confirm that it is the same Heather Cook who allegedly hit Palermo Sunday, and her attorney, David Irwin, has not responded to phone calls requesting comment.

    5. Cook Was ordained a Bishop Two Years Ago

    Sutton, Cook’s superior in the diocese, has said that due to the police investigation into the incident, Cook has been relieved of her duties, at least temporarily. As a result, Sutton will delay an intended sabbatical.
    Sutton wrote:

    “Because the nature of the accident could result in criminal charges, I have placed Bishop Cook on administrative leave, effective immediately. I will meet shortly with the Standing Committee to discuss ways we can move forward. Also, I have decided to delay the beginning of my sabbatical to Jan. 24 to be pastorally present in this difficult time.”
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    Ichabod Pageviews - Yesterday - 4,524

    January 3, 2015, 4:24 am
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    Where To Buy Bare Root Roses

    January 3, 2015, 7:10 am
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    Chicago Peace


    Bare root roses are the ones planted by rose fanciers. Nurseries pot them because the customers buy the blooms rather than the plants. I love to get potted roses on sale at the end of the buying season. Otherwise, I buy bare root roses from the Net.

    California Dreaming is relatively new.


    First Stop - Edmunds Roses(but check the eye candy in Jackson and Perkins catalog)

    Edmunds used to have hilarious catalogs, but a corporation took over and they are more serious now. Edmunds does not charge shipping (for larger orders - at the moment) and their prices for the same roses are lower than Jackson and Perkins. If you see something irresistible at J and P, see if you can get it from Edmunds. It may arrive with a J and P tag on it.

    Edmunds seems to have more variety, more of those older favorites. Edmunds is  quite dependable.


    Double Delight is popular for color and fragrance.


    Jackson and Perkins Roses -
    They win the most glamorous catalog contest. Look at your favorite blooms from three inches away.
    One reason to buy from them is their leftover stock at the end of the buying season. I always order from them first, in case I can get bargains later.

    The latest and best are always listed at J and P. They also promote early orders before real buying starts in January.


    Regan Nurseries.
    They have the greatest variety, organized by name. One can also browse by category, such as aromatic. The fragrant roses were hard to find 30 years ago. Now the new ones tend to be fragrant and there are many to choose from.

    I used this one for some desirable but hard to find roses. I wanted Peace, Pink Peace, and Chicago Peace growing together, so I bought all three from Regan.



    Discount Roses - Not the Best Reputation - Direct Gardening
    I have not ordered from this site. Others have gotten some real bargains but also problems with the plants. They supposedly make good on problems - all gardening sites do. The question is whether the discounts are worth the wait in re-ordering. Mrs. I had a big "NO!" on this one.

    I feel obliged to list them.

    Mrs. I voted yes for Pink Peace.


    There are many interesting flowers, but when I price them, I count the cost in roses. How many roses could I buy with that amount of money?

    Secondly, which one would you offer to another?

    • A dozen dandelions?
    • A dozen daisies?
    • A dozen tulips?
    • A dozen crocus?
    • A dozen glads?
    • A dozen roses?


    That is settled. The best investment in flowers will always be roses.

    Joplin tornado damage and roses.

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    Episcopal Bishop Chased Down by Elderly Biker BEFORE She Came Back to the Fatal Scene She Caused

    January 3, 2015, 3:35 pm
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    Episcopal saying - "Wherever four Episcopalians are gathered together,
    there is a fifth."


    http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2891576/Woman-bishop-exposed-hit-run-driver-fatal-crash-chased-confronted-65-year-old-bicyclist-came-forward-police.html

    EXCLUSIVE: Woman bishop exposed as hit-and-run driver in fatal crash was chased down and confronted by a 65-year-old bicyclist BEFORE she came forward to police

    • Bishop Heather Elizabeth Cook smashed into custom bicycle maker Tom Palermo, 41, on Saturday afternoon in Baltimore causing his death
    • The Episcopal Bishop of Maryland left the scene and returned 20 minutes later 
    • Bicyclist Moncure Lyon, who was among the first on the scene of the accident, followed her to her home 
    • He told DailyMail.com she only gave a statement to the Baltimore police after he followed her 
    • Maryland records show Cook was arrested in 2010 after reportedly blowing 3X the legal driving limit
    • She was so drunk she had thrown up on herself and was driving on the road shoulder with a shredded tire 
    • Palermo, whose Facebook page proudly displays his custom bikes, was rushed to a nearby hospital before succumbing to his injuries

    By MARTIN GOULD IN BALTIMORE, MARYLAND FOR MAILONLINE
    PUBLISHED: 14:59 EST, 30 December 2014 | UPDATED: 15:12 EST, 30 December 2014
    The woman bishop who killed a cyclist in a hit-and-run was chased down by a 65-year-old man on his bicycle after she fled the scene of the accident, DailyMail.com has learned.

    Heather Elizabeth Cook, 58, has been suspended by the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland, where she is the second highest-ranked member of the clergy, while the hit-and-run is investigated.

    The bishop left bike-maker Tom Palermo to die by the side of the road after she struck him on Saturday. She later returned to the scene in what Bishop Eugene Taylor Sutton - the diocese's most senior leader-  described as 'taking responsibility for her actions'.
     Scroll down for video
    Shame: Bishop Heather Cook, 58, has been suspended by the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland, where she is the second highest-ranked member of the clergy, while the hit-and-run is investigated
    +6
    Shame: Bishop Heather Cook, 58, has been suspended by the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland, where she is the second highest-ranked member of the clergy, while the hit-and-run is investigated
    Too young: The victim was Tom Palermo, 41 - a Baltimore bicycle enthusiast who custom-made bike frames as part of his one-man business
    +6
    Too young: The victim was Tom Palermo, 41 - a Baltimore bicycle enthusiast who custom-made bike frames as part of his one-man business
    But cyclist Moncure Lyon, who was among the first on the scene of the accident told DailyMail.com that it was only after he followed her to her home in a gated community that she gave a statement to the Baltimore police.
    The development came as it was revealed that when Bishop Heather Elizabeth Cook was arrested for DWI four years ago she was so drunk she had thrown up on herself and was driving on the road shoulder with a shredded tire.
    Lyon said he saw a green Subaru station wagon driving slowly by the scene as Palermo was being taken to the hospital. 'I could see its front windscreen was caved in and spidered.'
    Lyon, who two years ago received a broken collarbone, two separated shoulders and torn rotator cuffs in a hit-and-run just yards from Saturday's accident, hopped on his bike and followed the damaged car as Cook left the scene on Baltimore's Roland Avenue.
    'I was determined not to let her get away because the man who hit me was never found,' Lyon said.


    Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2891576/Woman-bishop-exposed-hit-run-driver-fatal-crash-chased-confronted-65-year-old-bicyclist-came-forward-police.html#ixzz3NnvUA2KI
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    Garden Seeds Arrived Yesterday - Is Anything More Remarkable?

    January 4, 2015, 2:32 am
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    The mammoth striped seeds of the sunflower
    create geometric patterns in the giant disk they form at maturity,
    God's own Spirograph.

    The rain was coming down in a slow, cold drizzle yesterday - and the first batch of seed arrived. The fragrance of sunflower came through the package. One variety is supposed to grow to 15 feet, and I will have some special compost filled holes just for them. Overall, the sunflowers will be a screen against the back fence, but they also happen to be a favorite of ours and our neighbor to the right - Mrs. Wright.





    Nothing is quite like a seed, because each one is alive and ready to grow with the help of a little moisture. A true bulb is actually a flower with its own energy bar tucked around it. But a seed is far less developed - a baby with just enough food to start on its own in the battlefield of the garden, where birds and mice attack, molds help or hurt, and the early rain may fail.

    My first lesson in gardening was learning to provide steady moisture after planting. Germination is not enough. The plants need to become established. Planting in Jackson Mulch is the best way to allow a reserve of moisture nearby, protection against water and wind erosion, and a supply of nutrition for the soil. All the seed and plants will go in mulched beds, except for new roses in the lawn, where mulch will be applied around the newly planted bare root roses.

    By Norma Boeckler

    Some of you will get out your 10 horsepower rototiller this spring and osterize your soil until it looks like rye flour. Meanwhile, I will just move aside a line of Jackson Mulch (shredded wood on newspapers) and plant in soft soil teeming with creatures. The soil creatures are eager to deliver food and moisture to plant roots, the champion (fungus) delivering the most for carbon credits from the roots.

    Watering extra for the new seedlings will assure them a great start, and strength against early attacks by insects and disease. Watering also keeps the mulch rot going, since the decomposition of mulch has the effect as building a compost pile. Why not do both?



    Stretch your arms out and make a circle, like you are measuring a bishop's tummy. That is how large the mammoth sunflower disk will be at maturity. The same musky sweetness of the seed will be powerful in the plant and flower. No wonder it drives squirrels and bees mad with hunger.

    The variation in cells from the seed to the full grown plant is nothing less than astonishing. They specialize in root formation, stems, leaves, flowers, and seed. I doubt whether many gardeners are atheists, because too many things develop from that tiny seed to think man is the measure of all things.


    Multiply this factory by the millions - at work in your yard.


    The Word - Living Seed



    The Word - Living Seed
    The clergy and the denominational leaders - even some laity - are the gardener who received this shipment from the Burpee Seed Company:

    • Garden Planning Software - customize for your property
    • 10 bags of NPK fertlizer 
    • Peat pots - for seedlings - dissolves into the soil
    • Collapsing garden hose - 100 feet
    • 1 three-toothed hoe
    • Books - You Are Already a Great Gardener and Every Day Is Saturday
    • 5 cans of insecticide
    • 1 bag of fungicide
    • 6 bags of herbicide


    And one very large invoice.

    Didn't you order any seed? To plant?

    "I am going to do that some day, but I need to get ready, to make sure my gardening efforts are a big success. They have studied successful gardeners at the Fooler Institute of Gardening - all them have these tools at the very least."

    And they do not plant the seed, broadcast the seed, or even think about the seed as the Living Word.

    Some sunflower seeds get eaten by birds, squirrels, and rodents. Some seed will be killed off by soil diseases. We do not know which ones will succumb to these threats. No seed is marked. But we buy seed to plant it since one seed can produce a plant 15 feet tall with hundreds of new seeds ready to eat and to plant.



    Jesus knows something about gardening and the Gospel, since He is the Creating Word revealed in Genesis 1 and John 1. The Gospel Word is even more marvelous than that living seed, because it works through the power of the Holy Spirit to carry out God's will.

    The Word is not marked any more than gardening seed is marked:

    1. This one will be eaten by a squirrel. Forget it.
    2. This one will sit in water too long and rot. Forget it.
    3. This one will start out well but get smothered by weeds. Don't even plant it.
    4. This one will produce hundreds of seeds - be sure to plant it.

    If living seeds are so effective than a little order can turn a yard into flowers, food, and vines, how much more powerful and effective is the Word?

    1. To condemn unbelief.
    2. To convert blinded and hardened hearts.
    3. To comfort the grieving.
    4. To provide grace and forgiveness for believers?


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    From Vernon Knepprath - Lutheran Layman

    January 4, 2015, 2:59 am
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    The Votum -
    was the traditional ending of the Gospel sermon,
    not a coaching session, not a fix-it talk.


    From Vernon Knepprath:
    I think I finally have a more complete understanding of UOJ and its effects.  Your posts helped me considerably with that understanding. I saw the changes going on under my nose.  I knew Lutheran theology (or so I thought) and pushed back as effectively as I could.  But I couldn't for the life of me understand why the changes were being driven with such vehemence.  It was a long process to reach an understanding, but now it seems very clear.



    If everyone is forgiven, then the church can, no, it must be re-defined.  It seems the Lutheran leadership advocating these changes would have us believe that the Christian church is no longer for believers. The church must be changed to fit the desires of everyone, and the desires of unbelievers must clearly trump the desires of believers.   One must allow the worship of self to "hook" the unbelievers.  So the theory goes.  But who is really being "hooked"?  The liturgy no longer matters, because the liturgy was only important; it only had significance for believers.  The liturgy means nothing to unbelievers since they are not beneficiaries of the work of the Holy Spirit.  So toss the liturgy, and hopefully the toss carries it far enough to be sight unseen. 

    This idea that man knows best is pervasive ... but it always has been.  The Lutheran church is repeating the history spelled out so clearly in Scripture that it chooses to ignore. Rejection of Truth is ALWAYS a matter of choice. This is the nature of sin, and the evil that comes with it. 


    When we say the Apostles Creed, we are joining with the saints of all ages
    in confessing the truth of the Scriptures.
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    The Second Sunday after Christmas, 2015.

    January 4, 2015, 7:16 am
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    The Second Sunday after Christmas, 2015

    Pastor Gregory L. Jackson

    http://www.ustream.tv/channel/bethany-lutheran-worship

    Bethany Lutheran Church, 10 AM Central Time


    The Hymn # 131           The Star Proclaims                4:89
    The Confession of Sins
    The Absolution
    The Introit p. 16
    The Gloria Patri
    The Kyrie p. 17
    The Gloria in Excelsis
    The Salutation and Collect p. 19
    The Epistle and Gradual       
    The Gospel              
    Glory be to Thee, O Lord!
    Praise be to Thee, O Christ!
    The Nicene Creed p. 22
    The Sermon Hymn # 305:1-5                   Soul Adorn Thyself                4:23

     Planned from Eternity for Us

    The Hymn #305:6-9               Soul Adorn Thyself             
    The Preface p. 24
    The Sanctus p. 26
    The Lord's Prayer p. 27
    The Words of Institution
    The Agnus Dei p. 28
    The Nunc Dimittis p. 29
    The Benediction p. 31
    The Hymn #657            Beautiful Savior                                       4:24      

    Ephesians 1:3-16
    King James Version (KJV)
    3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:
    4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:
    5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,
    6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.
    7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;
    8 Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;
    9 Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:
    10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:
    11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:
    12 That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.
    13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
    14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.
    15 Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints,
    16 Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;

     

    Matthew 2:13-23 (King James Version)

    13 And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.
    14 When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt:
    15 And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.
    16 Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men. Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet, saying,
    18 In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.
    19 But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt,
    20 Saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young child's life.
    21 And he arose, and took the young child and his mother, and came into the land of Israel.
    22 But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee:
    23 And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene.


    SUNDAY AFTER NEW YEAR

    O Lord God, heavenly Father, who didst suffer Thy dear Son, Jesus Christ, to become a stranger and a sojourner in Egypt for our sakes, and didst lead Him safely home to His fatherland: Mercifully grant that we poor sinners, who are strangers and sojourners in this perilous world, may soon be called home to our true fatherland, the kingdom of heaven, where we shall live in eternal joy and glory; through the merits of Thy Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, one true God, world without end. Amen.



    Revealed in History


    We can take one thing for granted in the Christian Faith - all this happened in history and through history. That sounds obvious, but it is a dramatic contrast to the rest of world religion.

    Judaism is the exception, because Judaism is the first stage of Christianity. From the Promise of the Savior in Genesis 3:15, the Old Testament is full of promises and blessings based upon Jesus as the Son of God, Messiah, and Savior.

    God determined to surround His message of His Son in historical facts. The rest of the world teaches something that must be believed in spite of the facts. For instance, magical numbers play a role, or the influence of where doorways are placed. If a a lot of nonsense is added together, it is a world religion that takes years to study.

    People need money in the world to come, they say, so money is burned to provide it. No one wants to burn real money, so they burn play money. The person who hesitates is seen as breaking with tradition and the family.

    The significant matters of the Christian Faith are revealed by the Holy Spirit and not proven with facts, but all these things take place in history.

    The center is the birth of Christ in the Roman Empire. Before that, all the details were recorded in the Old Testament prophets and Psalms, studied and learned for centuries.

    King David was a model for the Messiah, but the central message was lodged in Isaiah 53, so important that many Jewish people become believers because they see that Jesus is prophesied in those few verses.



    The Star of Bethlehem.
    The Star is so remarkable because the phenomenon in the sky fills people with wonder or with scorn. I grew up with people openly doubting such a thing existed, because it was an event that could be studied and rejected.

    Kepler wrote about it, but he was dismissed as a "mystic," a term used in Germany for anyone who believed anything. Mystics have no credibility.

    But modern man created machines for tracing back the movements of the stars and planets, using ancient observations as well. When they did, the Star emerged again.

    I favor the conjunction of planets as the Star, but there are other candidates as well. For believers, the Star of Bethlehem makes them say, "Of course." And how wonderful it is that the celestial marvel brought Wise Men to Jesus, so they could take the Gospel message back to their pagan land.

    The Star also brought terror to Herod, as God's judgment will to those who oppose Him. 

    Joseph and Mary had trust in God, believing in His guidance in the midst of hostility and violence. They traveled where God led them, just as the Apostles did later.

    Each person had a role to play, and with that role came hardship and self-denial. 

    Purpose of the Gospel
    When we sing the hymns of Gerhardt, or those that emulate him, there is a clear message of God's love wrapped in the midst of difficulties and doubts.

    The hymns assume doubts or questions. God's own Son took on our flesh to bring His message to us. How surely God must love us. He cannot despise our humanity, because He took on our human nature.

    In his hymns are a combination of the Nativity and the Atonement.


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